If you’ve ever wondered how to infuse your baking with a fresh, green twist that’s bursting with aromatic charm, look no further than this Pandan Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats blend the unique, sweet, and grassy flavor of pandan extract with a tender, buttery base, making them a standout dessert that’s as captivating in taste as they are in appearance. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet afternoon tea, these cookies bring a slice of Southeast Asian sweetness right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but purposeful, with every ingredient playing a key role in crafting those perfect pandan-infused bites. From the flour that forms your cookie foundation to the pandan extract that delivers that vibrant, unmistakable flavor, each component is essential for flavor, texture, and that beautiful green hue.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and tenderness in your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift, ensuring your cookies stay soft but firm.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without weighing down the delicate pandan flavor.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel undertone and chewier texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together for a perfect dough consistency.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pandan extract: The star of the show, infusing that signature fragrant, green flavor.
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded coconut or white chocolate chips: Adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness if desired.
How to Make Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix ensures your cookies bake evenly and maintain their tender crumb.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that soft texture and slight caramel flavor which perfectly balances pandan’s brightness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Pandan Extract
Beat in the large egg and pandan extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The pandan extract is what gives these cookies their distinct green color and signature aroma, so don’t be shy with it!
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. At this stage, if you’re feeling adventurous, fold in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips for an exciting texture contrast.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough portions onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them set perfectly without losing their tender crumb.
How to Serve Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pandan cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of toasted coconut flakes. These simple garnishes don’t just look lovely but add subtle layers of texture and taste that complement pandan’s herbal sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of jasmine tea or strong coffee to balance the sweetness with a refreshing bitterness. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream or vanilla gelato, which beautifully amplifies the vibrant pandan flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pandan cookies stacked on a pretty plate with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or alongside small glasses of pandan-flavored milk. You can also arrange them in gift boxes with tropical-themed napkins for festive occasions — a sure way to delight friends and family with both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pandan cookies, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They maintain their texture beautifully when stored this way, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a burst of pandan goodness anytime without fuss.
Reheating
To enjoy your pandan cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and aroma, bringing that freshly-baked feeling back to life within minutes.
FAQs
What is pandan extract and where can I find it?
Pandan extract is a fragrant green flavoring made from pandan leaves, commonly used in Southeast Asian desserts. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or order it online—make sure to choose a high-quality version for the best flavor.
Can I substitute pandan extract with fresh pandan leaves?
Yes, but the process is a bit more involved. You would need to blend the fresh leaves with water and strain the juice. Pandan extract is more convenient and concentrated, but fresh leaves provide a subtle, natural flavor too.
Are pandan cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a variant that suits your dietary needs, keeping in mind texture might vary.
What makes pandan cookies different from other cookies?
What sets pandan cookies apart is their unique flavor and aroma derived from pandan extract. The subtle grassy sweetness and their lovely green hue give them an exotic twist that’s hard to replicate with other cookie varieties.
Can I add other mix-ins besides coconut or white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even dark chocolate chunks could be delicious. Just keep the balance so the pandan flavor remains the highlight of your cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about baking pandan cookies. Their vibrant color, fragrant flavor, and tender texture make them an absolute joy to create and share. Whether you’re introducing a friend to something new or treating yourself, this Pandan Cookies Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and let the delightful aroma of pandan fill your kitchen!
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-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant and vibrant Pandan Cookies, a Southeast Asian-inspired dessert that combines the unique aroma of pandan extract with a soft, buttery texture. Perfectly sweetened and optionally enhanced with shredded coconut or white chocolate chips, these cookies are the ideal treat to enjoy with your favorite tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pandan extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Pandan Extract: Beat in the large egg and pandan extract until well combined, infusing the dough with the distinctive pandan flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms to avoid overworking the flour.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently fold in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips for additional flavor and texture.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and develop their full flavor.
Notes
- For a more intense pandan flavor and a vibrant green hue, slightly increase the amount of pandan extract according to your preference.
- These cookies make a delightful accompaniment to tea or coffee, enhancing your snack time experience.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
