I still remember the first time I crumbled toasted panko into a cookie dough batch in my small kitchen—it smelled like home and adventure all at once. Since then, Panko Cookies have become a family favorite at Eminent Recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. This panko cookies recipe is quick, easy, and customizable, letting you enjoy crispy, golden desserts while keeping the process stress-free and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a panko cookies recipe that combines crispy texture with soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers, this one is a must-try. At Eminent Recipes (https://eminentrecipes.com/about-me/), we focus on dishes that are quick, family-friendly, and customizable, and these panko cookies fit the bill perfectly. Whether you want classic panko cookies, panko chocolate chip cookies, or an Italian-style dessert, this recipe is versatile for busy weeknights, holiday treats, or special occasions. The use of panko breadcrumbs gives every bite a delightful crunch that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes. You can easily adjust mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest to match your taste preferences. Quick to prepare and bake, this panko cookies recipe brings comfort and creativity together, making it ideal for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a fun twist. Once you try these crispy panko cookies, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients for This Recipe
For this panko cookies recipe, each ingredient is chosen to create the perfect balance of crispiness and softness. The panko breadcrumbs are the star, giving the cookies a light, airy crunch that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking soda ensures the cookies rise just right. Butter and sugars create a rich, tender base, and the egg and vanilla bring flavor and moisture. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest allow for customization, making this panko cookies recipe versatile for different tastes and occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
How to Make This Recipe
This panko cookies recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Toasting the panko breadcrumbs intensifies their crunch, while the combination of butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar creates a rich, tender dough. Flour and baking soda provide structure and lift, and the egg and vanilla enhance moisture and flavor. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest add variety, making this panko cookies recipe fully customizable for any occasion or dessert craving.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then let cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and the cooled toasted panko. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
Step 4: Fold in optional mix-ins like 1 cup chocolate chips, ½ cup chopped nuts, or zest of 1 lemon or orange.
Step 5: Scoop cookie dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
Step 6: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve crispy, flavorful panko cookies as a family-friendly treat or dessert for any occasion.

Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering this panko cookies recipe is all about understanding how each ingredient affects texture and flavor. The panko breadcrumbs are essential for that signature crispy crunch, while flour and baking soda provide structure and the perfect rise. Butter and sugars create tenderness and sweetness, and the egg and vanilla ensure moisture and rich flavor. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest make this panko cookies recipe fully customizable, allowing you to create family-friendly desserts or holiday treats effortlessly.
💡 Expert Tips:
Tip 1: Toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before mixing. This intensifies the crispy texture and prevents soggy cookies.
Tip 2: Use room-temperature butter and egg. This ensures smoother mixing and even baking for the panko cookies recipe.
Tip 3: Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour and panko. Overmixing can make cookies dense instead of soft and crunchy.
Tip 4: Customize your cookies with chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest. These mix-ins enhance flavor while keeping the panko cookies recipe versatile for all occasions.
Tip 5: Bake in batches with enough spacing. Panko cookies spread slightly and need room to maintain their crisp edges.

FAQs
What makes this panko cookies recipe different from traditional cookies?
This panko cookies recipe uses panko breadcrumbs to create a unique crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Unlike standard cookies, the panko adds a light crunch that makes every bite extra satisfying.
Can I make panko chocolate chip cookies with this recipe?
Yes! Simply fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious panko chocolate chip cookies variation. The crispy panko and sweet chocolate complement each other perfectly.
Are these panko cookies customizable for holidays or special occasions?
Absolutely. You can add nuts, citrus zest, or even small candies to make this panko cookies recipe perfect for holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Baking straight from chilled dough will still yield crispy, golden panko cookies.
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This panko cookies recipe is the ultimate combination of crispy edges, soft centers, and customizable flavors. Using panko breadcrumbs gives each cookie a light, airy crunch that sets it apart from traditional cookies. Whether you’re making panko chocolate chip cookies, Italian-style holiday treats, or simply a quick family-friendly dessert, this recipe is easy, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy crispy, flavorful panko cookies that everyone will love.
Print
Panko Cookies
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden cookies made with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch while staying soft inside. Perfect as a snack or holiday treat, these cookies can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest for added flavor.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Oven & Panko
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cooled toasted panko. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Texture Tip: Toasting panko gives extra crunch.
- Flavor Variations: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest for a seasonal twist.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American Inspired
