If you’ve ever wanted to capture a little bit of Southeast Asian magic in your kitchen, this Pandan Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery cookies infused with the unmistakable aroma and vibrant green hue of pandan are nothing short of a delightful treat. Whether you’re a longtime pandan fan or new to this aromatic leaf’s charm, these cookies combine simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a snack that’s both unique and utterly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature pandan color. Each component plays a vital role in transforming ordinary cookie dough into something extraordinary.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation, providing structure for tender yet sturdy cookies.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with that desirable crispy edge.
- Egg: Binds the dough while contributing to a soft crumb.
- Pandan extract or pandan paste: The star player that delivers the iconic fragrance and lovely green tint.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking powder: Provides a gentle lift so your cookies aren’t dense.
- Optional shredded coconut or white chocolate chips: For extra bursts of texture and flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which helps give your cookies that tender, delicate texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Pandan
Beat in the egg and pandan extract until fully combined. The pandan is what transforms these from ordinary cookies to a fragrant treat that instantly transports you to tropical climes—with every bite bursting with that fresh, grassy aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This not only combines the dry ingredients evenly but also enhances the rise and texture of your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. If you’ve opted for shredded coconut or white chocolate chips, gently fold them in now to add delightful textures and extra flavor notes.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each one about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, then lightly flatten them using your fingers or a fork. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges to turn just a light golden—this means they’re perfectly baked with a tender center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps them firm up just right before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here truly pays off!
How to Serve Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Pandan cookies are beautiful on their own but feel free to sprinkle a little shredded coconut or dust a touch of powdered sugar on top before serving for extra visual appeal and subtle texture enhancements.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, especially jasmine or green tea, which complement pandan’s floral notes. Alternatively, enjoy them alongside a glass of creamy coconut milk to amplify those tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your pandan cookies in a pretty tin or on a dessert platter garnished with fresh pandan leaves. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a light coconut or vanilla buttercream for a fun twist that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your pandan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—perfect for sharing or nibbling over a few afternoons.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your pandan cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy; they retain their texture and flavor beautifully after freezing.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies and regain that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This gentle reheat revives their crisp edges and soft centers without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute pandan extract with pandan leaves?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pandan leaves, you can tie several together and steep them in warm milk or butter used in the recipe to infuse the flavor naturally. Just note that it may yield a milder, less vibrant green cookie.
What if I don’t have pandan extract or paste?
While pandan extract is key to achieving the authentic flavor, if none is available, vanilla extract offers a warm, aromatic alternative, though the distinctive pandan taste and green color will be missing.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a version that suits gluten-free diets. Just remember that texture might vary.
Can I add other mix-ins besides coconut or white chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts complement the pandan flavor beautifully. Just be sure to fold them in gently to maintain the dough’s soft consistency.
How do I make the pandan color more vibrant?
Using pandan paste instead of extract usually results in a stronger green color. Additionally, adding a small pinch of green food coloring can enhance the hue if you prefer a brighter appearance.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Pandan Cookies Recipe with you feels like inviting you into a little tropical escape, right from your own kitchen. It’s wonderfully simple, yet the flavors transport you instantly to sunny, fragrant places. I hope you bake a batch soon and find as much joy in these cookies as I do—it’s truly one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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 these fragrant and buttery Pandan Cookies, a popular Southeast Asian dessert infused with the unique flavor of pandan extract. These soft, lightly golden cookies offer a subtle sweetness and aromatic touch, perfect for pairing with tea or coconut milk during festive occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tablespoons pandan extract or pandan paste
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, helping to incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Pandan Extract: Beat in the large egg and pandan extract or paste thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the pandan flavor is evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips to provide additional texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Lightly press down each cookie ball with your fingers or a fork to slightly flatten them, promoting even baking and the classic cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and maintain their texture.
Notes
- You can use pandan paste instead of extract for a more intense color and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of pandan extract or paste to your taste preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or a glass of coconut milk.
