Springtime Crinkle Cookies: A Burst of Pastel Charm

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Springtime Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pastel hues that perfectly capture the essence of the season. These cookies feature a crackled powdered sugar exterior and a tender, cake-like interior. They’re ideal for Easter, baby showers, tea parties, or any spring celebration. With their delicate colors and light texture, they bring a charming, festive touch to your dessert spread.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

flour
granulated sugar
unsalted butter
eggs
vanilla extract
baking powder
salt
powdered sugar (for rolling)
gel or liquid food coloring (pastel shades like pink, yellow, lavender, mint)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.

Divide the dough evenly into separate bowls, one for each color you’d like to use.

Add a small amount of food coloring to each portion and mix until the desired pastel shades are achieved.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls, then roll generously in powdered sugar.

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a crackled appearance.

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Mix in a few white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Use natural food dyes like beet or spinach powder for a plant-based option.
Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store Springtime Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving—no reheating required.

FAQs

What gives crinkle cookies their crackled look?
The powdered sugar coating and the dough’s expansion during baking create the signature crackled effect.

Can I skip the chilling step?
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their texture, so it’s recommended.

Are these cookies overly sweet?
They have a balanced sweetness, with the powdered sugar adding a pleasant finish.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with equal parts vegetable oil in a pinch.

How do I get vibrant pastel colors?
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant pastel shades without thinning the dough.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the soft texture and fun colors.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

Do they work with cookie cutters?
No, this dough is too soft for rolling and cutting—it’s best formed into balls.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well for larger gatherings.

Do they stay soft over time?
Stored properly, they remain soft and chewy for several days.

Conclusion

Springtime Crinkle Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Their soft texture, pastel colors, and powdered sugar finish make them a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether for a spring celebration or a cheerful everyday treat, these cookies bring a touch of charm and sweetness to every bite

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