Thank you so much for visiting today — truly, it means the world to me to be able to share this little burst of sunshine from my kitchen to yours! Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a summer party, or just craving something fun and zesty, these Pink Lemonade Cookies are pure joy.
Right after the H1, let’s say it again: Pink Lemonade Cookies are the soft, sweet, citrus-kissed treat your summer dessert lineup didn’t know it needed!
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic, playful, and downright delicious, this is the one. Picture the bright, tangy flavor of pink lemonade in a chewy, powdered-sugar-dusted cookie that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. These are not just cookies — they’re sunshine in edible form! 🌸🍋
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What Are Pink Lemonade Cookies?
Pink Lemonade Cookies are soft-baked, pastel-pink cookies made with lemon cake mix and pink lemonade drink powder. They’re easy to whip up in one bowl, rollable in powdered sugar for a pretty crackle-top, and sprinkled with fresh lemon zest to brighten every bite. They’re cheerful, tangy, and perfect for every lemonade lover out there.
The flavor combination is bold yet familiar — reminiscent of lemonade stands, picnics on checkered blankets, and warm breezes. These cookies manage to taste like a memory and a party all at once.
Reasons to Fall in Love With This Recipe
I’ve made these cookies for everything from bake sales to birthdays, and they never disappoint. Here’s why they’re always a hit:
- Visually stunning: That pastel pink with a dusting of powdered sugar and lemon zest is practically Instagram-famous.
- Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, no chilling required.
- Big flavor, minimal ingredients: Thanks to cake mix and lemonade powder.
- Kid-friendly: Little hands love helping roll the dough balls in sugar.
- Highly customizable: Add-ins and variations make them super flexible.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
What Do Pink Lemonade Cookies Taste Like?
They’re soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender with a citrusy zing that wakes up your tastebuds. The pink lemonade powder gives a sweet-tart edge, while the lemon zest delivers a punch of fresh citrus aroma. They’re sweet — but not overly so — and the tang from the lemonade keeps them balanced. The powdered sugar topping? A literal dusting of sunshine.
Each bite tastes like a glass of pink lemonade met a buttery sugar cookie and had the most delicious summer baby.
Health & Lifestyle Benefits
While I won’t go so far as to call these health food, they do come with some bright perks:
- Portion control: They’re rich in flavor, so one cookie satisfies.
- Made with pantry staples: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Fun for seasonal menus: Ideal for Easter, baby showers, or summer cookouts.
- Feel-good baking: That color and aroma instantly lift your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crave-worthy cookies:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/3 cup pink lemonade drink mix (like Country Time)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling and dusting)
Optional:
- A drop or two of pink food coloring (if you want a bolder pink shade)
Tools & Equipment
Nothing fancy here — just your everyday cookie essentials:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer (or a whisk and elbow grease!)
- Silicone spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Zester or microplane
Ingredient Swaps and Creative Additions
This recipe’s beauty is how adaptable it is! Here are some of my favorite swaps and upgrades:
Substitutions
- Cake Mix: Swap lemon cake mix for vanilla or strawberry for a different flavor base.
- Oil: Use melted butter for a richer taste.
- Lemonade Mix: Can’t find pink? Use classic lemonade and a drop of food coloring!
Additions
- White chocolate chips (heavenly!)
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- A few drops of lemon extract for extra punch
- Edible glitter or sprinkles for parties
How to Make Pink Lemonade Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and pink lemonade powder. Add eggs, oil, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined — the dough will be thick and sticky. If you want a stronger pink, now’s the time to add a touch of food coloring.
Step 3: Shape & Sugar-Coat
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat. This helps create that classic crackle-top finish.
Step 4: Bake
Place on baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set and centers are puffy and soft (don’t wait for them to brown!).
Step 5: Cool & Garnish
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar and lemon zest while they’re still slightly warm — it’ll lightly melt and adhere for that dreamy finish.
What Pairs Well With Pink Lemonade Cookies?
These cookies are sunshine in cookie form — so pair them with things that complement their fresh, citrusy brightness:
- A tall glass of actual pink lemonade
- Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- Vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- Tea sandwiches and iced tea for a full garden party vibe
- A fruit salad with mint
Pro tip: sandwich a scoop of lemon sorbet between two cookies for a summer ice cream sandwich to die for.
Cookie-Baking Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the powdered sugar – It gives the cookies their signature texture and appearance.
- Zest first, then juice – Always zest your lemon before cutting it open.
- Slightly underbake for softness – Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely before storing – Warm cookies in containers = soggy cookies.
- Use parchment – Helps prevent browning and sticking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These cookies store beautifully:
- Room Temp: In an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Store for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Place cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
You can also freeze the raw dough balls (before coating in sugar), then thaw and bake whenever you need a last-minute dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix. Double-check that your lemonade powder is gluten-free too.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temp before scooping.
Do these cookies spread much?
A little! If you like them puffier, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
About 20–24 cookies, depending on the size of your dough balls.
Can I make these without cake mix?
You can — but it requires a scratch base of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon flavoring. For quick prep, cake mix works best here.
Final Thoughts
These Pink Lemonade Cookies are everything I adore about summer desserts: fun, flavorful, and unexpectedly beautiful. They bring out the kid in me — and maybe that’s why I keep going back to them. I hope they bring sunshine to your kitchen too!
Bake a batch, share with friends, and don’t forget to sneak one for yourself while they’re still warm. That’s the real baker’s privilege, after all. 💛
Let’s Stay Connected!
Did you make these Pink Lemonade Cookies? I seriously want to see them! Tag your cookie creations on Instagram or Pinterest using #MmmCookiesMagic and leave a review below. Your feedback helps others find this recipe — and lets me keep creating sweet sunshine just for you!
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 135
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
Pink Lemonade Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These soft and tangy Pink Lemonade Cookies are a summertime dream! Made with lemon cake mix and pink lemonade drink powder, they’re bursting with citrus flavor and coated in powdered sugar for a crackly, sweet finish. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a cheerful afternoon treat. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Ingredients
– 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
– 1/3 cup pink lemonade drink powder (such as Country Time or Kool-Aid)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus more for topping)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
– Optional: 1–2 drops pink food coloring
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, mix together lemon cake mix and pink lemonade powder until combined.
3. Add eggs, vegetable oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls.
5. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat generously.
6. Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly cracked but still soft.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Sprinkle cooled cookies with additional lemon zest and powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
• To boost the pink color, add a couple drops of food coloring to the dough.
• For an extra pop of lemon, use lemon extract instead of vanilla.
• Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Try sandwiching two cookies with lemon buttercream or vanilla ice cream for a summery twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pink lemonade cookies, lemon cookies, lemonade cake mix cookies, summer cookies, easy pink cookies, citrus cookies, powdered sugar cookies, pink dessert
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