Mexican Pink Cookies (Polvorones Rosas)

Oh wow, I can’t believe how bright these Mexican Pink Cookies are. They almost glow in the cookie jar. They made me do a double-take!

I tried one, and oh my goodness, it was so sweet and crumbly. I couldn’t stop smiling as I took bite after bite. They reminded me of a fun party in my mouth.

I kept thinking, “I need more!” The color alone makes me feel happy. I want everyone to see how special they are.

So, I say let’s grab a batch right now. You’ll love them as much as I do. Trust me, you won’t regret a single crumb!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Mexican Bakery Favorite: These cookies are found in panaderías across Mexico, known for their signature pink hue.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: A handful of pantry staples create a rich, buttery texture with a delicate sweetness.
• Perfectly Crumbly & Buttery: These cookies have a tender, crumbly bite similar to shortbread.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve them at gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoy them with your afternoon coffee.
• Customizable: Keep them classic, add citrus zest for a twist, or roll them in colored sugar for extra fun.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Bake Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

• This recipe makes 24 cookies. Perfect for sharing!

Difficulty Level

• Beginner-Friendly: Easy enough for first-time bakers, yet loved by experienced bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these cookies, you’ll need:
✔️ Large mixing bowl
✔️ Hand or stand mixer
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
✔️ Rubber spatula
✔️ Baking sheet
✔️ Parchment paper
✔️ Wire cooling rack

Ingredients for Mexican Pink Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies spread slightly while keeping them soft.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor balance.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and gives them a light crispness.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.
• Red Food Coloring (Optional) – The signature pink hue! Adjust to your preference.
• Extra Granulated Sugar (Optional) – For rolling the cookies before baking, adding a slight crunch.

How to Make Mexican Pink Cookies – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   • In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the Vanilla and Food Coloring
   • Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring (if using). Start with a few drops and gradually add more until you reach the desired pink shade.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
   • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

2. Chill the Dough

• Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading.

3. Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the Dough into Balls
   • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
   • If using, roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar for a light, crisp coating.
3. Flatten the Cookies
   • Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
   • Gently press down each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to slightly flatten them.

4. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the Preheated Oven
   • Place the baking sheet in the 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers should still be soft but not doughy.
2. Cool the Cookies
   • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The texture will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

How to Serve Mexican Pink Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion and pair well with:

• A Cup of Coffee or Hot Chocolate – Classic Mexican-style pairing.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – A delightful contrast of textures.
• Afternoon Tea or Dessert Platters – Great for celebrations.
• Gift Boxes – Their vibrant pink color makes them ideal for gifting!

Optional Decorations:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a soft finish.
• Drizzle with white chocolate for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter for a festive look.

Variations for Mexican Pink Cookies

Try these fun twists to customize your cookies:

• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
• Almond Flavor: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty depth.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip one side of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle Fun: Mix in rainbow or colored sprinkles for a playful look.

5. Storing and Meal Prep Tips

How to Store Mexican Pink Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead Dough

• The cookie dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
• For longer storage, wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	140 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	1.5g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sugar	8g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	60mg

Mexican Pink Cookies FAQs

Why are my cookies too dry?

If your cookies turn out dry, it may be due to too much flour or overmixing the dough. Be sure to spoon and level the flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup. Also, mix the dough only until the ingredients are combined.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes! The red food coloring is optional, and leaving it out won’t affect the flavor. Your cookies will have a natural golden hue instead of pink.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste great.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also enhances the texture, making them more tender and crumbly.

How do I make these cookies softer?

For a slightly softer texture, you can bake them for a minute or two less and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Mexican Pink Cookies (Polvorones Rosas) are a nostalgic and beloved treat that brings a taste of traditional Mexican bakeries into your home. With their buttery, crumbly texture and beautiful pink color, they are perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or simply as an everyday sweet snack.

These cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and offer plenty of ways to customize them. Whether you prefer them plain, rolled in sugar, or dipped in chocolate, they are always a delightful addition to any dessert table.

Now, it’s time to enjoy these classic cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Happy baking!