Springtime Crinkle Cookies (Printable version)
Soft pastel cookies with a crackled powdered sugar coating, perfect for spring celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ For Color & Rolling
08 - Gel food coloring (pastel pink, yellow, green, or blue)
09 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
06 - Divide the dough evenly into 3 or 4 bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring, mixing gently until uniform.
07 - Refrigerate the colored doughs for 20 minutes to make handling easier.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
09 - Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the center.
11 - Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- That magical moment when powdered sugar creates dramatic cracks over vibrant colors
- The dough stays soft and chewy for days, if they last that long
02 -
- Chilling the dough is nonnegotiable for clean rolling and preventing spreading
- Thicker powdered sugar coating creates more dramatic crackling patterns
03 -
- Gel coloring produces more vibrant colors than liquid without thinning the dough
- A cookie scoop ensures uniform sizing for even baking