If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as unique as it is delicious, pandan cookies might just become your new favorite treat. These vibrant green cookies get their signature color and flavor from pandan, a tropical plant widely used in Southeast Asian desserts. Its subtle, nutty, and slightly floral taste makes these cookies stand out from the usual batch.
Pandan Cookie Recipe
Transform your baking routine with this vibrant Pandan Cookie Recipe that seamlessly fuses tropical flavors into melt-in-your-mouth treats. Here’s how we create these stunning green cookies step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pandan extract (adjust to taste for flavor strength)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: Green food coloring for a deeper hue
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Pour in the pandan extract and mix until the vibrant aroma is evenly distributed. If using food coloring, now’s the time to add it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures everything blends evenly before combining into the wet mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Switch to a spatula to gently fold until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked but firm up as they cool.
Baking Tip:
“For a buttery crisp texture, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.”
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Creaming Butter | Mix butter and sugar | 2-3 minutes |
| Chill Dough | Refrigerate wrapped dough | 30 minutes minimum |
| Baking | Oven bake at 350°F | 10-12 minutes |
Taste the magic of these pandan cookies with every bite—a perfect blend of nutty, floral, and tropical flavors wrapped in a soft, buttery delight.
Ingredients
Creating pandan cookies requires a blend of everyday baking staples and fragrant pandan flavoring to bring out their distinct and memorable taste. Below, we’ve outlined everything you’ll need for this recipe.
For The Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Pandan Flavoring
- 2 tsp pandan extract (adjust according to taste)
- 1 tbsp coconut cream (optional, for a creamier flavor)
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
Tip: Pandan extract is widely available in Asian grocery stores or online. For a natural alternative, blend fresh pandan leaves with a splash of water and strain to extract the liquid.
Tools And Equipment
To ensure we bake the perfect batch of pandan cookies, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Below is a detailed list of items and their uses, so we can work efficiently and achieve the best possible results.
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for cookies; a reliable set ensures precision.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar to the right consistency is key for fluffy cookies.
- Spatula: A silicone or rubber spatula helps scrape down the sides of mixing bowls and fold ingredients gently.
- Baking sheet: Use a flat, large baking sheet for even cooking and browning.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Wire cooling rack: Essential to cool cookies evenly and maintain their texture after baking.
Specialty Tools
- Fine sieve or sifter: To aerate the dry ingredients like flour and ensure a smooth dough.
- Cookie scoop: For consistent portions, giving every cookie a uniform size and ensuring even baking.
- Small pastry brush: If you’re using fresh pandan leaves for homemade extract, this helps apply or glaze the mixture onto the cookies.
Optional Equipment
- Rolling pin: If shaping the dough into specific forms, a rolling pin aids in flattening without overhandling.
- Cookie cutters: To create fun shapes, making the cookies visually appealing for special occasions.
- Digital kitchen scale: Ideal for measuring ingredients precisely, especially when baking for consistency.
Tool Maintenance Tips
- Always grease or line the baking sheet before use for smooth cookie removal.
- Double-check that the stand mixer and attachments are clean and free from residue to avoid unwanted flavors in the dough.
- Test your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s accurate for perfect baking.
Here’s a quick reference to ensure we have everything at hand before starting:
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose/Use |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | For combining wet and dry ingredients separately |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Ensures precise measurements for all ingredients |
| Stand mixer or hand mixer | Creams butter and sugar effectively for light cookies |
| Spatula | Scrapes bowl sides and folds ingredients properly |
| Baking sheet | Provides a base for cookies to bake evenly |
| Parchment paper/silicone mat | Prevents sticking and allows easy cleanup |
| Wire cooling rack | Helps cookies cool evenly and retains their texture |
| Fine sieve or sifter | To aerate dry ingredients for smooth dough |
| Cookie scoop | For portioning dough evenly |
| Digital kitchen scale | Ensures precise weight measurements |
Directions
Let’s transform our kitchen into a cookie haven to whip up these delightful pandan cookies. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect textural balance and flavor in every bite.
Prep
- Measure ingredients: Gather and measure out all required ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
- Sift dry ingredients: Using a fine sieve, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
Make The Pandan Flavoring
- Prepare pandan extract: If using fresh pandan leaves, blend 4–5 leaves with 3 tablespoons of water. Strain the mixture to extract the liquid. Alternatively, use store-bought pandan extract for convenience.
- Combine with coconut cream: Mix 1 teaspoon of pandan extract with 1 tablespoon of coconut cream for a creamy, aromatic flavor boost.
- Adjust color (optional): If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant hue. Stir until evenly combined.
Prepare The Cookie Dough
- Cream butter and sugars: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup powdered sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. This step ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Incorporate egg yolk and pandan flavor: Add 1 egg yolk and the pandan flavoring mixture. Continue beating until fully integrated, producing a smooth and fragrant batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix only until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix the dough.
Shape And Chill The Dough
- Portion the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out equal portions of dough, rolling each into a ball. Flatten slightly for an even bake.
- Optional shaping: For creative shapes, roll dough flat to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Chill the dough: Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Bake The Cookies
- Arrange cookies on the sheet: Ensure 1-inch spacing between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender center.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack immediately to preserve the crisp bottoms and soft interiors.
Baking Times Table
| Cookie Size | Baking Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1 tbsp) | 10–12 minutes | Crisp edges with a soft, tender center. |
| Medium (2 tbsp) | 12–15 minutes | Perfectly golden and slightly chewy. |
| Shaped cookies | 12–14 minutes | Holds intricate shapes with firm edges. |
These pandan cookies are ready to enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips For Perfect Pandan Cookies
Creating perfect pandan cookies is as much an art as it is a science. Here are some professional tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out flavorful, vibrant, and impeccably textured.
