Mexican Pink Cookies (Pink Polvorones)
These delightful Mexican Pink Cookies, also known as Pink Polvorones, offer a tender, crumbly texture and a sweet sugary glaze that adds a festive touch to any gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour A staple that provides the foundation for tenderness.
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder This will help your cookies rise beautifully.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt Just a pinch to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening Lends a rich, buttery taste while keeping the cookies soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness and helps create a lovely texture.
- 1 large egg Room temperature for ease of mixing.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract An aromatic touch that enhances the flavors.
Coloring and Decoration
- 5-6 drops pink food coloring gel To achieve the signature pink hue.
- ⅓ cup sparkling decorating sugar For an extra dash of sweetness and a visual sparkle.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mixing
- In a stand mixer, beat the shortening and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Mix in the pink food coloring until an even shade is achieved.
Forming Cookies
- Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough into smooth spheres about 2 inches in diameter.
- Roll each cookie ball in sparkling decorating sugar before placing on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each ball down to flatten them to about ¼-inch thick.
Baking
- Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, or until edges are set but the tops remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.