11 Pastel Christmas Cookies Soft Colors

Pastel Sugar Cookies

Pastel sugar cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or any festive gathering. These soft and buttery cookies are adorned with pastel-colored icing, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Their sweet flavor and soft texture make them a favorite for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will guarantee that the cookies bake evenly when you are ready to place them in.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will be your dry mixture which will provide structure to your cookies.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract, and continue to mix until combined.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and allow for easy removal after baking.
8. Roll and Cut Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Transfer the cut-outs to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
10. Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare Icing: While the cookies are cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of your chosen pastel food coloring in a bowl until you reach your desired icing consistency.
12. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small knife to add icing to your cookies. You can create patterns, designs, or simply drizzle the icing over the top.
13. Enjoy: Allow the icing to set for a little while before serving your beautiful pastel sugar cookies. Enjoy with family and friends!

Sale

Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper - Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, Food Chopper with Container,...

• The Original Pro Chopper - Our superstar veggie slicer has been creating waves on TikTok! Simple to use,...
• Easy Meal Prep with Rust-Resistant Blades - Our vegetable chopper is perfect for anyone who wants to eat...
• 5-Star Design - The soft-grip TPU handle ensures controlled chopping, while the non-skid rubber base...

$49.99 −$20.00 $29.99

Buy on Amazon

Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Lavender shortbread cookies are a delightful and fragrant twist on traditional shortbread. These buttery cookies are infused with the subtle floral notes of dried culinary lavender, making them a perfect treat for afternoon tea or any special occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the unique flavor of lavender creates a soothing and elegant dessert that is certain to impress.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3–5 minutes.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dried culinary lavender, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no flour streaks.
5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help in rolling out the cookies and maintaining their shape.
6. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes from the dough. Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your lavender shortbread cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy...

• Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged cheese! Only turn the handle for several times and get...
• Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese grater are made of food grade ABS material, no BPA. The...
• Three Option Grater : The parmesan cheese grater finishes food preparation with slicing, shredding and...

$24.97

Buy on Amazon

Baby Blue Iced Cookies

Baby blue iced cookies are a charming and visually appealing treat that are perfect for holiday celebrations, birthdays, or any festive occasion. These soft sugar cookies are topped with a smooth and vibrant baby blue royal icing, making them not only delicious but also a delightful addition to any dessert table. Their sweet, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the icing, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will guarantee your cookies bake evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, confirming each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking.
7. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
8. Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
9. Cut Cookies: Use your preferred cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
10. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Icing: In a large bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more water or sugar as needed. Add blue food coloring until you reach the desired shade of baby blue.
12. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small spatula to frost each cookie with the blue icing. Allow the icing to set at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Once the icing is fully set, your baby blue iced cookies are ready to be served. Share them at your next gathering or keep them for yourself to enjoy!

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food (Vacuum Sealer Machine + 30 Reusable Vacuum Bags)...

• 💰 REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY: Chef Preserve keeps FOOD FRESH 5 TIMES LONGER than non-vacuum storage...
• ✅ POWERFUL, QUICK & EASY TO USE: Simply press the button to start. The device vacuum seals a bag in 5...
• ♻️ REUSABLE & RESEALABLE BAGS: Chef Preserve comes with dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator, and...

$99.00

Buy on Amazon

Mint Green Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mint green chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, featuring a rejuvenating mint flavor complemented by rich chocolate chips. Their pastel green hue makes them a cheerful addition to any holiday gathering or festive occasion. These cookies not only taste delicious but also look adorable, making them a perfect treat for cookie enthusiasts of all ages.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee the cookies bake evenly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt in the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined. Add the green food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired mint green shade.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
8. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
10. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy: Once cooled, these mint green chocolate chip cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container for freshness.

Sale

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for...

• Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
• Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving...
• Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks

$59.99 −$24.00 $35.99

Buy on Amazon

Peach Almond Cookies

Peach almond cookies are a delightful treat that beautifully combines the sweet, juicy essence of peaches with the nutty flavor of almonds. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any casual gathering, offering a unique twist that will impress your guests. With their chewy texture and aromatic fragrance, they are likely to become a favorite!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This guarantees that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract until combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to guarantee a tender cookie texture.
6. Fold in Peaches and Almonds: Gently fold the diced peaches and sliced almonds into the dough using a spatula, distributing them evenly without crushing the peaches.
7. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
8. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers appear set.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious peach almond cookies!

Sale

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Ideal for Lunch Meal Prep &...

• 100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches
• Crystal-clear Tritan Built: Stain-resistant and odor-resistant material for a clear view of contents
• Lightweight & Sturdy: Easy to carry, yet durable for everyday use

$39.99 −$12.00 $27.99

Buy on Amazon

Soft Yellow Lemon Cookies

Soft yellow lemon cookies are a delightful and invigorating treat that captures the bright and zesty essence of lemons in every bite. These cookies are tender, slightly chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor, making them perfect for any occasion, especially during the spring and summer months. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or serve them as a sweet addition to a holiday dessert platter!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is at the right temperature for baking the cookies.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is important for even rising during baking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, mixing until everything is evenly blended.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading when they bake.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
8. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, once the cookies are completely cool, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Enjoy these soft yellow lemon cookies as a sweet treat that brightens your day!

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and...

• 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units...
• 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g...
• 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for...

