Pastel Candy-Centered Butter Cookies

Posted OnMarch 15, 2025

A Delightful Twist on Classic Butter Cookies

Pastel candy-centered butter cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat, perfect for springtime gatherings, Easter celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and color. These cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of classic butter cookies with a delicate, colorful candy center, creating a visually stunning and tasty dessert. The pastel colors make them an elegant addition to dessert tables and gift boxes, while the crisp yet tender texture ensures they melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicate & Buttery – The classic butter cookie base is rich and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eye-Catching Appearance – The pastel candy centers add a beautiful touch, making these cookies perfect for festive occasions.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an accessible recipe for bakers of all levels.
Customizable – Swap out pastel candies for different colors and flavors to match any holiday or theme.
Perfect for Gifting – These cookies make a great homemade gift, packaged in a decorative tin or wrapped with ribbon.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the candy centers:

½ cup pastel-colored hard candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers), crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.

4. Preheat & Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

5. Roll & Cut the Cookies

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round or flower-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Then, use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, creating a space for the candy.

6. Add the Candy

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Fill each cut-out center with about ½ teaspoon of crushed pastel candy.

7. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the candy has melted completely.

8. Cool & Set

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The candy centers will harden as they cool, creating a stained-glass effect.

Variations & Customizations

Different Flavors – Use flavored extracts such as almond or lemon to change the taste of the cookies.
Color Themes – Swap pastel candies for vibrant colors to match other holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
Chocolate Drizzle – Add a touch of melted white or dark chocolate drizzle over the cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
Nutty Crunch – Mix in finely chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Servings & Timing

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezing

The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to a month.

Reheating

If desired, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften them before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of candy for the center?

Yes! Any hard candy that melts smoothly, such as Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers, will work well. Avoid candies with fillings or coatings.

2. Why is my candy center cloudy instead of clear?

This can happen if the candy is overheated or if it absorbs moisture. Make sure to use fresh hard candies and avoid baking for too long.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.

4. What can I use if I don’t have a small cookie cutter for the center?

A bottle cap, piping tip, or the back of a round measuring spoon can work in place of a small cutter.

5. How do I crush the hard candies?

Place the candies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into small pieces. Be sure to remove any sharp fragments.

6. Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. If you’re in a rush, you can skip it, but the cookies may spread more in the oven.

7. How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the parchment paper?

Be sure to use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Avoid wax paper, as the candy may adhere to it.

8. Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes! A few drops of gel food coloring can give the cookies a fun, colorful twist.

9. Will the cookies stay crisp after baking?

The cookies will remain crisp for a few days but may soften slightly over time due to the candy centers. Store them in an airtight container to help maintain texture.

10. Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough instead?

Yes, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. If using pre-made dough, follow the same steps for cutting and baking.

Conclusion

Pastel candy-centered butter cookies are a delightful combination of classic buttery flavor and stunning, colorful candy centers. Whether you’re baking them for a festive occasion or just to brighten up your day, these cookies are sure to impress. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and stained-glass effect, they make a perfect treat for any celebration. Try this recipe today and bring a little sweetness and color into your kitchen!