Friday, June 28, 2013

Pink Lemonade Snowballs

What's more refreshing than a glass of lemonade on these hot days?  Here in the Pacific Northwest, we may have temperatures reaching 90-degrees by Monday, and taking the time to hydrate will be necessary...and a couple of cookies wouldn't be bad either.

As a kid, my siblings and I would spend a lot of time outside in the summer and drinking enough fluids was one thing my mother always stressed.  She would tell us "heat stroke" stories and the importance of knowing the signs.  For some reason, I was particularly susceptible to the heat; mom said it was because of my dark hair, but scientifically that doesn't really make sense.  However, we listened to her.

These lemonade cookies came to mind as something that would be refreshing, especially with a tall glass of lemonade or as I made today, an Arnold Palmer!  I used a couple of products by King Arthur Flour, but honestly, I think you could also substitute powdered lemonade. 
Pink Lemonade Snowballs
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperatures
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
zest of one lemon
1/2 tsp. Strawberry flavoring (optional, but really good)
3 T Lemon Juice Powder (or processed powdered lemonade)
2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground pecans 
3 drops Red Food Coloring Gel

2 cups Confectioners' sugar + 1 T Lemon Juice Powder to roll cookies in

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and lemon zest together.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Add the Lemon Juice Powder and Strawberry flavoring, if using, and mix again.  Add the drops of red food coloring gel to obtain the shade of pink you desire.

Stir in the flour.  Scoop up the dough and roll in your hands to form a 1 1/2-inch round ball.  Set on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between the cookies.  Bake for 11 minutes.  
Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then, transfer the cookies to a rack to cool for 5-7 minutes, or until they're easily handled.  Roll in the prepared confections' sugar and lemon juice powder.  Let cool thoroughly, then, roll in the sugar mixture again.

Enjoy them with a tall glass of lemonade, (Sweet) tea [if you're from the South], or a combination like an Arnold Palmer, which is my hubby's favorite.

Rosie loves to watch me bake or actually do anything...she is my little shadow.  I hope she's up for a new adventure when we move at the end of July to North Carolina.  Enjoy!



 
 


22 comments:

  1. My mouth is watering, Susan. These snowballs look scrumptious!
    We have a pretty lousy spring and there ain't sight of summer...just RAIN and no stop RAIN.
    Meow, Rosie :-)

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    1. My friend in Chicago said they've had one of the rainiest June's on record too. On the other hand, we've had a lovely spring and summer is hitting this weekend. Everything is so green, I'm gonna miss this beautiful area, but so happy I got a chance to live here, XOXO

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  2. WOOOOOHOOOOOO, North Carolina. Pack your toys Rosie dear.

    So happy for you. Where in NC? I so love it there. So love it and am so happy that you're getting your new life in order.

    Let me know what is going on.

    Love, love,
    S (oh yes, and I love the lemonade snowballs)

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    1. Dear friend, we'll be in Raleigh...I'll email you the address and hope if you're in the area you'll come for a visit. Hope the shingles are finally residing and you're feeling better. I know I need to get that vaccine--I'm pushing my luck, XOXO

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  3. Those look wonderful, and Rosie is so beautiful!
    So pleased that the smell of baking did the job and that you are on the move just as you hoped to be. Much love x

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    1. Thanks Scarlet...even though it's a lot of work to move, I really do look forward to living in another new state. And, you can't beat Southern hospitality...y'all are welcome to come for a visit--anytime! XOXO

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  4. Mmmmmmmmmmm pink lemonade cookies!!! I could go for a couple right now.
    email me your new address so we can make plans to visit my family next year.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. We'll be renting for 8 to 9 months in Wake Forest while our home is being built in Raleigh. It's a beautiful area and I'm looking forward to exploring once again and seeing what I can grow in my gardens:-D

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  5. Looks as if Rosie just heard the news about NC and is feeling conflicted. Ha! Now those cookies do sound fine.

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    1. She's been pretty "clingy" seeing boxes packed! When we told Ari we were moving, he said, "you're taking Rosie aren't you?" Maybe she's thinking the same thing. XOXO

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  6. You are going to have to tell me what an Arnold Palmer is!
    Jane x

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    1. An Arnold Palmer is half tea/half lemonade! Very refreshing...and one of my hubby's favorites.

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  7. Susan I must say the Lemonade cookies sound pretty darn good right now! Love your 'helper'!!!

    Linda

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  8. These are so cute and I know they are light and delicious! I've been thinking about you all week with your move coming up, and all that packing. Lemon drop snowballs? Yep, I think that's now on the baking bucket list. For sure! Lv, me

    P.S. We also will partake in this national heatwave, but our temps will be in the low 100s for a solid week. In honor of summer, I'm heading over to a friend's house this morning to show her how I make my apricot jam. Tomorrow, for me: baking apricot pie! Wish you were here...

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  9. These make my mouth water! Can't wait to hear all about your moving adventure! You're going to love NC! Enjoy your weekend my friend and Sis!

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  10. It's amazing Susan you have time to bake now that you are in the middle of moving! I hope everything goes well for you and that big move across country! Pink lemonade cookies look divine! Rosie is such a beauty---enjoy your weekend. xoxo ♥
    Martha Ellen

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  11. That sounds divine. I hope the move goes well. I always find moving so exciting.

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  12. These look SUPER YUMMY! Rosie is ADORABLE! She's too cute!!!

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  13. They look good, Susan.

    And Rosie is one of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen. Honestly. She's gorgeous.

    You know what? Our Honey Cat came with us from Arizona. Yep, from the sizzling hot desert to the arctic tundra of the northeast. She's been very adaptable.

    Take care and hope you have a nice Sunday. Susan

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  14. I've been hearing about that western heat wave! Stay cool. these look wonderful! And Rosie is gorgeous!

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  15. I love pink lemonade in the summer–these sound so good!

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