Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful and eye-catching treat, Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies with Ermine Frosting are the perfect choice. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them an excellent option for special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day. The vibrant pink color, soft and chewy texture, and the luscious ermine frosting make these cookies a hit with both kids and adults.

Who This Recipe is For

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking and wants to impress their friends and family with a beautiful and tasty treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these cookies are easy to make and will add a pop of color to your dessert table. The recipe is also ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors and frostings.

Why This Recipe is Great

Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies with Ermine Frosting combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the unique twist of pink velvet. The addition of ermine frosting, known for its creamy and light texture, takes these cookies to the next level. This frosting is less sweet than traditional buttercream, allowing the flavors of the cookies to shine through. Plus, the recipe includes tips for variations and substitutions, making it versatile and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Ermine Frosting:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Making the Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
5. Add Food Coloring: Add red food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve the desired shade of pink. Mix well.
6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffy. Be careful not to overbake. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Ermine Frosting:

1. Cook Flour and Milk: In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and resembles a thick paste. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cool Mixture: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. To speed up the process, you can place it in the refrigerator.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Combine and Whip: Gradually add the cooled flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Assembling the Cookies:

1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the ermine frosting on top of each cookie.
2. Decorate: If desired, add sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter for extra flair.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
• Piping bag (optional)

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: Swap out the almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
• Color Variations: Change the food coloring to create different colored cookies for various occasions.
• Decorations: Get creative with your decorations—try drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting or adding crushed candies on top.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months and frost them after thawing.

Food and Drink Pairings

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re hosting a party, they also complement a glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity cocktail.

FAQ

Can I make the cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While ermine frosting is a great choice, you can also use cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a simple glaze.

Is there a gluten-free option? To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies with Ermine Frosting as much as I do. If you try this recipe, please share your creations on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and baking tips!