Mexican Pink Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, then you’re going to absolutely fall in love with Mexican Pink Cookies. These charming little delights boast a tender, buttery crumb kissed with a hint of vanilla and a cheerful rosy color that brightens any cookie platter. The subtle sweetness combined with their crisp sugar topping makes every bite feel like a warm hug from a cherished tradition. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or simply a fun weekend snack, Mexican Pink Cookies bring joy and a splash of color to your kitchen in the most irresistibly sweet way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for Mexican Pink Cookies is wonderfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy softness of butter to the bright pop of pink food coloring, every component works in harmony to create these classic, eye-catching cookies.
- Butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): This is the base for that tender and melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adds smooth sweetness and helps keep the cookie crumb delicate.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure that holds these cookies perfectly together.
- Pink or red food coloring: Gives Mexican Pink Cookies their signature, festive hue.
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Sprinkled on top after baking to add a sweet crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Mexican Pink Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 13 x 9 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, giving you a perfect release and an easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is key to developing that luxuriously soft texture Mexican Pink Cookies are known for, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Flavor and Color
Next, stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and your choice of pink or red food coloring. Mix everything well so the color is evenly distributed, creating that beautiful rosy tone throughout the dough that makes these cookies so special.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Add in the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so take a gentle approach here to keep the soft, crumbly texture intact.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a dough scoop, portion out two tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each between your hands for a smooth finish and place them three inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing helps them bake evenly without spreading into each other.
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
Press each dough ball down to about half an inch thick using the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. Slide them into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. They’ll come out tender but hold their shape beautifully.
Step 7: Sugar Sprinkle and Cool
As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle the tops generously with granulated sugar. This little finishing touch adds a delightful crunch and a sparkling finish that looks as wonderful as it tastes. Let them cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Mexican Pink Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are naturally charming, but if you want to elevate their presentation, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Edible gold flakes or sprinkles can add a festive sparkle for special occasions, making your Mexican Pink Cookies a dazzling centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Mexican Pink Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a smooth glass of milk. For a more festive touch, serve them alongside spiced hot chocolate or a vibrant fruit punch. Their light, buttery flavor is a wonderful balance to warm or fruity beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking Mexican Pink Cookies tied with a pastel ribbon for gift-giving, or arrange them in a circle topped with whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful cookie wreath. They also look stunning nestled in a clear jar with layers of colorful candies for a party favor everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Mexican Pink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully soft for up to a week, making them perfect to bake ahead for a gathering or to enjoy a leisurely sweet treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save Mexican Pink Cookies for longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They store well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will slightly soften them and reactivate that fresh-baked aroma, almost like taking a cozy trip back to baking day.
FAQs
Can I use a different color instead of pink?
Absolutely! While pink is traditional and charming, you can get creative with red, purple, or even a swirl of colors. Just keep in mind that food coloring may affect the flavor intensity slightly, but these cookies handle it well.
Are Mexican Pink Cookies gluten-free?
These cookies as written use all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to create a similar texture, but some adjustments might be needed.
What’s the best way to soften butter for this recipe?
Let your butter sit out at room temperature for about an hour before baking. It should be soft enough to press gently with your finger but not melting. This makes creaming it with sugar easier and ensures a smooth dough.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure your powdered sugar does not contain bone char. Vanilla extract and other ingredients are usually vegan-friendly, so minimal tweaking is needed.
Why is the granulated sugar sprinkled after baking?
Sprinkling granulated sugar immediately after baking gives Mexican Pink Cookies a lovely crackly, sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender inside. It also adds a bit of sparkle, enhancing their festive appeal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Mexican Pink Cookies a try because their charming look and irresistible flavor make them a wonderful treat for any occasion. Baking them fills your kitchen with such a warm, inviting aroma and sharing them brings smiles to the faces of everyone lucky enough to taste them. They’re more than just cookies—they’re little moments of joy wrapped in pink. Happy baking!
Print
Mexican Pink Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mexican Pink Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a delicate pink hue, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet snack. These cookies combine a smooth buttery base with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla, finished with a sprinkle of granulated sugar for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pink or red food coloring (adjust to desired shade)
Finishing
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9 inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Color: Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and pink or red food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the buttery mixture, stirring just until combined to form the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a dough scoop or tablespoon, portion out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet; you should get about 8 cookies per sheet.
- Flatten Dough: Using the bottom of a glass or your palm, gently flatten each dough ball to about a ½ inch thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft.
- Sugar Sprinkle: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the warm cookies with granulated sugar to add a sweet crunch.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a deeper pink color, gradually add more food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen before baking; arrange balls on a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
Keywords: Mexican Pink Cookies, Pink Sugar Cookies, Butter Cookies, Festive Cookies, Vanilla Cookies
