There’s something magical about summer—the way the sun lingers a little longer in the sky, the laughter of kids chasing bubbles in the yard, and the unmistakable tang of citrus in the air. For me, Pink Lemonade Cookies are like edible snapshots of those golden moments.

The first time I made these cookies was on a balmy afternoon just after school let out for the summer. My niece was visiting, and I wanted a treat that felt special, like something out of a storybook. She suggested something “pink and lemony,” and the rest is cookie history. As we stirred the batter and swirled in that soft blush hue, we were already smiling. By the time the cookies cooled and we slathered on that creamy lemon frosting, our kitchen smelled like joy.

But these aren’t just for kids. They’ve found their way into baby showers, bake sales, and rainy afternoons when I’ve needed a pick-me-up. The zing of lemon brightens your mood, while the soft, buttery bite brings comfort. They’re as pretty as they are delicious—a treat that’s both playful and polished.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Pink Lemonade Cookies are:

• Perfect for warm weather – light, tangy, and refreshing
• Visually delightful – their pastel pink hue makes any dessert table pop
• Comforting and nostalgic – reminiscent of lemonade stands and backyard memories
• Quick and easy to make – just under 30 minutes from start to finish

Whether you’re serving them at a party or sneaking one with your afternoon tea, these cookies always steal the spotlight.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract
• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• Pink food coloring (gel preferred)

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pink food coloring (as desired)

How to Make Pink Lemonade Cookies

Creating these cookies is as fun as eating them! Here’s how you can bring this sunny dessert to life in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Cream and Dream
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This step is key—creaming introduces air into the dough, giving you soft and light cookies.

Step 2: Add the Zest of Life
Add the egg, lemon extract, and a few drops of pink coloring. Stir until your dough is evenly pink and glossy. It should look like summer in a bowl.

Step 3: Dry Meets Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your pink mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but scoopable.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Drop tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Frost Like a Pro
Beat together butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the pink hue if needed. Frost the cooled cookies with a small spatula or pipe with a star tip for a bakery-style look.

Helpful Tips:

• Don’t skip the lemon extract – it provides a stronger, cleaner lemon flavor than juice alone.
• Chill the dough if it’s a warm day or you want thicker cookies.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without watering down the dough or frosting.
• Try zesting a lemon into the frosting for a fresh burst of citrus oil that’s unbelievably fragrant.

DETAILS:

| Prep Time | 15 minutes
| Cook Time | 12 minutes
| Total Time | 27 minutes
| Yield | 20 cookies
| Category | Cookies
| Method | Baking
| Cuisine | American
| Diet | Vegetarian

NOTES:

These cookies make wonderful edible gifts. Wrap a few in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for a charming presentation. You can also swap the pink for yellow or lavender for different themes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per cookie, approx.):

Calories: 180 | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Sugar: 18g | Protein: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are pink lemonade cookies?
Pink lemonade cookies are soft, sweet treats flavored with lemonade mix and often tinted pink for a fun, summery look. Their tangy citrus flavor and vibrant color make them perfect for warm-weather parties, bake sales, or anytime you want a refreshing dessert with a playful twist.

Can you make lemonade cookies with yellow food color?
Yes, you can use yellow food coloring to create lemonade cookies with a classic lemon hue. It’s optional but adds a sunny look that complements the citrusy flavor. The recipe remains the same—just skip the pink coloring and enjoy a bright lemon appearance.

How do you make lemonade cookies?
To make lemonade cookies, cream butter with powdered sugar and frozen lemonade concentrate, then mix in flour to form a dough. Bake until lightly golden. For extra zing, drizzle or frost with a simple glaze made from more lemonade concentrate and sugar.

How do you make pink lemonade sandwich cookies?
To make pink lemonade sandwich cookies, bake a batch of pink lemonade cookies and prepare a tangy lemon frosting. Generously frost one cookie and top it with another to create a sandwich. These are great for parties and easy to pack or gift.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If unfrosted, they’ll last on the counter for 3 days in a sealed container. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost when ready to serve.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other summery favorites:

• Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
• White Chocolate Lemon Raspberry Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
• Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Conclusion

Pink Lemonade Cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a celebration. Every bite is a reminder of the carefree joy that summer brings. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or as a cheerful pick-me-up, they’re sure to brighten your day and bring a smile to everyone around the table.

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