Pandan Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats infused with a unique tropical twist, then this Pandan Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. These delightful cookies boast a beautifully fragrant aroma and a subtly sweet flavor that comes from the magical pandan extract, all wrapped up in a tender, crumbly texture. Whether you’re looking for a charming snack to pair with your afternoon tea or a festive cookie that stands out on any dessert tray, these pandan cookies are simple to make, yet irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to capturing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature pandan green hue. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that gives richness to the light, crumbly structure, to the fragrant pandan extract that infuses the cookies with their tropical charm.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich and tender crumb to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and ensures a smooth dough texture.
- Large egg yolk (1): Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the cookie’s golden color.
- Pandan extract (1 teaspoon): The star ingredient, lending a fragrant, grassy aroma and beautiful flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Keeps the cookies tender by preventing gluten formation.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
- Shredded coconut (2–3 tablespoons, optional): Adds texture and a delightful tropical flair.
How to Make Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you a stress-free clean-up after all that fun in the kitchen.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps to aerate the dough, delivering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Pandan Extract
Next, stir in the egg yolk along with the pandan extract. The egg yolk enriches the dough, while the pandan adds that unmistakable, heavenly aroma and vibrant flavor that make these cookies stand apart.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a separate bowl. This combo ensures your cookies come out tender and soft, with just the right bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the dough light and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Shredded Coconut (Optional)
If you’re a fan of a little chewy texture and added tropical flavor, gently fold in the shredded coconut now. This step is optional but it gives a fantastic textural contrast and taste.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop or roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Press them gently with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow your pandan cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up to the perfect texture that’s crisp on the edges and soft inside.
How to Serve Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful as they are, but you can elevate their look and flavor with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These little touches add a welcome burst of color and texture that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Pandan cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of warm tea — jasmine, green tea, or even a rich black tea provide a fragrant balance to the cookie’s softness. They also complement tropical fruit dishes or light coffee drinks perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping the dough using a cookie press to create lovely decorative shapes for a festive occasion. You can also stack the cookies with a light spread of pandan-flavored buttercream or coconut jam between them for delightful cookie sandwiches that look as amazing as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These pandan cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The key is to keep them dry to maintain their perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Pandan Cookies Recipe in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just shape the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm and soft again, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
What does pandan extract taste like?
Pandan has a unique flavor that is often described as floral, slightly grassy, and nutty. It’s sweet and fragrant, making it a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian desserts like this Pandan Cookies Recipe.
Can I substitute pandan extract with something else?
While pandan extract is special and hard to replicate, you could try using vanilla or almond extract, but the flavor will be quite different. For the authentic taste and aroma, pandan is irreplaceable in this recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this Pandan Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the cookies vegan?
You can experiment by replacing butter with a plant-based margarine and using a flaxseed egg substitute. The flavor will still be lovely, but expect some changes in texture and richness.
How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these pandan cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best option without compromising taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Pandan Cookies Recipe, you’ll realize how wonderfully simple it is to bring a little slice of Southeast Asian sweetness into your kitchen. The combination of buttery goodness and fragrant pandan flavor makes these cookies absolutely addictive. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share these delightful treats with friends and family — you’ll be amazed how fast they disappear!
Print
Pandan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant and buttery Pandan Cookies, a Southeast Asian treat infused with the unique aroma of pandan extract. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, they are easy to make and ideal for festive occasions or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pandan extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg Yolk and Pandan Extract: Incorporate the large egg yolk and pandan extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined to infuse the pandan flavor evenly throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning components.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft cookie dough forms. If using, fold in the shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop or roll the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly using your fingers or the bottom of a glass for an even shape and thickness.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked and crisp.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Notes
- Pandan extract can vary in strength; start with 1 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste preference.
- For decorative shapes, pipe the dough using a cookie press instead of rolling into balls.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
