I love to bake the Springtime Crinkle Cookies Recipe when the days get bright. I write this recipe so you can make soft, colorful cookies that crack with a pretty powdered sugar top and make people smile.
My sister Jennifer and I first made these for Dad James and Mom Eva, and they ate the whole tray within an hour.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, purple, or any colors of choice)
The Tools That Help
I use simple tools I trust: a mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, parchment paper, and a wire rack. For chewy centers, I also read tips from what makes cookies gooey and I use those ideas when I bake.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extract if you use it.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until just combined.
- Divide the dough into bowls for each color.
- Mix gel food color into each portion until even.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Coat each ball in powdered sugar until well covered.
- Place the balls on the sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they puff and crack.
- Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes.
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
I like to make small changes to lower sugar or fat. Try half the sugar and add a splash of applesauce for moisture. For a savory side, I sometimes serve the cookies with a simple dip idea I found in an aioli recipe post for parties.
Perfect Pairings
I serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, herbal tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They go well with fresh berries or a light lemon curd for a spring platter.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
Do not skip chilling the dough or the cookies will spread too much. Use gel color so the dough does not get too wet. Do not overbake; pull them when edges set but centers are soft.
Storing Your Creation
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer life, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to three months.
A Final Warm Word
I hope you enjoy these Springtime Crinkle Cookies Recipe as much as my family does. Share a tray with someone you love and watch the smiles.
Answering Your Questions
How long do Springtime Crinkle Cookies Recipe stay fresh?
I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I make Springtime Crinkle Cookies Recipe ahead of time?
Yes. I form and roll the dough balls, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time.
Can I change colors or flavors in the Springtime Crinkle Cookies Recipe?
Yes. I split the dough and add different gel colors or a bit of citrus zest or cocoa powder for flavor. Keep changes small so the dough texture stays right.
Print
Springtime Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and colorful cookies that crack with powdered sugar on top, perfect for springtime gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, green, purple, or any colors of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extract if using it.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until just combined.
- Divide the dough into bowls for each color.
- Mix gel food color into each portion until even.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Coat each ball in powdered sugar until well covered.
- Place the balls on the sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they puff and crack.
- Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes.
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring to maintain the dough’s consistency. Avoid overbaking; pull them when the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cookies, spring, dessert, colorful, baking