Mexican Pink Cookies (Pink Polvorones)
Mexican Pink Cookies, famously known as Pink Polvorones, are delightful treats that whisk you away to the vibrant landscapes of Mexico with every bite. These whimsical cookies are characterized by their soft, chewy texture and striking pink hue, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy family gathering. In this recipe, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to achieve these colorful confections that are not only eye-catching but also incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Mexican Pink Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to whip up a batch with confidence. The preparation requires minimal specialized skills, making it an excellent project for family bonding in the kitchen. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that offers a delightful contrast to their crunchy exterior, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. Plus, the addition of soft butter flavor and a touch of nostalgia makes these cookies perfect for moments that call for both fun and sweetness.
Ingredients
To make these cheerful Mexican Pink Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5–6 drops pink food coloring gel
- â…“ cup sparkling decorating sugar
These ingredients work together to create cookies that are not only visually appealing but also deliciously sweet.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple directions for making Mexican Pink Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Add pink food coloring gel and mix until evenly distributed. The dough should take on a lovely pink hue at this point!
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough balls, roll them in sparkling sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press each ball down to about ¼-inch thick.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
- For a more vibrant pink color, feel free to add an extra drop or two of food coloring.
- If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, consider adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
- To ensure your cookies remain soft, avoid overbaking. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- You can also experiment with different colors for various occasions, making these cookies a fun addition to holiday celebrations!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Mexican Pink Cookies make an enchanting addition to any dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of Mexican hot chocolate or a refreshing glass of horchata. For a delightful tea party, serve them alongside classic dainty finger sandwiches and a selection of herbal teas. Additionally, these cookies can stand on their own as a festive treat during Cinco de Mayo, DÃa de Muertos, or any family gathering, bringing a pop of color and a lot of joy.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredient choices, here’s a general breakdown for one cookie (out of approximately 24):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies, while indulgent, can be enjoyed in moderation as a delightful treat.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mexican Pink Cookies
To keep your Mexican Pink Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to one week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing, and they can last for up to three months.
If you want to try variations on this recipe, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or pistachios for some crunch. You could also incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
Conclusion for Mexican Pink Cookies
Incorporating vibrant colors and delightful flavors, Mexican Pink Cookies (Pink Polvorones) should definitely become a staple in your baking repertoire. With their soft texture and sweet buttery taste, these cookies will lighten your mood and bring smiles to the faces of family and friends. Give this recipe a try; it’s an absolute must and is bound to wow anyone who takes a bite!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making cookies a bit more crumbly.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping.
3. What if I don’t have pink food coloring?
You can use any food coloring you have on hand, or leave the cookies uncolored for a more classic look.
4. Can I add flavoring to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other extracts, such as almond or coconut, to give these cookies a unique twist.
5. How can I decorate these cookies?
You can top off your cookies with frostings, sprinkle them with colored sugars, or even dip them in melted chocolate for an extra special treat!
Mexican Pink Cookies (Pink Polvorones)
Delightful Mexican Pink Cookies characterized by their soft, chewy texture and striking pink hue, perfect for any festive occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5–6 drops pink food coloring gel
- â…“ cup sparkling decorating sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Add pink food coloring gel and mix until evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough balls, roll them in sparkling sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press each ball down to about ¼-inch thick.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To keep cookies fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freezing is also an option for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
