A sweet butter, meltaway cookie, made with crunchy Panko bread crumbs. The addition of Panko brings a distinct texture to this crumb cookie recipe that would otherwise simply melt in your mouth.
Mixing Panko crumbs with all the fixings for the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie is pure magic.
Remember when we used to all swear by regular bread crumbs until Panko entered the scene. The texture it imparts to fried goodies is simply irresistible, and those flakes stay crispy far longer than their standard counterparts.
Related: Italian Cookies
What sets Panko apart is its origin—made from crustless bread, unlike the typical bread crumbs. This unique quality means they soak up less grease, providing a superior crunch to all kinds of dishes. Which is precisely why I had to use them to whip up these cookies. I had a hunch they’d achieve the ideal crunch and not absorb too much of the butter, and trust me, they delivered. You won’t be disappointed.
Why I Love This Recipe
- They are the perfect fusion of rich, buttery goodness with the unexpected crunch of Panko crumbs.
- A unique cookie that no one else will have at the holiday cookie exchange.
- The Panko ensures a longer-lasting crispiness for a crumb cookie recipe.
- Strikes the ideal balance between melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and crunchy cookie.
- A great cookie for all seasons and occasions.
- You would be hard-pressed to find another nut-free cookie as crunchy as this one.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the cookies.
- Confectioners’ sugar (in the dough): Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of warm, sweet aroma.
- Panko bread crumbs: The unique and unexpected crunch in the cookies, creating a distinctive texture.
- Confectioners’ sugar (for rolling post-baking): Coats the baked cookies, providing a sweet and powdery finish. It also adds a visually appealing touch and contrasts the cookie’s texture with a soft outer layer.
Substitutions
Vanilla extract: Vanilla bean paste or almond extract can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Panko Cookies
Step 1: Preheat oven and line a cookie tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop dough onto prepared tray, pressing each down to a 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 2: In a mixer cream together butter and sugar, and vanilla on medium until light and fluffy. On low speed, add flour and Panko.
Step 3: Bake, then rotate the tray, and continue baking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until the bottoms of the cookies are slightly browned.
Step 4: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Roll the warm cookies in sugar for an even coating.
Step 6: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Toss cooled cookies again in sugar.
Step 8: Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an interesting twist on the recipe.
Citrus Zest Infusion: Mix in the zest (or extract) of lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Italian Twist: Replace the vanilla extract with anise extract for an Italian cookie taste.
Spiced: Include a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or your favorite spice for a warm and cozy flavor profile.
Maple: Replace vanilla extract for a rich, autumn-inspired treat.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper on the cookie sheet so cookies do not brown too much on the bottom.
- This is NOT necessary but you could toast the Panko crumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown. This will enhance their nutty flavor and give an even crispier texture in the cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions. This helps with even baking and a consistent size across all cookies.
- Roll the cooled cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice, ensuring a generous coating. The double-roll is everything!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do the cookies stay fresh? When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I substitute Panko with regular bread crumbs? You can, but the cookies do not come out the same. Panko provides a unique crunch that makes these cookies special.
Can I make these cookies in advance for a special occasion? Yes. These cookies are great for making in advance and storing in an airtight container until needed.
Can I use other extracts besides vanilla? Yep, feel free to experiment with almond, coconut, or any other extracts to customize the flavor of the cookies.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking? These cookies do not spread and the dough does not require refrigeration before baking.
Can I double or triple the recipe? Yes, scale it up to your needs.
More Cookie Recipes to Bake
- M&M Cookies
- Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
- Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
- White Chocolate Chip Lemon Cookies
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Panko Cookies
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or hand mixer
- Cookie Scoop - 2 TBSP 2 Tbsp/ 30 ml/ 1 oz Cookie Scoop for Baking
- Silicone Baking Mat or parchment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar sifted, for coating
Panko Cookie Ingredients:
Instructions
How to Make Panko Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie tray parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add flour and Panko on low speed until blended.1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared tray (use a one ounce cookie scoop). Press down slightly on the dough to flatten it to about 1/2 inch tall. Bake for 7 minutes, rotate the cookie sheet, and then bake 7 to 8 minutes more or until bottoms of cookies are slightly browned.
- Cool 10 minutes on baking sheet. Roll warm cookies in the confectioners' sugar until evenly coated. Place on a wire rack to cool completely before tossing again in the confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.2 cups confectioners' sugar
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Jen says
I love pina coladas on the beach!
Nancy Larma says
Being midwest born and raised – my trips to the beach are few and far between, but I’d have to say an icy drink would probably be my favorite treat at the beach!
