Probably much like you, I try my best to feed healthy food to my family. I try to limit the sugar, fat, and chemicals in their diet. But special occasions like Valentines Day call for special treats, right? Well, these cookies check at least one box. Although they are packed with sugar and butter, these pink sugar cookies are free of artificial coloring. And… wait for it… they contain vegetables!
Dye-Free Pink Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large beet
- 2 tsp water
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 15/16 cup butter 2 sticks less 1 tbsp
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp natural vanilla extract
Instructions
- Trim greens and root from beet, wrap in foil and roast in a 400 degree F oven for 1 hour. Let cool and peel. Puree with water until smooth. You should have 1-2 tbsp of beet puree.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until white and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla. Beat until combined.
- Add beet puree and mix until the batter is uniformly pink.
- Add flour and mix until combined. Wrap batter in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or more.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out hearts or whatever you like.
- Bake cookies 1 inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet for 6-8 minutes. Turn halfway through. Cookies are done when they no longer appear shiny.
- Store in an airtight container.
- You can certainly frost, stuff, or adorn these cookies if you like. But, honestly, it isn’t necessary. They are amazingly yummy as is.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I wondered how in the world these were pink without dye!! I love this idea!
Nancy P.
I know! Laura did a great job on these!!
Gloria @ Simply Gloria
Laura, I love how you created these cookies with a beet. I am so intrigued! Can’t wait to make them for Vday!
Laura @ The Experimental Home
I hope you enjoy them, Gloria! Happy Valentines Day!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Love that these are dye-free! What a delicious concept to add beet puree. Totally adorable and great guest post, Laura!
Laura @ The Experimental Home
Thank you so much Georgia! I thought they would turn out cute, but I was pleasantly surprised by how yummy they were.
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife
I love the hidden beet in these!! So Smart, and good for you! 🙂
Dina
these look ahhhmazing! i love that you used beets to color them. thanks for the idea.
Nancy P.
Beets was definitely a good idea!
Cynthia
I love that these aren’t artificially colored. And glad to know they still taste like cookies! Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next week.
Nancy P.
Thanks Cynthia!
Dolci Ricette
Beautiful these cookies!! Yummi!!
Nancy P.
Thank you!