When Should I Add Food Coloring to Cookie Dough?
Adding color to cookie dough brightens up the cookies for kids or adults and heightens their visual appeal. It’s easy to tint cookie dough with food coloring, but the results vary based on the type of color used and the type of recipe. Using gel or paste food coloring is best because it will create more vibrant colors. The color will also bake into the cookies without leaving streaks.
It is also important to use the right amount of color to avoid overpowering the cookies. It’s recommended to start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired result. In most cases, you will need less color than you would for icing because the cookies bake up lighter than they appear when raw.
To prepare the dough, first mix it with a stand mixer paddle attachment or by hand. Add in the food coloring a drop at a time until you achieve the desired color. Keep in mind that the color will darken slightly as the dough is refrigerated before baking.
Once the dough is a light color, it’s ready to be rolled and cut into shapes. Adding powdered sugar to the dough will help it retain its shape while being rolled out. It will also help the cookies shine when baked and give them a delicate, golden brown finish.
When rolling the dough, use a generous amount of powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking to the counter or the rolling pin. Then, place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough and roll it until it is a similar thickness as the other piece of dough. Once rolled, the parchment paper should be removed and the dough placed on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before baking.
To decorate the cookies, simply add sprinkles or nonpareils before baking them. Alternatively, you can roll the dough or mix in the sprinkles before the cookie is formed for a pop of color. You can also try dipping the cookies in chocolate before baking.
Whether you’re making a simple vanilla cookie or a more elaborate sugar cookie design, it’s easy to bring your cookies to life by using the right techniques and ingredients. With a little practice, you can create cookies with vivid colors that will impress guests and family members alike.
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe to test your skills with edible coloring, we recommend our Classic Sugar Cookies. They’re a favorite for kids and adults alike, with an irresistible buttery taste.
The secret to the recipe’s success is the combination of a few key ingredients, including butter and sugar that are both softened for optimal mixing. Then, the mixture is enriched with egg whites for added structure. The result is a buttery, flaky cookie that’s easy to handle and perfect for decorating.
We recommend weighing your flour before measuring with a kitchen scale to ensure you get the correct amount of each ingredient. This method will help you avoid over-packing the cup which can lead to dry cookie dough.
