Panda Cookies Recipe

These Panda Cookies are adorable and fun to make, consisting of vanilla and chocolate cookie dough, assembling the larger panda cookie cut-out beneath the smaller-sized panda cookie cut-out to resemble cute pandas.

 These Panda cookies are great for kiddies’ birthday parties or whenever you want to add a smile to the faces of your friends and family!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PANDA COOKIES?

These Panda Cookies are inspired by the Japanese biscuit brand, “Hello Panda”. These biscuits (known as cookies to Americans) were first released in 1979 and consist of shortbread and various flavors of creme. 

The panda cookies I’ve made are inspired by these adorable Japanese mammals and the biscuits but don’t include any cream filling.

IS HELLO PANDA DISCONTINUED?

No, these cookies still exist, although they are no longer as popular as they were when first released.

You can find these cream-filled Hello Panda cookies in local supermarkets or Asian grocery stores. 

HOW SHOULD I STORE THESE HOMEMADE PANDA COOKIES?

Once cooled completely, store them at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

When layering these cookies, add a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking to each other.

CAN I FREEZE THESE COOKIES?

Yes! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You could also make the cookie dough ahead of time and store the unbaked cookie dough in the freezer for 3 months – ready to be used to make these delicious panda cookies with ease.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHILL THE COOKIE DOUGH?

Chilling the cookie dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and becoming flat.

Chilling the cookie dough also enhances the flavors in the cookie dough and improves the texture of the baked cookies.

CAN I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE PANDA COOKIES?

Absolutely! These panda cookies can be made with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure that the gluten-free flour blend includes xanthan gum – an ingredient that helps to keep the cookies from falling apart since gluten-free flour naturally excludes any binding properties.

You will likely need to add water or milk to these cookies or adjust the melted butter, as gluten-free flour absorbs more liquid than wheat flour. If the cookie dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of liquid (water or milk) until you get the desired consistency. 

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THESE PANDA COOKIES?

Enjoy these panda cookies with a glass of creamy milk, tea, coffee, a spiced latte, your favorite milkshake, or a scoop of ice cream.

These cute panda cookies could also be used to decorate frosted cakes and cupcakes (depending on the size of the cookie).

TIPS FOR MAKING PANDA COOKIES

• Use room-temperature butter and egg for smooth cookie dough.
• Don’t skip the chilling of the cookie dough. If you don’t have time to chill the dough for an hour in the fridge, place the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
• Flour the countertop’s surface and the rolling pin lightly with flour to prevent the dough from sticking to anything. It’s also important to roll the cookie dough out evenly so that the cookies bake evenly.

Where Can I Find the Panda Cookie Cutters?

I actually found mind on Amazon! You see the Panda Cookie Cutters Here. They’re so stinking cute!