If you’re looking for a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies are the answer. These cookies are buttery, soft, and just the right amount of sweet, with a delightful pastel candy tucked right in the center for a whimsical pop of color and flavor. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but every bite offers that classic melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie texture, finished with a satisfying chocolate crunch. Whether you’re celebrating spring, planning a party, or just want to bring a smile to someone’s face, these cookies are impossibly easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies is how a handful of basic pantry staples can come together to create such a show-stopping treat. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that rich, soft cookie base and bringing out the playful pastel surprise in the center.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The heart of the cookie, lending richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s truly soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds a bit of lift for that perfect, pillowy bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, making these cookies taste like home.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies their shape and structure.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures just a touch of rise, keeping the cookies soft but not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Pastel chocolate candies (24, such as M&M’s): The star of the show—choose your favorite pastel colors for a festive, cheery look.
How to Make Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep your cookies from sticking. This step sets you up for baking success and helps the cookies bake evenly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Creaming is what gives these Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies their dreamy, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and well combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds that irresistible, cozy aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so each cookie bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand. Stop mixing as soon as a soft dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them soft and tender!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, aiming for uniform size so they bake evenly. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This gives them space to spread a little while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers will look soft, but that’s exactly what you want for tender Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies. Don’t overbake!
Step 8: Add the Pastel Candy Centers
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press one pastel chocolate candy into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the candy, helping it nestle into place. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a whimsical touch, you can sprinkle a little sanding sugar or edible glitter over the cookies while the candies are still slightly warm. This adds a bit of sparkle and makes your Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies look like they just popped out of a fairytale.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. For an extra-special treat, arrange them on a plate with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the buttery flavor and pastel candies contrast perfectly with something fresh or creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming gift, or display them on a tiered tray at your next brunch or baby shower. You can even nestle them in a basket with pastel-colored napkins for a festive spring centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious, but be sure to keep them away from heat or sunlight to prevent the pastel candies from melting or fading.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy them slightly warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. This softens the butter and just barely melts the center candy for that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use different colored candies for other holidays?
Absolutely! Swap in red and green candies for Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween, or any color combo to match your celebration. The Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies recipe is endlessly customizable.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for these cookies, which means you can have a batch ready in under half an hour. However, if your kitchen is especially warm and the dough feels sticky, a short chill in the fridge can help make shaping easier.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and baking.
What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?
Rolling the dough into uniform 1-inch balls and spacing them evenly on the baking sheet will help a lot. For extra precision, you can use a small cookie scoop for consistent size and shape.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
A good-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend should work well, though the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to check that your baking powder and candies are gluten-free, too, if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies—whether it’s the buttery aroma wafting from your oven or the joyful surprise of that pastel center in every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy baking!
Print
Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies are soft, buttery treats perfect for spring celebrations or Easter. Each cookie is topped with a colorful pastel chocolate candy, adding a fun and festive touch. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these classic cookies bake to a light golden edge with a tender center.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- 24 pastel chocolate candies (such as M&M’s or similar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined, providing flavor and structure.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms and there are no dry spots.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Candies: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one pastel chocolate candy into the center of each warm cookie so it adheres as the cookie cools.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For seasonal variations, substitute pastel candies with red and green candies for a festive Christmas twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
