Pink Lemonade Cookies for #IsabelsBirthdayBash

 Pink Lemonade Cookies are perfect for any summer party, or colorful celebration.

This recipe for Pink Lemonade Cookies serves double duty. First and foremost it’s my contribution to today’s surprise virtual birthday party for my friend, Isabel Laessig, who is also the founder and CEO of the wildly popular #SundaySupper movement, and the annual food and wine conference that takes place every July in Orlando, Florida.

When I think of Isabel, I think of delicious food, the Florida sunshine, and bright, vivid colors, much like Isabel’s personality. Pink Lemonade Cookies seemed appropriate for Isabel’s party because they remind me of Florida flamingos, Isabel’s friendly nature, and let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy cookies at a party, virtual or not?

The other reason these cookies are doing double duty is that I’ll serving be them at a big backyard luau/pig roast that my husband are hosting for our friends and family this upcoming weekend. Since the color of these Pink Lemonade Cookies remind me of flamingos, what could be more fun and appropriate for a luau?!

PINK LEMONADE COOKIES   {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Yield:  5 dozen         Prep Time: 10 minutes     Bake Time: 15-18 minutes

2 sticks butter, softened
1¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
½ cup powdered sweetened pink lemonade mix
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4-5 drops pink (or red) food coloring (if desired)

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or the bowl of a stand mixer and the paddle attachment, blend the butter, sugar and lemonade mix until light and fluffy. Blend in the egg, vanilla and lemon extract.

-In a medium size bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Blend the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture in 1/3 increments, blending well after each addition of flour. Blend in the lemon zest and food coloring if using.

-Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and roll each ball into the ¼ cup granulated sugar to coat. Place the balls onto parchment lined baking sheets leaving 2″ between each cookie.

-Bake cookies in a preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, making sure to rotate the sheets halfway throughout the baking process. Bake just until the edges just begin to brown. Remove, cool on a cooling rack. Continue with the remaining dough.

Here’s hoping that Isabel’s virtual birthday party is one big surprise, and one she’ll never forget. If you don’t already know Isabel, I highly recommend you visit her blog: Family Foodie.

Isabel is a wonderful cook and baker who enjoys feeding her family from her rich tradition of family favorite recipes, and in sharing the importance of bringing families back around the dinner table. I have so many favorite recipes of Isabel’s that I could share, but because this is a birthday celebration, let’s keep with that theme and a recipe she shared for Happy Birthday Thumbprint Cookies.

The best parties always have the best food. Here is the entire menu for Isabel’s party, compliments of her friends, colleagues and fellow foodies:

Join me in celebrating Isabel’s Birthday with all the delicious food and drinks her #SundaySupper family prepared!

Birthday Drinks:

• Birthday Cake Cocktails by Daily Dish Recipes
• Blueberry Lavender Mojitos by Amee’s Savory Dish
• Caipirinha Colada by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventure
• Fig-Bourbon Fizz by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Mocha Martini by Desserts Required
• Mocha Mudslide by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
• Plum and Thyme Champagne Cocktail by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Summer Fizzies by Momma’s Meals

Birthday Appetizers:

• Chai Sweet Chili Chicken Flatbread by Lifestyle Food Artistry
• Chorizo Eggs Salad by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) by Curious Cuisiniere
• Grilled Salmon Rice Salad by Magnolia Days
• Sofrito Marinated Beef Skewers by Nik Snacks
• Steak with Red Wine Reduction and Blue Cheese by The Weekend Gourmet

Birthday Desserts:

• Angel Food Cake by Feeding Big
• Birthday Blondies by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Buttercream Icing by Whole Food | Real Families
• Chocolate Doughnuts with White and Chocolate Glaze by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
• French Vanilla Eclair Cake by Love and Confections
• Homemade No-Churn Nutella Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cheesecake by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Italian Cream Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Japanese Cherry Blossom Brownies and 10 Tips on How-To Get Drunk With Happiness by NinjaBaker
• Mint Chocolate Cream Pie by gotta get baked
• Pink Lemonade Cookies by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Queijadas de Sintra by Food Lust People Love
• Red Currant Cheesecake Ice Cream by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Summer Peach Cake by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Happy Birthday Isabel! I admire you so very much and am thrilled to be able to call you a friend! I only hope to be able to meet you one day in person! Until that time, enjoy your apron, and cheers to a wonderful year ahead! 🙂

 

Readers: If there is ever anything I can paint for you, from aprons, to tea towels, to glassware, please don’t hesitate to contact me or visit my shop on Etsy. Custom orders are always welcomed, and always encouraged.

Kudos Kitchen by Reneé ~ Where food, art, and fun collide on a regular basis!

 

 

Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!