Lisa Barnett says
oh yummy – can’t wait to try these
Karen Terry says
I never ever would have thought to use Panko in cookies. Can’t wait to try these.
Katherine says
Favorite treat to enjoy at the beach, is an ice cold Corona (with a lime)!
sandi r says
Love the frozen drinks they make ..
dorothy smith says
This book looks so good! I would love to win it. I have made some of the recipes from your blog and have loved all of them.
Jamie says
This panko cookies recipe looks awesome! Great idea I can hardly wait to try it!!
I gotta tell ya…as a farm girl from western South Dakota, I love what you are doing. Keep it up, there’s no better way to raise kids and really no better lifestyle!
One day…I just might make it up your way. 🙂
Jamie
Lakenya Jacobs says
my favoriate treat to eat is rice cakes. I’m into eating pretty healthy so rice cakes are pretty much a tasty treat for me 🙂
Samantha says
I love ice cold watermelon at the beach.
Shari w says
Looks like the recipes could keep one busy for a long time! 🙂
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
What a fabulous idea for cookies! The book looks fantastic!
libby says
Favorite treat is a banana split
Lily Sheng says
A frozen hot chocolate would be ideal!
Alison says
My preferred beach is the Oregon coast, where I like to get fresh seafood.
Lindsay Lee says
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in a waffle cone!!!
Lisa says
We love to eat watermelon, triscuits and grapes when we go to the beach. Strange combination I know, but we always eat the same thing.
Bonnie M says
My favorite beach treat is water ice!
Stephanie says
My favorite treat to enjoy on the beach is either a popsicle or a vodka and pineapple juice!
Mary Gonzales says
The sweetest cold watermelon!
Kara Marks says
We don’t get to go to ocean beaches much, but we do go to the lake. Sandwiches, veggies and tons of cold drinks are necessary when going to the lake, for sure!
Leela says
I like ice cream at the beach.
Kim Porter says
I love pineapple chunks soaked in Malibu rum.
MaryB says
These look fantastic. Can’t wait to try them. One of our favorite things to have at the beach are angel s’mores.
Fred says
I live in Delaware and close to the beach… and love to bake. This seems like the perfect book for me…
Celeste B. says
A yummy margarita is always good at the beach.
Mason Canyon says
When I think of beaches, I automatically think pina coladas.
stephanie says
Omg to the pineapples in rum, that sounds fabulous! We like popsicles!
chris says
Looks like a great recipe.. those other cookies from the book look yummy!
Karen G D says
Favorite treat at the beach? Wine slushies.
Meredith says
these look yummy!
Kim Henrichs says
I love to take melon balls!
Christine from Cook the Story says
Oh my gosh! I bet those panko crumbs must add an awesome crunch to the cookie!
Sharon Temple says
I love icy cold watermelon!
CarolynR says
The Panko cookies look fabulous! Can’t wait to try them!
Jill Moore says
A crisp cold glass of sauvignon blanc!
Mary W says
I love cold fruit, and salty snacks at the beach!
Susan kirsch says
We love to take a big bowl of cut up fruit and veggies! Homemade hummus and Greek yogurts dip 🙂
Sharon Cundell says
These would be good to take to the beach will be trying these 🙂
Megan's Cookin' says
Cookies or anything in a jar! These Pancho cookies sound wonderful.
Leah says
Panko is my favorite, too! I rarely use regular breadcrumbs in recipes anymore. Never thought about using them in desserts, though!
Tina W. says
My favorite treat at the beach is cold champagne.
TERRY says
…anything with alcohol !!!!
Shanna @ Pineapple and Coconut says
My favorite treat at the beach is super fresh ceviche and a mai tai!
Lana says
Cherries, cheese & wine!
Candice Taylor says
I definitely enjoy a cold fruit salad or even plain sliced watermelon. Nothing better on a hot day!
Karen Deborah says
oh man I was hoping you were giving away a batch of the cookies! You make everything looks so delicious 🙂
Mary Johnson says
Ice cold lemonade!
Barb says
I love to take frozen grapes to the beach! I will also make these Panko Cookies….yum!
Cheri says
Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are a family favorite at the beach!
Jason says
Watermelon or Beer!
barbara n says
I love to take home made trail mix to the beach!
Valerie says
These remind me of my Mom’s ‘Greek Cookies!’ Will have to try them asap! Thanks for the give away!
Laura B. says
Any frosty drink in the shade!
Annie says
Mango Smoothies!
Mrs. L says
Depends on the beach. Local beaches in California? Watermelon. A beach in Hawaii? Any drink with rum in it lol.
