- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Divide the dough into separate bowls and tint each portion with a different pastel color.
- Gently swirl or lightly combine the colored doughs for a marbled effect, or keep them separate
for multi-colored cookies. - Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving and Storage
Pastel Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
Serve them with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or tea for a comforting treat.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
The dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Scoop portions before freezing,
then bake directly from frozen with an extra minute or two of baking time.
Tips
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Use gel food coloring for bright pastel shades without affecting texture.
- Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft before baking.
- Remove cookies while centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Press a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
Variations
Pastel Sprinkle Cookies: Add pastel sprinkles to the dough or on top before baking.
White Chocolate Version: Substitute semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips.
Pastel Confetti Cookies: Mix pastel candy-coated chocolates into the dough.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Holiday-Themed Colors: Customize colors to match any holiday or event theme.
Conclusion
Pastel Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a joyful, colorful twist to a timeless favorite.
They combine the comforting flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with a visually
appealing presentation that makes them perfect for sharing and celebrating.
Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting homemade treats, or simply adding fun to your
dessert routine, these cookies are guaranteed to impress while remaining easy and enjoyable to make.
FAQ
Will food coloring affect the taste?
No, when used in small amounts, food coloring does not affect flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
How do I keep the colors from mixing too much?
Lightly swirl the dough instead of fully combining the colors.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter that is too warm or overmixing can cause spreading.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Coloring the dough makes this a fun, kid-friendly baking project.