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Pale Pink Raspberry Cookies

Pale pink raspberry cookies are a sweet and fruity delight that bring a burst of flavor to your dessert table. With their soft texture and delicate pink hue, these cookies are both visually appealing and delicious, making them a perfect treat for holidays, gatherings, or simply when you want to indulge in something special. The combination of fresh raspberries or raspberry puree infuses these cookies with a invigorating taste that is sure to please.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to confirm it reaches the perfect baking temperature.
2. Prepare Raspberries: If using fresh raspberries, gently mash them with a fork in a small bowl until slightly pureed. You should have about a cup of raspberry mixture. Set aside.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly mixed. This will help provide even texture and rising in your cookies.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well until completely combined.
6. Mix in Raspberries: Gently fold in the mashed raspberries, confirming they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will add sweetness and flavor to your cookies.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
8. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.

Enjoy your pale pink raspberry cookies as a sweet treat any time of the year!

Sale

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking and Grilling...

• Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced,...
• Multi-Use | From bbq thermometer to baking thermometer, our digital food thermometer for cooking is...
• Easy-Read Digital Thermometer For Cooking | Large instant thermometer dial with bright blue backlight...

$19.99 −$6.41 $13.58

Buy on Amazon

Light Purple Spritz Cookies

Light purple spritz cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, bringing a hint of color and buttery flavor to your sweet treats. These delicate cookies are made using a classic spritz dough, which can be easily piped into festive shapes and garnished with colorful sprinkles or drizzles of chocolate. The light purple hue can be achieved using food coloring or purple-hued ingredients like ube or lavender, adding a whimsical touch to your dessert table.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it’s at the right temperature for baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly mixed. This mixture will provide structure to your cookies.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the butter-sugar mixture, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, making sure the egg is well incorporated into the mixture.
5. Incorporate Colors: Add the purple food coloring or extract to the dough. Start with a small amount and mix thoroughly, adding more if necessary until you achieve your desired shade of purple.
6. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
7. Prepare Cookie Press: Fill a cookie press with the prepared dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose your desired disc shape to create different designs.
8. Pipe the Cookies: On ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, pipe the cookie dough into your desired shapes, leaving some space between each cookie, as they may spread slightly.
9. Sprinkle Decorations: If desired, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top of the piped cookies for a festive touch, pressing them in lightly to make sure they adhere.
10. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as you want the cookies to stay tender.
11. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Enjoy your light purple spritz cookies!

Sale

Home Hero 54-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils Set - Heat-Resistant Nonstick Silicone &...

• Versatile 54-Piece Collection: Elevate your kitchen with the Home Hero 54-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set, a...
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Crafted from premium stainless steel, these kitchen utensils are designed to...
• Perfect Holiday Gift: Delight your loved ones with this kitchen utensils gift set this festive season....

$87.99 −$20.01 $67.98

Buy on Amazon

Creamy White Peppermint Cookies

Creamy white peppermint cookies are a deliciously festive treat that perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are soft, chewy, and imbued with the invigorating flavor of peppermint, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie collection. The smooth, creamy white frosting that tops these cookies adds a delightful sweetness, while crushed peppermint candies provide a nice crunch and a burst of flavor.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that it reaches the right temperature for baking your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. This helps guarantee even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well. Then, add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, combining thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula, guaranteeing they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
8. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Creamy Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk.
12. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost the tops with the creamy white frosting.
13. Add Crushed Peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the frosted cookies while the frosting is still soft, so they stick well.
14. Let Set: Allow the frosted cookies to set for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the frosting to firm up slightly. Enjoy your festive creamy white peppermint cookies!

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great...

• 24-ounce insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock
• Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to...
• Protective push-to-open lid keeps spout clean; convenient carry loop doubles as a lock

$29.99

Buy on Amazon

Pastel Rainbow Swirl Cookies

Pastel rainbow swirl cookies are a whimsical, colorful treat that is perfect for festive occasions or simply brightening your day. These cookies are soft and buttery, infused with a slight almond flavor, and showcase delightful swirls of pastel colors that make them visually appealing. They are perfect for Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, or any event that calls for a touch of fun and creativity.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it’s ready for baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Extract: Add the egg and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Divide the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into four equal portions and place each portion in a separate bowl.
7. Color the Dough: Add a few drops of different pastel food coloring to each bowl of dough, mixing until the desired pastel shades are achieved.
8. Create Swirls: Take small pieces (about a tablespoon) of each colored dough and layer them together in a log shape. Gently twist the dough to create a swirl effect.
9. Form Cookie Shapes: Roll the twisted dough log into a 1-inch thick log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
10. Slice and Bake: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼ inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Optional Glazing: To add a touch of sweetness, mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra festive look.

Enjoy your delicious pastel rainbow swirl cookies at your next celebration or as a colorful treat any time!

Pastel Gingerbread Cookies

Pastel gingerbread cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional holiday favorite, combining the warm and spicy flavors of ginger and cinnamon with soft pastel hues. These cookies are perfect for decorating, making them great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchange events, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. Their festive colors and delectable taste will surely bring joy to your celebrations.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Molasses: Add the egg and molasses to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until everything is completely combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together, being careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place it on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the cut-out cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are set and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough milk to achieve a thick but pourable consistency for icing. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you wish to color them with pastel food coloring.
12. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use the pastel icing to decorate them as desired. Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated pastel gingerbread cookies!