If you are on the hunt for a vibrant and delightful treat that will instantly brighten up any occasion, then the Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together a soft, tender crumb tinted in luscious red hues and are topped with a sweet, creamy pink frosting. Perfectly festive and endlessly charming, this recipe is not just about looks—each bite bursts with rich vanilla flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. Whether you’re planning a party, celebrating a special moment, or simply craving something fun and delicious, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect batch of Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the cookie’s delightful texture, rich flavor, and that irresistible color pop that makes them stand out.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for the cookies to hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds the sweet foundation that balances perfectly with the buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and a creamy texture, essential for that soft bite you crave.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup red food coloring: The star of the show, delivering those vibrant, eye-catching red tones that make these cookies festive.
- 1/2 cup pink frosting: The sweet finishing touch that complements the cookie with creamy, gentle pink sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to keep the dough soft and easy to handle.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture by helping the cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Beginning with a hot oven sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step introduces air into the dough, ensuring your cookies will have that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Mix in the eggs one by one, incorporating each fully before adding the next. This careful blending helps the dough maintain the right consistency and keeps everything beautifully smooth.
Step 4: Blend in Vanilla and Red Food Coloring
Pour in the vanilla extract and the red food coloring, stirring well to achieve an even, vibrant red color through the batter. This is where the magic starts coming to life.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your raising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed for uniform flavor and texture.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. This technique keeps the dough tender and prevents it from becoming too dense or dry.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to give the cookies room to expand without merging.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cookies should be set yet soft to the touch, promising that perfect chewy bite.
Step 9: Cool and Frost
Allow the cookies to cool completely before generously frosting with the pink frosting. This gentle contrast in colors and flavors makes the Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe an absolute visual and delicious treat.
How to Serve Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle edible glitter or tiny white nonpareils over the pink frosting. These little details add sparkle and whimsy that elevate your cookies to party-perfect status.
Side Dishes
These colorful cookies pair beautifully with a classic glass of cold milk or a warm cup of vanilla or berry-flavored tea. The creamy drinks complement the sweetness while letting the vibrant colors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a bright cake stand or scatter rose petals around the serving platter for an enchanting presentation. You can also stack them, tie with a ribbon, and gift as a thoughtful homemade treat that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
You can also freeze the cookies before frosting them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Frost after thawing for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will soften the frosting and enhance that fresh-baked experience. Just be careful not to overheat, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring works great for this recipe and often gives even more vibrant hues without thinning the dough.
Is there a way to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk in place of regular milk to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?
Definitely. Store-bought pink frosting works perfectly and saves time while still tasting delicious when spread generously over the cooled cookies.
What’s the best way to achieve uniform cookie sizes?
Using a small cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly, giving you consistent color and texture throughout the batch.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and tasty for about 5 to 7 days, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe enough if you want a fun, eye-catching, and utterly scrumptious treat. These cookies not only deliver the sweetest satisfaction but also add a burst of color and joy to your baking adventures. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy baking these beauties that never fail to bring smiles!
Print
Red and Pink Food Coloring Cookies with Pink Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these vibrant Red & Pink Cookies, perfect for adding a pop of color to any dessert table. Soft, tender, and baked to perfection with a delightful pink frosting topping, these cookies combine a classic vanilla flavor with a fun red food coloring twist, making them irresistible treats for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to indulge in a sweet, colorful delight.
Ingredients
Cookie Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Frosting
- 1/2 cup pink frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended.
- Mix vanilla and red coloring: Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring to infuse the batter with flavor and vibrant color.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly distributing the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Shape cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked but still moist.
- Cool and frost: Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before spreading the pink frosting evenly over the top for a delicious and colorful finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted depending on desired intensity of color.
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
- For a festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting.
