Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place! These Mexican Pink Cookies are a delicious and easy recipe that is sure to win hearts at every gathering. With their tender crumb and subtle almond flavor, they bring a touch of sweetness that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Plus, they look stunning with their glossy pink glaze—who wouldn’t want to indulge in these beauties?

What makes this cookie recipe even more special is how simple it is to make. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the joy of baking together. Trust me; these cookies will become a favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these cookies.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping with the decorating, making it a fun activity for everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of almond and vanilla creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Mexican Pink Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything you need for this delicious treat!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 4-6 tablespoons milk (or water)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: Sprinkles for decoration

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your cookies by trying out some fun variations:

• Add citrus zest: A hint of lemon or orange zest can brighten up the flavor profile.
• Change the color: Use different food coloring to match any theme or occasion!
• Mix in nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Try different extracts: Swap almond extract for coconut or lemon extract for a unique twist.

How to Make Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 3–5 minutes. Scraping down the sides occasionally ensures everything is mixed evenly. This step is vital because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that wonderful tender texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in both vanilla and almond extracts. Each ingredient plays an important role—the eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture, and the extracts infuse lovely flavors into your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough—this is key to achieving consistent results.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough cookies! We want them soft and crumbly.

Step 5: Add Color

Now comes the fun part! Add red food coloring drop by drop until you achieve your desired shade of pink. Mixing until evenly distributed gives every cookie that eye-catching hue we love.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour (preferably two). Chilling helps solidify the fat in butter, preventing spreading during baking—resulting in beautifully shaped cookies!

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures an even bake as soon as those cookies hit the oven!

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled cookie dough to about ¼ inch thickness. This step allows you to cut out fun shapes with ease!

Step 9: Cut Out Cookies

Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Carefully transfer these shapes onto prepared baking sheets with about an inch between each cookie.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry cookies!

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove baking sheets from the oven and let cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling period makes them easier to handle without breaking apart.

Step 12: Prepare Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk (or water), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. You want it thick enough to coat but not too runny—start with four tablespoons of milk and adjust as needed.

Step 13: Glaze Those Cookies

Once cooled completely, dip or spread glaze over each cookie’s top using a knife or spatula. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle them immediately with colorful decorations!

Step 14: Let it Set

Allow glazed cookies to set completely before serving or storing them—this usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour.

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Mexican Pink Cookies—perfectly delicious and oh-so-easy! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family; they’ll surely love every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Making these delightful cookies can be even more enjoyable with a few simple tips to ensure success. Here are some handy suggestions:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth and well-blended dough, which leads to a tender cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This technique prevents you from adding too much flour, which can result in dry cookies.

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, pulling them out when the edges are lightly golden. This will help keep them soft and chewy.

• Experiment with colors: Don’t hesitate to play around with the food coloring! Mixing different shades can give you a fun variety of pink hues for special occasions or just for fun.

How to Serve Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

These charming Mexican pink cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Presenting them beautifully will enhance their appeal!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add a festive touch by sprinkling colorful nonpareils or edible glitter on top of the glazed cookies right after glazing.
• Edible flowers: For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing with edible flowers like pansies or violets that complement the pink color.
• Cocoa powder dusting: Lightly dusting the tops of the cookies with cocoa powder adds a rich contrast and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies, creating a light and vibrant side that everyone will love.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast of textures—warm, soft cookie meets cool, creamy ice cream!
• Chocolate milk: Pairing these cookies with a glass of chocolate milk makes for a nostalgic treat that kids (and adults!) will adore.
• Herbal tea: Offer a warm cup of chamomile or mint tea alongside these sweet delights for a cozy experience; it perfectly complements their flavors while providing a soothing touch.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Mexican pink cookies are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mexican Pink Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or just satisfying your sweet tooth throughout the week. With proper storage, you can enjoy these delightful treats over several days or even weeks!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer-lasting freshness, consider layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful treats, you’re in the right place!

What do Mexican Pink Cookies taste like?

Mexican Pink Cookies have a tender crumb with a subtle almond flavor and are topped with a sweet, glossy glaze. They’re deliciously unique and perfect for any occasion!

How do I make Mexican Pink Cookies more colorful?

To achieve vibrant pink cookies, add red food coloring gradually while mixing. This allows you to control the shade according to your preference.

Can I use different flavors instead of almond in my Mexican Pink Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond extract with other flavors like lemon or orange for a different twist on these classic cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Mexican Pink Cookies brings joy to your kitchen and fills your home with sweet aromas! These lovely cookies are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that everyone will adore. Enjoy every moment of the baking process, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!