Springtime Crinkle Cookies (Printable)

Soft pastel cookies with crinkled tops, ideal for spring gatherings with fresh lemon zest.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup whole milk
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For Rolling

11 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
13 - Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract, milk, and lemon zest; mix until smooth.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
06 - Divide dough evenly into 3-4 bowls. Tint each portion with different pastel food coloring until desired shade is reached.
07 - Refrigerate colored doughs for 20 minutes to make handling easier.
08 - Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, then roll first in granulated sugar and generously in powdered sugar.
09 - Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are cracked on top and just set at the edges.
11 - Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These cookies capture everything playful about spring in one bite
  • The crinkle tops make them look bakery fancy without any fancy technique
  • You can customize the colors for any occasion or holiday
02 -
  • The dough must be chilled before rolling or the cookies will spread too much and lose their shape
  • Roll in granulated sugar first, it acts as glue for the powdered sugar to stick properly
  • Underbake slightly for the softest texture, they continue cooking on the hot baking sheet
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking
  • Room temperature ingredients are essential for proper creaming and texture

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