Pastel Crinkle Cookies (Print Version)

Soft, chewy pastel cookies with crackled sugar coating. Perfect for spring.

# What You Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - ¼ cup whole milk

→ For Coloring

09 - Pink, yellow, green, and blue gel food coloring

→ For Rolling

10 - ¾ cup powdered sugar

# Directions:

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 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
05 - Add flour mixture to wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide dough evenly into 3 or 4 bowls. Tint each portion with gel food coloring, mixing gently to achieve pastel shades.
07 - Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll in powdered sugar until well coated and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are crackled but still soft in the center.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They look like you spent hours decorating them, but the crackled effect happens all on its own in the oven
  • The texture is absolutely perfect, soft and chewy with that delightful powdered sugar crunch on the outside
  • You can customize the colors for any occasion, from baby showers to Easter to spring birthdays
02 -
  • The powdered sugar coating is absolutely essential, it's what creates those gorgeous crackles as the cookie spreads and the sugar melts
  • Don't skip the chilling step if your dough feels sticky or warm, it helps the cookies hold their shape better
  • These look best slightly underbaked, so pull them out when the edges are firm but the centers still look soft and puffy
03 -
  • Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform sized balls that bake evenly and look bakery beautiful
  • Wash your hands and tools between colors to keep your pastels pure and vibrant
  • The powdered sugar coating should be thick and even, like a little snow coat, for the best crackling effect

Go Back