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This pink lemonade cookies recipe brings a bright and cheerful twist to a classic treat, perfect for adding a pop of color and citrus flavor to any gathering. Its balance of tangy lemon and sweet powdered drink mix creates a unique cookie that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
I first tested these cookies when I wanted a pretty, summery dessert idea for a small get-together, and they were a total hit – now I make them anytime friends are coming over to brighten the day.
Gather Your Ingredients
- One cup unsalted butter: softened to room temperature for the perfect creamy base that helps everything blend smoothly
- One cup granulated sugar: to add sweetness and structure
- One cup powdered sugar: for a slight melt-in-the-mouth texture
- One large egg: that binds all the ingredients and adds richness
- Two tablespoons fresh lemon juice: for authentic citrus flavor, always choose fresh over bottled if you can
- One teaspoon lemon zest: to boost the lemon aroma and add little bursts of flavor
- Two cups all-purpose flour: provides the structure and chewiness
- One teaspoon baking powder: to help the cookies rise just right
- Half teaspoon baking soda: for slight leavening and tender crumb
- Quarter teaspoon salt: to balance sweetness and enhance flavors
- Half cup pink lemonade powdered drink mix: brings the signature pink color and tang
- Quarter cup white chocolate chips: optional for added sweetness and texture, select good quality chips for better melt and taste
- Additional powdered sugar: for dusting at the end to give a pretty soft finish
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit making sure the rack is centered for even heat distribution. Line two baking sheets completely with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes quite light in color and fluffy this process usually takes about three to four minutes and creates the perfect texture for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Citrus:
- Crack in the large egg then measure and add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined making sure the lemon zest is well distributed for bursts of citrus in every bite.
My favorite ingredient is the pink lemonade mix it not only provides sweetness but a bright pink hue that never fails to surprise guests. I remember once serving them at a summer picnic and all the kids loved how fun and different they looked next to traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Flavor Boosters
Seasonal Adaptations for a winter twist add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the dough for a cozy flavor. In the summer add a few fresh raspberries or strawberry pieces folded into the batter to complement the lemonade flavor with fresh fruit notes.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are beautiful with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Serve alongside a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer afternoon snack. They also go great with a light cup of tea or coffee any time of day.
Creative Twists
One friend told me she doubled the recipe and added pink sprinkles on top after dusting with powdered sugar and said it made the perfect birthday cookie for her daughter’s party. Another person used the dough to make mini tarts topped with curd for a delightful citrus dessert.
This recipe balances fun visuals with a classic tangy flavor, perfect for sharing and experimenting seasonally.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips are optional and can be omitted for a pure citrus flavor or substituted with other additions like nuts.
- → What does the pink lemonade drink mix add?
The pink lemonade powdered mix contributes a tangy, fruity flavor and pink hue, enhancing the citrus profile of the cookies.
- → How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough before baking and ensuring accurate measurements of flour and fats help maintain cookie shape during baking.
- → Is it necessary to dust with powdered sugar?
Dusting adds a decorative, sweet finish but can be skipped if preferred.
- → How long should cookies cool before removing from sheets?
Allow cookies to cool about 5 minutes on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breakage.