Name: Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies: A Tropical Twist on Tradition
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 84 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free cookies.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.); 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt can be a tasty alternative.); 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Opt for dairy-free butter substitute if needed.); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar (Reduce for a less sweet treat.); 0.5 cups Light Brown Sugar (Swap with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.); 1 large Egg (Use a flax egg as a vegan alternative.); 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Can be replaced with almond extract.); 1 teaspoon Pandan Extract (Use high-quality extract for the best results.); 0.5 cups Shredded Coconut (Can be omitted for a coconut-free version.)

A burst of verdant green caught my eye as I flipped through my recipe book, and I knew I had to recreate those alluring Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies. Infused with fragrant pandan extract and a delightful sprinkle of shredded coconut, these cookies are a delightful departure from the mundane, bringing a fresh twist to traditional baking. Not only are they a visual treat, but their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with your afternoon tea. With just a quick 10-minute prep time, you’ll find that whipping up a batch is as easy as it is satisfying. Curious about how to make these irresistible cookies? Let’s dive into the magic of pandan!

Why Are Pandan Cookies So Irresistible?

Exotic Flavor: The fragrant pandan extract sets these cookies apart, offering a unique taste that’s both grassy and sweet.

Quick to Make: With only 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have these delightful treats in no time, perfect for spontaneous baking adventures!

Chewy Texture: Enjoy the soft, chewy interior with a slightly crisp edge; it’s a texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Versatile Delight: Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.

Colorful Presentation: The vibrant green hue makes them a standout addition to any dessert platter, outshining traditional cookies.

So why not elevate your next cookie exchange with these heavenly Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies? They might just become your new favorite!

Pandan Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake these delicious cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

All Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for delightful gluten-free Pandan Cookies.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Salt – Enhances flavor; sea salt can be a tasty alternative for a unique twist.
Unsalted Butter – Adds wonderful richness; opt for a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Light Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; swap with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
Egg – Binds the mixture and adds moisture; use a flax egg as a vegan alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; can be replaced with almond extract for a different profile.
Pandan Extract – The key ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor; use high-quality extract for the best results.
Shredded Coconut – Offers delightful texture and flavor; can be omitted for a coconut-free version.

With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a batch of delightful Pandan Cookies that are sure to impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
Begin by preparing your dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for the perfect texture in your Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream together 0.5 cups of unsalted butter, 0.5 cups of granulated sugar, and 0.5 cups of light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, and you can see a pale color change indicating it’s ready for the next stage.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, add in 1 egg, 0.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of pandan extract to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated, which should take around 1 minute. The fragrant pandan and vanilla will give your Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies a delightful aroma.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually introduce your prepared dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a mixing spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, ensuring you don’t overmix. Finally, fold in 0.5 cups of shredded coconut until distributed evenly throughout the dough—a beautiful addition to your cookies!

Step 5: Chill Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, allowing them to maintain that soft and chewy texture that’s so loved in Pandan Cookies.

Step 6: Preheat Oven
While the cookie dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, making sure they’re ready for your cookies. The preheating step is essential for baking them to perfection, achieving that golden-brown edge.

Step 7: Shape Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Next, gently roll each ball in some granulated sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a bit of sparkle. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they should turn slightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the middle. This is when your Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies achieve that perfect balance between chewy and crisp.

Step 9: Cooling
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. savor the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen while you wait for the cookies to cool!

Expert Tips for Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the perfect soft texture of your Pandan Cookies.
Chill for Success: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. It helps achieve that delightfully chewy interior while keeping the edges slightly crisp.
Use Quality Extract: Make sure to use high-quality pandan extract for the best flavor. A little goes a long way in making your cookies truly stand out!
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. Enjoy fresh Pandan Cookies anytime!

What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies

The delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

Fragrant Jasmine Rice: The nutty undertones of jasmine rice balance the sweet tropical flavors in the cookies, making for a delightful combination.
Coconut Sorbet: A refreshing treat that echoes the lush coconut in the cookies, providing a cooling contrast to their chewy texture.
Minted Fruit Salad: Juicy fruits like mango and pineapple sprinkled with fresh mint offer bright, refreshing bites that complement the cookies beautifully.
Chamomile Tea: Its gentle floral notes pair perfectly with the pandan, enhancing the overall experience of the cookie’s unique flavor.
Sesame Crackers: Crunchy and nutty, sesame crackers add an interesting texture and flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The bittersweet chocolate offers a rich contrast, making for an elegant dessert pairing with your Pandan Cookies.
Lychee Soda: A sparkling drink with sweet floral notes that will uplift the tropical flavors in your cookies, making it a fun and whimsical pairing.
Birthday Cake Flavored Ice Cream: For a nostalgic dessert twist, this ice cream’s creamy sweetness will charm your taste buds alongside the cookies.
Almond Barley Pudding: This warm dessert serves as a cozy companion, providing a hearty and lightly sweetened base that enhances the cookies’ sweetness.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and chilling the dough. Simply cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough, roll it in sugar, and place on baking sheets as usual. This method ensures the cookies will be just as delicious and maintain their soft, chewy texture. With this make-ahead option, you can enjoy fresh Pandan Cookies anytime with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Pandan Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your baked Pandan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.

Refrigeration: If you want to extend shelf life, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure they are in a covered container to avoid drying out.

Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze the Pandan Cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 6 months, retaining their deliciousness.

Freezing Dough: Consider freezing unbaked dough balls. Just scoop and roll them in sugar first. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—ready to bake whenever you crave a fresh batch!

Pandan Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore creative twists on these delightful cookies, inviting your taste buds on an adventure!

Nutty Delight: Substitute half the shredded coconut with chopped macadamia or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut Milk Boost: Add a splash of coconut milk to the dough; this will enrich the coconut flavor, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise.
Choco Bliss: Mix in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to introduce a sweet surprise that’ll melt in your mouth.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a delicious vegan treat without compromising on taste.
Herbal Twist: Blend in a teaspoon of matcha powder for an earthy flavor twist that pairs well with pandan’s natural essence—truly a fusion masterpiece!
Spicy Kick: Try adding a touch of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spicy note that brings an unexpected depth to the cookies.
Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing zing that complements the key ingredients, brightening every bite.
Oatmeal Addition: Mix in half a cup of oats for a heartier texture, making these cookies a more fulfilling treat perfect for breakfast or snacking.

These variations can turn the traditional into the extraordinary! And if your cookie cravings continue, why not whip up a batch of Savory Rosemary Cookies or indulge in the delightful flavors of Maple Cookies Melt? The possibilities are endless!

Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pandan extract?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Pandan Cookies, look for high-quality pandan extract that is vibrant in color and has a strong aroma. Avoid extracts that are overly artificial or have added colors, as these can affect the taste. A good extract should yield a fragrant, grassy flavor reminiscent of fresh pandan leaves.

What’s the best way to store my Pandan Cookies?
I recommend storing your baked Pandan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures they stay soft and chewy. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them in a covered container for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Certainly! Freezing the unbaked cookie dough is a great option. After scooping and rolling the dough balls in sugar, arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze for about 2 hours. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your Pandan Cookies spread excessively during baking, it could mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft when mixed. To fix this, try chilling the dough for an additional hour before baking next time. You can also check that your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to unexpected results.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! These Soft & Chewy Pandan Cookies are naturally nut-free, however, be cautious with the shredded coconut if you’re serving guests with allergies. Always double-check the labels and ensure no cross-contamination occurs, especially if you’re using coconut products. If you’re worried, you can omit the shredded coconut entirely; the cookies will still be delicious!