I didn’t grow up calling these “gold coin” cookies, but the first time I made them, that name just made sense. They’re small, round, lightly golden, and honestly feel a little fancy even though the ingredients are super basic. The kind of cookie you make when you want something sweet without turning your kitchen upside down.
What I love most is how simple they are. No chilling dough. No complicated steps. Just mix, pipe, bake, done. And somehow they still come out tasting like something from a bakery window.
I started making these on a random afternoon when I didn’t want to deal with rolling dough. Now they’ve become my go-to when I need a quick batch for guests, tea time, or honestly just when I want my house to smell like vanilla and butter.
There’s something really comforting about small cookies. They bake fast, they cool fast, and you can grab one every time you walk past the tray without committing to a full dessert situation.
The texture is what hooked me. Slightly crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and light. Not heavy like some butter cookies. These feel airy, almost delicate, but still satisfying.
I also like that they don’t require perfection. The shapes don’t have to match. Some come out bigger, some smaller. That unevenness actually makes them feel more homemade, which I prefer.
I start by beating the eggs really well. Not just a quick stir. I whisk until they look slightly frothy. This helps give the cookies that light texture later.
If I rush this step, the cookies turn out flatter. Learned that the hard way once.
Next, I mix in the sugar, vanilla essence, and the melted ghee or butter. Then I add a few drops of yellow color.
The batter already starts smelling like a bakery at this point. That’s usually when someone walks into the kitchen asking what I’m making.
I add the maida, baking powder, and baking soda together. Then gently fold everything until it forms a smooth batter.
I don’t overmix. Once it looks combined, I stop. Overworking it makes the cookies lose that soft feel.
I grease a baking tray lightly so nothing sticks. You don’t need a thick layer, just enough to prevent browning on the bottom.
Then I transfer the batter into a piping bag. If I don’t feel like using a nozzle, I just snip the tip. Works fine.
I pipe small round portions onto the tray, leaving a little space between each one. They spread slightly while baking.
They don’t have to be perfect circles. Mine never are. They still bake beautifully.
I bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Around the 20-minute mark, I start checking because every oven behaves differently. I look for lightly golden edges, not dark brown.
This part takes patience. Fresh out of the oven they’re very soft. If I try to move them too soon, they break.
After 10 minutes, they firm up just enough to lift easily.
Beating the eggs properly makes a difference. It’s a small step, but it’s what gives the cookies their lightness.
If the butter is too hot, it can mess with the batter texture. I let it cool for a minute before adding.
These cookies look best when they’re bite-sized. Larger ones don’t get that same delicate feel.
They go from pale to golden pretty quickly near the end. I stay nearby instead of walking away and forgetting.
Cooling is part of the baking process here. They set as they sit, so don’t skip that time.
I usually make these in the late afternoon, right when everyone starts craving something sweet but not heavy. They’re perfect with tea, coffee, or honestly even plain milk.
They store well in a simple container, but in my house they rarely last more than a day. Someone always sneaks a few. Then I sneak a few. Then suddenly the batch is gone.
What I appreciate most is how unfussy they are. No decorating. No layering. No stress. Just soft vanilla cookies that feel homemade in the best way possible.
And every time I bake them, that warm vanilla smell fills the kitchen again, which is reason enough for me to keep coming back to this recipe.
These delicate Gold Coin Vanilla Cookies are light, buttery, and infused with classic vanilla flavor. With a soft bakery-style texture and a hint of yellow food colour for that signature golden look, they're perfect for tea time, parties, or gifting. Easy to pipe and bake, these cookies bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Servings 10
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.