If you love the enchanting aroma of pandan and crave a cookie that’s both delightfully soft and subtly sweet, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pandan Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of Southeast Asian flavors with tender, buttery bites infused with fragrant pandan extract. Not only do they bring a gorgeous green hue to your baking tray, but they also offer a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie, turning an everyday treat into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is as approachable as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Pandan Cookies Recipe are simple staples you likely have at home, yet each plays an essential role in crafting that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy butter to the bright pandan extract, every component comes together for cookie magic.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and contributes to a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Pandan extract (2 teaspoons): The star ingredient, infusing the cookies with that unmistakable fragrant, grassy aroma.
- Green food coloring (2 to 3 drops, optional): Boosts the vibrant pandan green color without altering flavor.
How to Make Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the foundation of your cookie dough and ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, setting up the cookies to be tender and not dense.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pandan Extract
Next, beat in the egg until fully combined. Then stir in the vanilla and pandan extract, mixing until everything becomes smooth and fragrant. If you’re opting for that eye-catching green tint, add the food coloring now and blend until the color is even throughout the mixture. This is the moment your kitchen will start smelling like a tropical paradise.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tougher. This dough should be pliable but not sticky, perfect for shaping into lovely little balls.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into neat balls using your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading. Gently press each ball to slightly flatten it — this helps them bake evenly. Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set and the bottoms turn a pretty light golden color.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up a little, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they maintain their crisp edges and soft centers. Your pandan cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your pandan cookies by sprinkling a tiny pinch of toasted coconut flakes or lightly crushed pistachios on top. These add delightful textures and complement the cookie’s flavors perfectly. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fabulous alongside a cup of hot tea, such as jasmine or green tea, which enhances the aromatic notes of pandan. For a more indulgent pairing, a scoop of coconut ice cream or a small bowl of fresh tropical fruit salad can turn your snack into a mini celebration of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, arrange your pandan cookies in small glass jars or on adorable bamboo trays tied with a ribbon. You can sandwich two cookies together with a spoonful of pandan-flavored cream or kaya spread to create an irresistible twist. This recipe’s vibrant color makes it perfect for festive occasions or themed dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pandan cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay deliciously soft and fragrant for up to one week, making it easy to satisfy a cookie craving anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents sticking and preserves their texture. When properly stored, they can last in the freezer up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your pandan cookies back to life after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will revive their buttery aroma and soften their centers slightly, making every bite as delightful as when freshly baked.
FAQs
What is pandan extract, and where can I find it?
Pandan extract is a concentrated flavoring made from pandan leaves, celebrated for their sweet, grassy aroma common in Southeast Asian desserts. You can find pandan extract in Asian grocery stores or online specialty shops.
Can I substitute pandan extract with fresh pandan leaves?
While fresh pandan leaves can be used, it requires brewing them to make a juice or infusion. Using extract is simpler and more convenient for this cookie recipe, but homemade pandan juice can work if you want a more natural version.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
Simply extend the baking time by 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a crisper texture. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, which could make the cookies hard rather than pleasantly crisp.
Can I replace some butter with coconut oil?
Yes! Swapping 2 tablespoons of butter for coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor that beautifully complements the pandan. It also changes the texture slightly, giving a richer mouthfeel.
Is this Pandan Cookies Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no animal-derived ingredients besides egg and dairy butter, which are vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, consider replacing the butter and egg with plant-based alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this lovely Pandan Cookies Recipe at your fingertips, I truly hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic of pandan in a one-of-a-kind cookie. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of Southeast Asian sunshine into your kitchen and onto your plate. Happy baking, and enjoy every fragrant, buttery bite!
Print
Pandan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the fragrant and subtly sweet flavor of these classic Southeast Asian Pandan Cookies. Soft yet slightly crisp, these cookies are infused with aromatic pandan extract, making them a perfect dessert treat that’s easy to bake and enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pandan extract
- 2 to 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, using a mixer or hand whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will contribute to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and pandan extract into the creamed butter and sugar until smooth and fully incorporated. If using green food coloring, add it now and stir until the dough is evenly tinted a light green color.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls: Gently press each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them, which helps them bake evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, resulting in perfect texture.
Notes
- For crispier texture, bake cookies for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Substitute 2 tablespoons of butter with coconut oil for a richer, tropical flavor.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can produce thicker cookies.