Kylie says
Peanut butter jelly time!
Kelly says
A margarita, preferably delivered by a handsome cabana boy 🙂
Sandi Graham says
Beachies ! By the Sea . I’m at the beach today !
Jane George says
I love easy cookies.
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
I am on the waiting list for this book at the library, but I would far prefer having one of my own. Those cookies look delicious.
Suzanne Martin says
Homemade ice cream is my all time summer go to dessert!
Lynda M. says
I love mint mojitos and wine slushies at the beach!
Tracey A says
Panko Cookies! How unique and creative! This is a must try.
Linda says
We just got a beach cottage and I’d love to leave a treat and recipe for a renter each week.
Barbara says
Cold watermelon sounds good
Deanna Campbell says
My favorite is enjoying the fresh seafood. Mo’s makes a great Peanut Butter pie
NIcole says
Yay baking by the beach book 🙂
Rachel says
This cookbook looks great!
Lorrie says
For a beach treat, always a glass of wine by a fire!
Kylee O says
I love Watermelon at the beach
Larry Sarni says
Strips. Back in the 60’s at Huntington Beach. Pre dating nachos. They were fried corn tortilla strips with mild red hot sauce. A must have every visit. I always brought from home a steak sandwich with swiss cheese, sweet pickle, and mayonnaise. I miss those days.
Linda Mire says
I would say fresh fruit. If I was up North on one of the beaches in Maine, I would want fresh lobster!
Janice E says
Fresh shrimp and spicy cocktail sauce – yummy!!
Luraine Nuzzo says
I love cooking at the beach! Key lime pie is a favorite !
Luraine Nuzzo says
Key lime pie is my favorite thing to make!
Kendis says
Clam chowder
Pam C says
A bottle of wine, shrimp sliders and grilled peaches
Ellon St. Croix says
my favorite treat at the beach would be waves! I love to surf. Or a nice frosty pina colada!
chelsea m says
My favorite treat to enjoy at the beach is chocolate ice cream.
Jen says
Honestly, I grew up eating plums on the beach and that is my favorite, cool, a little tart and a lot of sweet!
Joanne says
I love your recipes and have tried some in the past … looking forward to making more of them soon. Keep ’em coming! Low calorie/sugar/fat is good for me these days!!
Alyson Myers says
Mimosas!!
Gretchen says
Oh, I think I need this for the beach house! My new favorite treat are razor clams dug right off the end of our street paired with a nice crisp Pinot Gris.
Jody says
Looks like a great cookbook!
Casey Sullivan says
Hand dipped homemade ice cream from Yum Yum in sea isle city New Jersey. Yum!
Elizabeth says
I’d love to take this to St. Simons this summer.
Lynne B. Wall says
I love cold fresh fruit and lemonade on the beach!
Emily says
i love peaches on the beach!
Terry Pearson says
I can hardly wait to use your beautiful cook book! <3
Nic Cote says
I love ice cream sandwiches at the beach! This book looks great!
Diane OConnor says
I am from the East Coast and we love fresh peaches over homemade vanilla ice-cream … just about the best.
Lydia says
These sound wonderful— always have Panko in the house— can’t wait to try them! The entire cookbook looks like a great find– beach, lake, or any hot day anywhere 😉
Hilary says
Panko cookies what an interesting idea. We are planning a beach bbq for tomorrow. Hmmm
Nicole says
In mexico I love the pinapples they sell on the beach stuffed with other fruit and covered in spicy chili seasoning or salsa! So delicious!!!
Susan says
Wine & cheese!
armymum says
THE BOOK LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! LOVE PANKO! CANT WAIT TO TRY THESE….
armymum says
Fried dough!!!!!
Margi says
When I finish your “bites of life” I will be making these. I need something new to take to a “do” on Sunday so I think I need to preview these. Good excuse as any. I get cookies, Yah!
Elisabeth Stone says
A large glass of sangria!
Ruth Cobb says
Being from West Virginia, I love fresh seafood. Of course, a nice treat would be a frosty blended drink.
Robin C says
My favorite thing to enjoy at the beach is frozen custard purchased at the concession stand, it’s so cooling and refreshing while enjoying the salt air!
C Morton says
LOVE Panko…. have been using since way back when it was only imported to specialty Japanese markets, I’m so pleased it’s widely available now too :o}
Sandy Headtke says
Hot dogs taste better at the beach followed by roasted marshmallows
Lorraine Pawelec says
Sounds delicious and simple , have to make for my grandchildren.
Tricia says
Chilled watermelon mojitos!!!
Jennie says
My favorite beach treat is an ice cream sandwich!
