Pink Lemonade Cookies: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Treats

Pink Lemonade Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies that bring a burst of summer flavor to any occasion. These vibrant treats not only look appealing with their cheerful pink hue, but they also offer a refreshing taste that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Originating from the classic pink lemonade drink, these cookies have become a favorite for many, especially during warm weather gatherings and celebrations. I love how the zesty lemon flavor combined with a hint of raspberry creates a unique taste experience that is both nostalgic and exciting.

People adore Pink Lemonade Cookies for their soft, chewy texture and the way they brighten up any dessert table. They are incredibly easy to make, making them a convenient choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that captures the essence of summer in every bite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1/4 cup pink food coloring (adjust for desired color)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for icing)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing, as needed)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delightful Pink Lemonade Cookies! First, we need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. I usually use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Now, it’s time to add the pink lemonade concentrate and pink food coloring. Start with a few drops of food coloring and mix until you reach your desired shade of pink. I usually go for a vibrant pink, but you can adjust it to your liking!
6. Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Shaping the Cookies

After the dough has chilled, it’s time to shape our cookies!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, place the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for rolling the cookies.
3. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. I like to make them about 1 inch in diameter for a nice bite-sized cookie.
4. Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a lovely sweet crust.
5. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little while baking.

Baking the Cookies

Now, let’s bake these beauties!

1. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
2. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
3. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Making the Icing

While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up a delicious lemon icing to drizzle on top!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my icing to be pourable but still thick enough to hold its shape.
2. If you want to

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Pink Lemonade Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to their dessert table. The delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet pink frosting creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon at home. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these cookies with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to enhance that citrusy vibe. You can also get creative with variations—try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the dough for an extra zing, or swap out the pink frosting for a lemon glaze if you prefer a lighter touch. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delightful Pink Lemonade Cookies. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a picture of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the love for these cookies together! Happy baking! Print
   

   Pink Lemonade Cookies: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Treats

   ---

   • Author: lily
   • Total Time: 40-42 minutes
   • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

   Pin Recipe

   Print Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these Pink Lemonade Cookies. Soft and chewy, they are beautifully colored and perfect for any occasion, topped with a light lemon icing for an extra burst of flavor.

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
   • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/4 cup pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
   • 1/4 cup pink food coloring (adjust for desired color)
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
   • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
   • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for icing)
   • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing, as needed)

   ---

   Instructions

   ### Recipe Description:
   Indulge in the delightful sweetness of these Pink Lemonade Cookies! With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant pink hue, they are the perfect treat for any celebration or simply to brighten your day. The refreshing lemon flavor combined with a hint of sweetness makes these cookies a delightful addition to your dessert table.

   ### Full Ingredients:
   – **1 cup unsalted butter**, softened
   – **1 cup granulated sugar**
   – **1/2 cup powdered sugar**
   – **1 large egg**
   – **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
   – **1 teaspoon lemon extract**
   – **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
   – **1 teaspoon baking soda**
   – **1/2 teaspoon salt**
   – **1/4 cup pink lemonade concentrate**, thawed
   – **1/4 cup pink food coloring** (adjust for desired color)
   – **1/2 cup granulated sugar** (for rolling cookies)
   – **1 cup powdered sugar** (for icing)
   – **2 tablespoons lemon juice** (for icing)
   – **1-2 tablespoons milk** (for icing, as needed)

   ### Full Instructions:
   1. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   2. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   3. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   4. **Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
   5. **Incorporate Lemonade and Color**: Stir in the pink lemonade concentrate and pink food coloring, mixing until you achieve your desired shade of pink.
   6. **Chill the Dough**: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
   7. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   8. **Prepare for Rolling**: Place the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling the cookies.
   9. **Shape the Cookies**: Scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
   10. **Arrange on Baking Sheets**: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
   11. **Bake**: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
   12. **Cool the Cookies**: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   13. **Prepare the Icing**: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Add milk as needed to achieve your desired icing consistency.
   14. **Drizzle the Icing**: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag for more control.

   ### Notes:
   – For a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of lemon extract in the dough.
   – These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
   – Don’t hesitate to experiment with different food coloring to create your perfect shade of pink!

   ### Recipe Summary:
   – **Prep Time**: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
   – **Cook Time**: 10-12 minutes
   – **Total Time**: 40-42 minutes (plus chilling time)
   – **Yield**: Approximately 24 cookies

   Enjoy these delightful Pink Lemonade Cookies at your next gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself!

   Notes

   • For a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon extract in the dough.
   • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
   • Feel free to experiment with different food coloring to create your desired shade of pink!

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes