If you’ve ever wanted to discover a truly delightful and uniquely fragrant treat, the Can Pandan Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These buttery, tender cookies capture the enchanting aroma of pandan, a classic Southeast Asian flavor, bringing a vivid pop of green and a burst of fresh, slightly nutty sweetness to your cookie jar. Not only are these cookies a feast for your taste buds, but they also brighten up any tea time with their cheerful hue, making them both delicious and visually captivating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Can Pandan Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect cookie. From the soft, creamy butter that adds richness to the delicate pandan extract giving it that unique fragrance, every component works harmoniously to deliver irresistibly tender cookies.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness you crave in a cookie.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift, keeping the cookies light and tender.
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors deeply.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The rich, creamy base that gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering pandan’s delicate notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together while adding moisture and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and complements the pandan beautifully.
- 1½ tablespoons pandan extract or pandan paste: The star ingredient delivering that signature aromatic green essence.
- Optional: green food coloring: Enhances the natural pandan green shade for more visual appeal.
How to Make Can Pandan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is critical as it blends the leavening and seasoning evenly throughout your dough, setting the stage for perfectly tender cookies.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This aeration is key because it helps your cookies have a tender crumb and delicate texture, making every bite soft and delightful.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Flavors
Next, add the egg to your butter and sugar mixture, beating until you have a smooth and cohesive blend. Stir in the vanilla extract and pandan extract. If you love a brighter color, now is the moment to add a few drops of green food coloring. This addition doesn’t affect the wonderful taste but certainly adds to the festive green appearance that pandan cookies are famous for.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can lead to firmer cookies, and we want them silky and tender, just like grandma used to make.
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. This step helps the cookies bake evenly and develop their signature thin, tender edges.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for edges that are just set and centers that remain slightly soft. This ensures you get that beautifully tender middle paired with a subtle slight crisp on the outside. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up without losing their delicate texture.
How to Serve Can Pandan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Serve these charming cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even some toasted shredded coconut on top for a tropical accent. The garnishes complement the pandan flavor without overshadowing it, adding both color and delightful texture.
Side Dishes
Pandan cookies are perfect companions for hot teas like jasmine or green tea, whose subtle aromas enhance the cookie’s botanical sweetness. For a more indulgent experience, pair with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning to share these cookies at a party or as gifts, stack them neatly with ribbons or arrange them in a decorative tin. For an extra touch, dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate sprinkled with crushed pistachios for an elegant twist. This creative presentation will impress anyone lucky enough to taste your homemade Can Pandan Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your pandan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and enjoyably tender for up to 5 days, making them a handy snack for several afternoons.
Freezing
These cookies freeze well if you want to save them for later. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing their promising flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen pandan cookies at their best, thaw them at room temperature and warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle reheating refreshes the buttery texture and brings out the pandan aroma once again, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute pandan extract with fresh pandan leaves?
Fresh pandan leaves provide an authentic aroma but are less concentrated than extracts. You would need to infuse the leaves in warm liquid and reduce it before using in the dough, which is a more involved process. For ease and consistency, pandan extract or paste is recommended in this recipe.
Why are my pandan cookies not green enough?
The green color largely comes from pandan extract and optional food coloring. Some pandan extracts have a pale color, so adding a few drops of green food coloring can help intensify that iconic hue without altering flavor.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?
While salted butter can be used, it’s best to reduce or omit added salt in the dough to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning balance.
How can I make my pandan cookies crispier?
Baking the cookies for an additional 1 to 2 minutes can help develop a crispier texture. Remember to watch closely so they don’t overbake or brown too much.
Are pandan cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Can Pandan Cookies Recipe uses no animal-based gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients, making it a delightful choice for vegetarians who love tasty treats.
Final Thoughts
Making the Can Pandan Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Southeast Asia into your kitchen filled with warmth, color, and unforgettable fragrance. These cookies are not only straightforward to bake but also guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to taste them. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a personal treat, the unique pandan flavor will have you coming back for more. So go ahead, bake a batch and let those flavors brighten your day!
Print
Can Pandan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the fragrant and buttery Can Pandan Cookies, a classic Southeast Asian dessert infused with aromatic pandan extract. These soft yet slightly crisp butter cookies feature a subtle vanilla undertone and a vibrant green hue, making them perfect for tea time or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons pandan extract or pandan paste
- Optional: green food coloring, a few drops for enhanced color
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly combined for consistent texture.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add egg and flavorings: Incorporate the egg and mix well until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and pandan extract to infuse flavor. Add green food coloring if a more vivid green color is desired.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten the dough balls: Gently press each ball down with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a flat disc shape, which ensures even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are just set and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them firm up to the perfect texture.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, extend the baking time by 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overbaking.
- Consider adding shredded coconut or white chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations.
- Pandan extract potency can vary; adjust the quantity according to your taste preference for a stronger or subtler aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
