Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings a splash of color and joy to any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! These Mexican Pink Cookies are not only beautiful but also delicious, with their tender crumb and subtle almond flavor. Whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I love making these cookies because they remind me of warm family moments and joyful celebrations.

This Mexican Pink Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll be rewarded with colorful cookies that not only taste wonderful but also look fantastic on any dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to rolling dough and decorating cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday get-together, these cookies are always a welcome treat.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Customizable Decoration: Top them off with sprinkles or leave them plain—either way, they’re sure to delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients! You might already have most of these in your pantry. These components come together beautifully to create the delightful flavor and texture of our pink cookies.

• 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 baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to switch things up with these fun variations:

• Add Citrus Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, add some lemon or orange zest into the dough.
• Try Different Extracts: Swap out almond extract for coconut or peppermint extract for unique flavor twists.
• Colorful Glazes: Use different colors of food dye in your glaze for a rainbow effect!
• Stuffed Cookies: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely tender crumb!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Each ingredient adds its own depth of flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so your cookies rise perfectly!

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookies soft and tender!

Step 5: Add Color

Now comes the fun part! Add red food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired shade of pink. Mix until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill Out

Wrap your cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour—preferably two hours. Chilling helps solidify the fat in the dough which prevents spreading while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

As you’re nearing baking time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this will help prevent sticking.

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled cookie dough to about ¼ inch thickness. This makes it easier to cut out shapes!

Step 9: Cut Out Shapes

Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes from rolled-out dough. It’s great fun for everyone involved!

Step 10: Transfer Cookies

Carefully move your cut-out cookies onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 11: Bake

Bake those beauties for about 8–10 minutes until their edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different!

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up without breaking apart.

Step 13: Make the Glaze

In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or water), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Adjust milk if needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 14: Glaze Those Cookies

Once cooled completely, dip each cookie into the glaze or spread it evenly over top using a knife.

Step 15: Add Sprinkles

If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle those glazed cookies with colorful sprinkles right away before the glaze sets.

Step 16: Let It Set

Allow your glazed cookies to sit so that they can set completely—this usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour before serving or storing.

Enjoy creating memories while savoring these delightful Mexican Pink Cookies! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home too!

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

Making these delightful cookies can be a rewarding experience, and a few handy tips will ensure they turn out just right!

• Use cold butter: Starting with softened butter is key, but if your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the butter slightly. This helps achieve a tender texture without spreading too much during baking.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least an hour (preferably two) helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven, resulting in that perfect soft crumb.

• Don’t overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft, tender treat we all love.

• Experiment with colors: Feel free to play around with different shades of pink by adjusting the amount of food coloring. You can even create a gradient effect for an impressive presentation!

• Let glaze set completely: Patience is key when it comes to glazing your cookies. Allowing the glaze to set fully will ensure it doesn’t smudge, making your cookies look professionally done!

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

Presentation can make your delicious cookies even more appealing! Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A colorful sprinkle mix adds visual appeal and a fun texture to your glazed cookies.
• Edible flowers: Consider garnishing with edible flowers for a sophisticated touch that elevates your cookie platter.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.
• Chilled almond milk: The subtle flavors of almond milk complement the almond extract in the cookies, making for a delightful pairing.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the cookie experience, allowing you to savor each bite while enjoying a cozy drink.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh berries offers a creamy contrast to the sweet, delicate cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade Mexican Pink Cookies. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mexican Pink Cookies are not only a delight to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• If you live in a humid area, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Allow the baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, you can microwave them briefly (10-15 seconds) or pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Mexican Pink Cookies:

Can I use different colors of food coloring for Mexican Pink Cookies?

Absolutely! While traditional Mexican Pink Cookies are known for their lovely pink hue, feel free to experiment with other colors to match your occasion or personal preference.

How can I make my Mexican Pink Cookies even more delicious?

You can add extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles into the dough before baking. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies!

Are Mexican Pink Cookies suitable for special occasions?

Yes! Mexican Pink Cookies are perfect for holidays and celebrations. Their bright color and delightful taste make them an eye-catching treat that everyone will love.

How long does it take to make Mexican Pink Cookies?

From start to finish, including chilling time, this recipe takes approximately 100 minutes. However, the hands-on prep time is just around 30 minutes!

Can I make these cookies vegan?

While this specific recipe uses eggs and butter, you can adapt it by using egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal or applesauce and replacing butter with plant-based margarine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Mexican Pink Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just tasty treats; they’re also a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or simply a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies will surely bring joy. Happy baking!