1. Choose Quality Ingredients
- Always use high-quality pandan extract for authentic flavor. If possible, opt for natural pandan extract made from fresh leaves.
- For an added creamy richness, incorporate coconut cream, but make sure it’s full-fat for optimal texture in the dough.
- Use unsalted butter at room temperature; this ensures better control over the flavor and a smoother mixing process.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Baking is all about precision. Use measuring cups and spoons or, even better, a digital kitchen scale to ensure ingredient accuracy. This guarantees the right balance between flavor and texture.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (227g) | Softened to room temperature |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup (100g) | |
| Pandan Extract | 1 tsp (5ml) | High-quality or natural |
3. Achieve the Right Dough Consistency
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. This creates air pockets, leading to soft, tender cookies. Look for a pale and fluffy texture while mixing.
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour to the dough. Overworking it can make the cookies tough instead of light and crumbly.
- If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Nail the Vibrant Green Color
To match the traditional look of pandan cookies, we love using a few drops of green food coloring. For those preferring natural coloring, pandan leaves already offer a lovely green hue when blended into an extract. Be conservative to avoid an overly artificial finish.
5. Control Baking Temperature and Time
Keeping an eye on the baking process ensures that the cookies come out perfectly cooked.
- Preheat your oven. This step is essential to evenly bake cookies without undercooked centers or burned edges.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- Adjust baking time based on cookie size. Use this table for guidance:
| Cookie Size | Baking Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-inch cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 10-12 minutes |
| 2-inch cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 12-14 minutes |
| 3-inch cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 14-16 minutes |
6. Enhance Texture and Flavor Post-Baking
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack immediately after baking. This prevents overbaking from residual heat on the tray.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Pandan cookies are best enjoyed within a week of baking. If you’d like to preserve them longer, freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies as needed.
- Pair cookies with tea or coffee for an indulgent treat that highlights their subtle nutty and floral notes.
Make-Ahead And Storage Instructions
When it comes to pandan cookies, making them ahead and storing them properly ensures their freshness and delectable flavor for longer. Here’s everything you need to know about prepping and keeping these delightful treats just right:
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Dough in Advance: The dough can be prepped 1 to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Once mixed, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Freezing the Dough: For long-term preparation, freeze the shaped cookie dough. Arrange the dough balls or cut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer into a zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date for tracking. Use within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- Bake as Needed: To bake frozen cookie dough, no need to thaw. Place the frozen cookies directly on the baking sheet and simply add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
Storage After Baking
To maintain the melt-in-your-mouth texture and preserve the nutty, floral pandan flavor, follow these steps for proper storage:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. |
| Refrigeration | 1 to 2 weeks | Store in a sealed container. Reheat slightly at room temp or low oven temp before eating. |
| Freezing Baked Cookies | Up to 2 months | Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. |
Pro Tip for Freshness
Place a small piece of bread in the container storing your cookies—this helps to keep them soft and tender by absorbing excess air moisture.
Reheating Cookies
For enhanced flavor and a touch of warmth, reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes or a few seconds in the microwave. This revitalizes their buttery texture and pandan aroma.
Conclusion
Pandan cookies are a delightful way to bring a taste of Southeast Asia into our kitchens. Their unique flavor and vibrant color make them a standout treat for any occasion. By following the recipe and tips we’ve shared, we can create perfectly textured cookies that melt in our mouths and leave us craving more.
Whether we’re baking them for a special celebration or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s embrace the joy of baking and savor every bite of these flavorful pandan cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pandan cookies?
Pandan cookies are unique treats made with pandan, a tropical plant known for its fragrant, nutty, and slightly floral flavor. They have a vibrant green color, often enhanced by food coloring. These cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and perfect for those who love Southeast Asian desserts.
What does pandan taste like?
Pandan has a subtle, nutty flavor with a hint of floral and vanilla-like notes. It’s a common ingredient in Southeast Asian sweets, providing a distinctive taste that makes these cookies stand out.
Where can I buy pandan extract?
You can find pandan extract at Asian grocery stores or specialty food shops. Alternatively, you can make your own using fresh pandan leaves, which are often sold frozen or fresh in Asian markets.
Can I make pandan cookies without pandan extract?
Yes, you can use fresh pandan leaves blended with water to create a natural pandan flavoring. However, using store-bought pandan extract is more convenient for consistent flavor and color.
What ingredients are needed for pandan cookies?
Basic ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg yolk, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pandan extract, coconut cream, and optional green food coloring.
What tools are essential for making pandan cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring tools, a stand mixer, spatula, parchment paper, a baking sheet, and a cooling rack. Optional tools include a cookie scoop, rolling pin, and cookie cutters for shaping.
How do I ensure my pandan cookies turn out perfect?
Use high-quality ingredients, measure accurately, and chill the dough before baking. Control the baking temperature and time to avoid overbaking, ensuring a soft, tender texture.
Can I prepare pandan cookie dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight before baking.
How should I store baked pandan cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat to enjoy their fresh-baked flavor.
Can I make pandan cookies without food coloring?
Yes! While food coloring enhances the cookies’ green hue, it’s entirely optional. The pandan flavor remains the same, even without coloring.
How long should I bake pandan cookies?
Bake time depends on the size of the cookies. Typically, bake small cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Larger cookies may require 13-15 minutes. Follow the recipe’s suggested baking times.
How can I enhance the flavor of pandan cookies?
Enhance flavor by using pure pandan extract or fresh pandan leaves. Adding a small amount of coconut cream provides extra richness and complements the pandan taste perfectly.