If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brings together buttery richness with a playful pop of color and sweetness, look no further than this Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies balance a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with vibrant pastel candies nestled right in the center, creating not only a feast for the taste buds but a cheerful sight on any cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a nostalgic homemade snack, this recipe promises comfort, joy, and a sprinkle of fun with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly to create pure cookie bliss. Each component plays a key role: the butter for rich softness, sugar for sweetness and slight crunch, and pastel candies for that whimsical dash of color and texture that makes these cookies truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the creamy foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps achieve a slight crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture, ensuring a soft cookie texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and the perfect balance to keep cookies tender yet hold their shape.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light lift, making the cookies pleasantly soft without being cakey.
- 1/2 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates: Adds bursts of color and a melty candy surprise inside each cookie.
How to Make Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to cookies that are tender with a delicate crumb—so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. The egg adds structure and moisture, while the vanilla infuses a subtle warmth that complements the buttery dough beautifully, elevating the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients outside the main bowl prevents uneven distribution and ensures consistent texture in every cookie you bake.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until combined for the best tender crumb without toughness.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies and Add Candies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press several pastel candy-coated chocolates into the center of each dough ball. This creates that signature pastel candy “center” that makes this recipe so charming and fun.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until their edges are just turning a light golden brown. This timing ensures a perfect balance between soft, buttery interiors and subtly crisp edges, accented by the melty pastel candies.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest gives the cookies time to set up, making them easier to handle and enjoy with their pastel candy centers perfectly intact.
How to Serve Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To accentuate the sweetness and playful look, consider lightly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Fresh mint or edible flower petals nearby can add an elegant touch when presenting.
Side Dishes
Pair these pastel candy-centered butter cookies with a cup of rich hot cocoa, creamy milk, or even a fruity herbal tea. The contrasting temperatures and flavors enhance the buttery goodness and make for a cozy snack or dessert combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked in a pastel-themed tin or arrange them around a small vase of spring flowers for a festive gathering. These cookies also make delightful party favors when wrapped with a colorful ribbon and a handwritten note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your leftover Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect for saving some sweetness for later.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen dough can be baked fresh when needed, and baked cookies thaw quickly without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly for 10-15 seconds. This revives the buttery softness and re-melts that delightful pastel candy center.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pastel candy-coated chocolates with something else?
Absolutely! You can use any small candy or chocolate pieces you love, like mini chocolate chips, chopped white chocolate, or even colorful sprinkles if you prefer. Just be mindful that bigger candies might affect baking time.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, salted butter can work in a pinch. However, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies tasting too salty.
How do I make sure the pastel candies stay visible and don’t melt away completely?
Press the candies gently on top of the dough balls right before baking. Baking at the recommended temperature and timing helps preserve their shape and vibrant colors while letting them soften just enough for that signature candy center.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of buttery simplicity and joyful sweetness, its pastel candies making every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a holiday, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your cookie repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and pastel candies, and let’s create some cookie magic together!
Print
Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies combine a rich, buttery cookie base with colorful pastel candy-coated chocolates for a fun and festive treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet and visually appealing cookie, these soft and tender cookies are easy to make and sure to please kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Decoration
- 1/2 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (such as M&Ms or similar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Press Candies: Gently press a few pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates into the top of each dough ball to create a colorful, festive topping.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
- If you don’t have pastel candies, regular M&Ms or chocolate chips can be substituted.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- To make dough balls uniform, use a cookie scoop or spoon.
- Butter should be at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
