If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-tart treat that instantly brings sunshine to your dessert table, you’ll fall head over heels for these Pink Lemonade Cookies. With the nostalgic flavor of classic pink lemonade and a perfectly soft, chewy texture, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Bursting with zippy citrus, vibrant pink color, and a hint of nostalgia, they’re the ideal bake for spring brunches, summer picnics, or anytime you want to bring a taste of childhood joy into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these Pink Lemonade Cookies is that the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in achieving just the right lemony zing, soft bite, and signature sparkle. Don’t skip the little extras—they’re what make these cookies truly memorable!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies, keeping them soft instead of cakey or crumbly.
- Baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and helps the cookies spread just enough for that classic cookie look.
- Salt: Enhances the lemon flavors and balances the sweetness for a perfectly-rounded bite.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and is essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens your cookies while helping them brown up just right.
- Powdered pink lemonade drink mix: The magic ingredient that infuses that bright, punchy lemonade flavor and signature pink color!
- Large egg: Binds everything together so each cookie holds its shape and stays moist.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the tartness with a warm, comforting note.
- Lemon juice: Delivers an extra boost of fresh citrus flavor no lemonade cookie should be without.
- Lemon zest: Adds fragrant, concentrated lemon oils for a deeper citrus experience in every bite.
- Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional): Amp up the fun and sparkle, plus an extra pop of sweetness for the eyes and palate!
How to Make Pink Lemonade Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Mix Dry Ingredients
Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven warms up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this ensures your cookies bake up evenly and with just the right texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Pink Lemonade Mix
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered pink lemonade mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is your secret weapon for extra-soft cookies and ensures those lemony flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, Lemon Juice & Zest
Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and add both the lemon juice and zest to your creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is smooth and fully combined, creating the flavor-packed foundation for your Pink Lemonade Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together easily—don’t overmix or you’ll miss out on that dreamy soft texture!
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. For a touch of sparkle and extra fun, roll each cookie ball in pink sanding sugar or sprinkle with your favorite pink sprinkles. Set them on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for a little spreading.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft-looking. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so they finish cooling without overbaking. You’re left with perfectly soft, fluffy, pink treats ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Pink Lemonade Cookies
Garnishes
For a special finish, don’t hesitate to top each cookie with extra pink sanding sugar or pretty pastel sprinkles while they’re fresh and warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance, especially if you’re serving these at a brunch or shower.
Side Dishes
The bright, tangy flavor of Pink Lemonade Cookies pairs beautifully with a tall, cold glass of lemonade (naturally!), iced tea, or a creamy vanilla milkshake. If you’re creating a dessert table, a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of lemon sorbet makes a delightful companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Pink Lemonade Cookies on a cheerful cake stand or tiered tray, perhaps nestled in pastel cupcake liners for a playful touch. For party favors, tuck a few cookies into clear gift bags tied with pink ribbon—a simple way to brighten someone’s day. You can even sandwich a scoop of lemon or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fun twist on ice cream sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; they’re blissfully soft even several days after baking. If your weather is especially warm, a cool pantry spot helps keep them fresh even longer.
Freezing
Pink Lemonade Cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw on the counter before serving.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm, extra-soft cookie, just pop a cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. This gives it that just-baked melt-in-your-mouth texture and makes the lemonade aroma come alive all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular lemonade mix instead of pink?
Yes, you can substitute with regular lemonade drink mix, but keep in mind you’ll miss out on both the pretty pink hue and a bit of that signature “Pink Lemonade Cookies” charm. If you still want the color, a tiny drop of red food coloring will do the trick.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get that fantastic sweet-tart lemonade flavor.
How do I achieve a brighter pink color?
If your pink lemonade mix isn’t vibrant enough, feel free to add a drop or two of red food coloring when mixing the butter and sugar. This little trick gives your Pink Lemonade Cookies that irresistible, bright-as-sunshine look.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking for best results.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Just double all the ingredients and make sure to bake the cookies in batches so they have enough room on the baking sheet. These Pink Lemonade Cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, so you can never have too many!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Pink Lemonade Cookies enough—they’re a burst of nostalgia, sunshine, and joy baked into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just crave something sweet-tart and playful, these cookies will always deliver. Grab your apron, invite a friend or two, and let’s make the world just a little bit brighter, one Pink Lemonade Cookie at a time!
Print
Pink Lemonade Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pink Lemonade Cookies are a delightful treat with a sweet-tart flavor that will remind you of sipping classic pink lemonade on a summer day. Soft and bursting with citrusy goodness, these cookies are perfect for any spring or summer gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered pink lemonade drink mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Additional:
- Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and pink lemonade mix until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until well combined. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, roll in pink sanding sugar or sprinkles. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger pink color, add a drop or two of red food coloring to the dough.
- These cookies have a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of classic pink lemonade—perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
