Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with playful pops of color and candy crunch, this Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite. These cookies are a perfect balance of tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough and sweet pastel candies nestled right in the center, creating moments of joyful surprise with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies bring warmth and happiness to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender texture to the pastel-colored candies that add bursts of color and sweetness.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough and rich flavor.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that slight crisp edge on the cookies.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and stability.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the buttery taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough without losing their chewy texture.
• 1/2 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates: The star attraction, offering vibrant color and a delightful crunch in every cookie.

How to Make Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and that your cookies won’t stick, making for easy cleanup and perfect shapes.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps yield tender, airy cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add richness and that signature sweet aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep those cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This allows room for spreading.

Step 7: Add the Pastel Candy Center

Gently press a few pastel candies into the top of each dough ball. These candies will melt slightly when baked, creating vibrant centers with delightful bites of chocolate.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch closely as these beauties can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies speak charm on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can add a lovely touch. Sprinkling a few extra pastel candies on top just before serving ups the cuteness factor and invites smiles all around.

Side Dishes

Pair your pastel candy-centered cookies with a glass of cold milk, a comforting cup of tea, or a cappuccino for a cozy treat. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into an eye-catching gift by stacking them in a decorative tin or wrapping them up with colorful ribbons. You can also arrange them on a pastel-themed dessert platter for parties, creating a playful and inviting display that’s perfect for spring gatherings or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies around longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. When sealed properly, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies at their best, thaw them at room temperature. If you like a slightly warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes for freshly baked vibes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of candies for this recipe?

Absolutely! While pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates are perfect, you can experiment with other small candies or even mini chocolate chips to suit your taste and occasion.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?

Yes! The dough is easy to handle, and pressing the pastel candies on top is a fun activity for little hands, making it a delightful baking project to enjoy with kids.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the candies from melting too much?

Press the candies gently on top rather than mixing them into the dough, and bake the cookies just until the edges are golden. This helps keep the candies intact with minimal melting.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and tasty for about a week, perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends.

Final Thoughts

This Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies Recipe isn’t just a cookie; it’s a joyful little celebration of color, texture, and comfort all wrapped into one. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one, and they’re sure to brighten up any occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch, share with loved ones, and watch how quickly these pretty little cookies disappear!

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