Introducing Pandan Cookies: Sweet, Exotic Chinese Treats

If you’re looking to explore the vast culinary delights of Chinese cuisine, why not try something a little more unique than the classic dim sum recipes? One of the more exotic offerings is Pandan Cookies – a lip-smackingly sweet treat that’s loved throughout China.

Adding pandan leaves to your cooking is a great way to give your dishes a unique aromatic flavor. This vibrant green ingredient is added to many Chinese desserts and snacks including this delicious cookie.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Soft and Crisp

Pandan cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, soft and crunchy. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make these treats with ease, and wow friends and family alike.

To make these, you need just a few all-time Chinese ingredients. Firstly, pandan leaves; dried or fresh leaves will both work. You’ll need some glutinous rice flour, a heaped tablespoons of white sugar, and some vegetable oil.

How to Make Pandan Cookies

Making these tasty treats is not just a pleasure, but also therapeutic: it’s surprisingly calming to knead the dough and pinch it to make the petal shapes. This light dough will prove a delight for your palate.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Very finely blend 3 pandan leaves in a blender and strain out the juice.

In a large bowl, mix 350g of glutinous rice flour, 1 heaped tablespoon of white granulated sugar and the pandan juice. Work it together with your hands and slowly add in 135ml of vegetable oil as you knead and mix the dough.

Step 2: Roll the Dough and Cut Out Shapes

Divide the dough into four equal sections and form them into balls. Take one ball of dough and start rolling it evenly on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough until it’s about 3mm thick. Cut the dough into half-centimetre wide strips and then cut these strips into small flower shapes of 5-6 centimetres in diameter.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie cut-outs onto a lined tray and bake for 12-15 minutes at 170 degrees Celsius. Once the cookies have cooled, you can enjoy them with a glass of cold white wine.

The Unique Aroma of Pandan Cookies

This recipe produces a sweet and fragrant cookie that has a lingering aftertaste that is both familiar and invigorating. Its unique aroma adds a subtle edge to any snack platter and enlivens your tastebuds with its delicate and unexpected flavours.

You can enjoy pandan cookies with a cup of aromatic oolong tea, or as a delectable accompaniment to classic Chinese dishes such as congee and steamed pork buns. Next time you next menu-planning session, why not try something a little different and give pandan cookies a go?