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Andes Surprise Pillow Cookies: A Minty Fresh Delight

Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around baking with my grandmother. While she was a master of many classic desserts, there was one particular treat that always held a special allure: Andes Surprise Pillow Cookies. I remember watching in fascination as she carefully arranged the mints on the dough, creating perfect little squares of peppermint bliss. The anticipation of that first bite, the cool mint meeting the buttery cookie, was pure magic. Though Grandma admitted these were a bit finicky, the joy they brought far outweighed any effort.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
Total Time: 52-55 minutes
Yields: 42-49 cookies
Serves: 42-49
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup butter flavor shortening (optional, instead of butter)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
42-49 Andes mints candies (28 mints per package)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Well-floured surface
Waxed paper
Pizza cutter or scalloped-edge pastry wheel
Cookie sheet

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect light-brown edge.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie base. If you opt for the butter flavored shortening, you may need to add 3-4 tablespoons of water.
In the same bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Continue to beat until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Divide the dough in half. On a well-floured surface, roll half of the dough into a 14 x 9 inch rectangle. Keep the surface well floured to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Andes mints evenly on the dough, forming 7 rows of 7 mints. You may only manage 6 rows of 7, depending on the size of your mints and rectangle. Leave enough room between the mints for your index finger to fit. Press the mints into the dough slightly; this helps them stay in place when you add the top layer.
Between two sheets of waxed paper, roll the remaining dough into a second 14 x 9 inch rectangle. Taping the bottom piece of waxed paper to the counter is extremely helpful in preventing it from sliding around.
Remove the top sheet of waxed paper from the second rectangle of dough. You can save this piece for cooling the finished cookies.
Carefully unroll the second layer over the mint covered dough. I recommend: Gently roll the second layer up loosely. Position two edges and slowly unroll over the mint covered dough. This prevents the dough from tearing and avoids disturbing the arrangement of mints.
Remove remaining waxed paper.
Using a pizza cutter or a scalloped-edge pastry wheel, cut the dough evenly between the mints. This will create individual pillow cookies.
Gently press the edges of each pillow to seal. This prevents the mints from melting out during baking.
Place the pillows on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are light brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool completely on the cookie sheet before storing. This allows the cookies to firm up and the mints to set.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use European-style butter with a higher fat content.
If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
Use a ruler to ensure your dough rectangles are the correct size for uniform cookies.
To prevent the mints from melting too much, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
If you don’t have waxed paper, you can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Andes Surprise Pillow Cookies as a delightful after-dinner treat, a festive addition to holiday gatherings, or a simple indulgence with a cup of coffee or tea.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	164.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	58%
Total Fat	10.6 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	16.7 mg	5%
Sodium	25.9 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	17.9 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	4.8 g	N/A
Protein	1.3 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

Chocolate Dough: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Different Mints: Experiment with other flavored mints, such as peppermint patties or York Peppermint Minis.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a brighter flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: The butter may be too soft. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.

Q: How do I prevent the mints from melting too much during baking?
A: Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have butter flavored shortening?
A: You can use all butter, but the cookies may be slightly less tender.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before rolling.

Final Thoughts

These Andes Surprise Pillow Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a sweet memory waiting to be made. While the process may require a bit of patience, the delightful combination of buttery cookie and cool mint is well worth the effort. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to create a batch of these irresistible treats. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations and substitutions to make them your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the sweet surprise bring joy to everyone’s day. Perhaps serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. Enjoy!

Andes Surprise Pillow Cookies Recipe