Pastel Crinkle Cookies (Printable Version)
Soft, chewy pastel cookies with crackled powdered sugar coating. Ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - ¼ cup whole milk
→ For Coloring
09 - Pink, yellow, green, and blue gel food coloring
→ For Rolling
10 - ¾ cup powdered sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well.
05 - Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
06 - Divide the dough evenly into 3 or 4 bowls, depending on desired number of colors. Tint each portion with a few drops of gel food coloring, mixing gently to achieve pastel shades.
07 - Chill dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in powdered sugar until well coated, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are crackled but still soft in the center.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies strike that perfect balance between crispy edges and pillow soft centers that makes you reach for just one more
- The pastel colors make everything feel like a celebration, even a random Tuesday afternoon
02 -
- Chilling the dough is absolutely crucial if it feels sticky or the colors will blend together when you roll them
- The powdered sugar coating needs to be generous because those cracks are what make these cookies so stunning
03 -
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size for even baking
- Under bake by 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer an extra soft and gooey center