If you are searching for a delightful treat that brings a burst of tropical flavor and a mesmerizing natural green color, this Pandan Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are tender, buttery, and infused with the unique, sweet aroma of pandan extract, a beloved ingredient in Southeast Asian desserts. Every bite offers a perfect balance of subtle sweetness and a hint of nuttiness, making these cookies both comforting and intriguingly exotic. Whether you bake them for a festive occasion or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Pandan Cookies Recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role, from creating that soft, crumbly texture to adding the enchanting pandan flavor and a hint of extra indulgence if you opt for shredded coconut or white chocolate chips.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that ensures the cookies hold together with a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps give the cookies a slight rise and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, bringing out pandan’s natural aroma.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s tender structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pandan extract: The star ingredient that adds that signature flavor and beautiful green tint.
- Optional — 2 tablespoons shredded coconut or white chocolate chips: For an extra layer of texture and richness.
How to Make Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This combination makes sure the cookies have the perfect texture with just enough lift, while the salt enhances every flavor note.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic starts, as creaming incorporates air to create a soft, tender cookie.
Step 4: Add Egg and Pandan Extract
Beat in the egg and pandan extract thoroughly. The pandan not only provides vibrant color but fills your kitchen with a lovely, sweet nutty aroma that is absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. If you decide to add shredded coconut or white chocolate chips, gently fold them in now for delightful bursts of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure even baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool to Perfection
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breaking while they firm up just right.
How to Serve Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these pandan cookies are stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top can add a touch of elegance and enhance their tropical vibe perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of jasmine tea or rich coconut milk for a refreshingly balanced experience. Their mild sweetness complements both herbal teas and creamy drinks beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pandan cookies on a vibrant banana leaf or a tropical-themed platter to highlight their Southeast Asian inspiration. You can even sandwich two cookies with coconut cream or pandan-flavored filling for a delightful twist that doubles the fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pandan cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This maintains their soft texture while preserving that wonderful pandan aroma.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about one month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh slightly crisp edges and warm up the cookie’s buttery goodness, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep their signature texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pandan leaves instead of pandan extract?
Fresh pandan leaves can be used to infuse flavor, usually by blending the leaves with water and straining the juice. However, for this Pandan Cookies Recipe, pandan extract offers a more concentrated, consistent flavor and color that’s easier to work with.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil to keep the tropical notes alive while making the cookies suitable for a dairy-free diet. The texture will remain soft and delicious.
Why do my pandan cookies not turn green?
The vibrant green hue comes from the pandan extract. If your cookies aren’t green, check the quality or color concentration of your pandan extract. Some natural extracts are pale, so adjusting the amount or sourcing a stronger brand helps.
Can I add other mix-ins besides coconut or white chocolate chips?
Yes, you can get creative! Chopped nuts like macadamia or almonds, or even dried fruit, complement the pandan flavor nicely. Just fold them in gently to maintain the soft dough texture.
How do pandan cookies differ from regular butter cookies?
The defining feature of pandan cookies is the use of pandan extract, which imparts a beautiful aroma and green tint, giving them a tropical twist. Other than that, they share the same buttery, tender qualities as classic butter cookies.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this Pandan Cookies Recipe, I hope you’re excited to bring this lovely Southeast Asian flavor into your kitchen. They are easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and a surefire way to impress your friends and family. Once you try these cookies, they’ll become your go-to nostalgic treat with every bite capturing a bit of tropical sunshine.
Print
Pandan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pandan Cookies are delightful Southeast Asian-inspired butter cookies infused with fragrant pandan extract, offering a naturally green hue and a sweet, nutty aroma. These soft, slightly crisp treats are perfect for dessert or snack time and can be customized with shredded coconut or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pandan extract
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- or white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to ensure consistent leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Pandan Extract: Beat in the egg and pandan extract to the creamed butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, imparting flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their structure and crispness.
Notes
- Pandan extract gives these cookies a naturally green hue and a sweet, nutty aroma.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, enhance texture by adding shredded coconut or white chocolate chips.
