Description
Delight in these pastel candy-centered butter cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base studded with colorful candy-coated chocolates. Perfectly crisp at the edges with a soft center, these cookies combine classic flavors with a playful twist ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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 a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add Candies: Gently press a few pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates onto the top of each dough ball, slightly embedding them into the dough.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly crisp.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For extra color, use a mix of pastel and regular candies.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep centers soft.
- Softened butter ensures a smooth dough and better texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well, so you can keep dough balls frozen and bake as needed.