Liz Cullinane says
Book looks great
Kellie George says
It’s winter here in Australia right now, and I’m dreaming of warm beaches! My favourite treat is a fanastic book and a delicious cold drink!
Robin O. says
Love Panko! These look so good!
Kim K. says
Not gonna lie–a cold beer!!!
Jenny Armistead says
I love baking and reading cookbooks!
Betty in SCal says
ice cream!
Anna R says
Definately will have to try these
Chris says
Lime and pepper chicken wings washed down with a Corona and lime!
jennifer page says
looks like a fab book!!
Debby says
Can’t wait to try the Panko cookies!
John says
Frozen grapes…yum!
Debbie says
S’mores on the beach! Love them. 🙂
Gina says
margaritas!
GloriaT says
Love cold melon at the beach!
LenaB says
If there’s fresh local shrimp available, – gotta have that! Fresh-squeezed lemonade, sweet-tea, watermelon, tuna & chicken salad sandwiches, corn on the cob, and these panko cookies look like they could become a new sweet treat!
Linda Seablom says
I love picnics on the beach followed by a fire and smores at night!
Debra says
Fun recipes!
Lisa @ Cooking with Curls says
I love panko and use it all of the time, but I never would have thought to put it in cookies. 😉 My favorite is salt water taffy at the beach!
Susan C says
Everything looks yummy. Sitting on the beach with a special treat reading all about panko cookies…
Phyllis says
Don’t really have a favorite beach treat. If I had to pick something, I think it would be ice cream in a waffle cone
Mackey says
We always have some homemade ice cream in our baskets when we go to the beach, usually strawberry-almond, my favorite.
Sheila Clissold says
Ice cream sandwiches are my favorite beach treat!
Miranda Bass says
Love a cup of hot coffee in my hand on a chilly oregon beach morning watching the waves 🙂
Joel says
The beach for me doesn’t make me think of treats per se… The warm fuzzy memory of beach food for me is always my mom’s clam chowder while camping.
Matthew Ward says
Something cold, fruity and refreshing!!!!!
angie L says
Love strawberry daiquiris!
Cathy Tuggle says
My favorite place to visit is the beach. Since I live close to the northern coast of Ca. I am so fortunate to have many beaches to visit. My favorite beach is Point Reyes, close to there I can go buy fresh oysters and bbq them at Sir Francis Drake.
Needless to say these cookies look like they would go great with a fresh iced glass of lemonade for dessert.
Mary says
Those cookies look awesome!
Jeff Hite says
Gathered around a beach firepit enjoying stories and S’mores with friends!
Dawn Onuffer says
How fun! Would love to have that cookbook!
Christy Spurlock says
S’mores or anything with Lemon!
Lynna says
Popsicles!! Or a frozen chocolate banana. Hehe.
These cookies sound so interesting!! I mean, i love panko! Who would`ve thought to add them to cookies!
Patsy says
If you recommend it then I can’t wait to try the recipes in this book. I love your recipes. =)
carmen says
frozen drinks and boiled peanuts!
Cindy says
A tall glass of iced tea is my favorite treat to enjoy at the beach.
Ritika says
Popsicles
Ann Bimberg says
Growing up, beach cooking meant hot dogs, smores, and root beer!
Linda says
Drinks on the beach at suinset : )
Lori E says
Store in an air tight container…. bwahahaaa as if there would be any left to store. Easy sounding recipe.
Karla says
Minus pecans and add the panko, this recipe is exactly the Russian Tea Cake / Mexican Wedding Cakes recipe in the 1950’s Betty Crocker Cookbook. My absolute favorite! I can mix these up by heart (and have several times late at night when my sweet tooth takes over).
I have panko in my pantry and will definitely be making these soon.. would never have thought to add panko. These are a shortbread and just melt in your mouth! Than you!
Charlyene Cisneros says
I make cookies and freeze the dough at Christmas time or bake a few when the neighbor kids come over so they are fresh. Can I make this dough form the cookie to freeze and bake later. Thank u
Cathy says
Yes.
Jan Heil says
It says 10 servings but how much is a serving? In other words, how many cookies doe it make?
Cathy says
10
Lauren Kelly says
I think this is my new favorite summer treat!
Beth says
Yahoo! I think I have all the ingredients to make these cookies today!
wilhelmina says
These cookies really are magic! The batch I made disappeared in less than a day!
Toni says
This is such a great cookie recipe!! My kids loved it!
Suzy says
Love how simple the ingredients list is! Never knew you could use panko in cookies but wow, they turned out great!
Lori says
Can I freeze the panko cookies after I bake them?