Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a tropical paradise. That’s when the idea struck me: why not capture the essence of the beloved Thai dessert, mango sticky rice, in a cookie? Enter the Mango Sticky Rice Cookies—these irresistibly chewy tropical treats are not only a fun twist on a classic dessert but also offer delightful variations, including gluten-free and vegan options. With a warm coconut base and a burst of mango sweetness, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings without any fast-food temptation. Curious how a simple cookie can evoke such flavor-packed memories? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together! Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible? Tropical Bliss: The fusion of creamy coconut and sweet mango brings the beloved Thai dessert into cookie form, making every bite feel like a vacation. Versatile Variations: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for something nut-free, this recipe offers alternatives to fit all dietary needs. Chewy Perfection: The unique addition of sticky rice contributes that signature chewy texture, setting these cookies apart from any ordinary treat. Quick Whip-Up: Enjoy the ease of creating these delightful cookies without sacrificing time—perfect for busy bakers craving homemade goodness. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These tropical cookies are sure to impress at any gathering, making them the perfect dessert to share; pair with coconut ice cream for an extra treat! Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • Unsalted Butter – For richness and flavor; swap for vegan butter to make it dairy-free. • Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor; no substitute needed. • White Sugar – Brings sweetness and structure; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a natural alternative. • Egg – Provides necessary structure; use flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan alternative. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; always go for pure for the best results. • Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; check freshness to ensure proper rise. • Salt – Balances sweetness and is essential for flavor. • All-Purpose Flour – The base for structure; use a gluten-free blend if needed. For the Mango Jam • Mangoes – Fresh or frozen, these offer the signature flavor; choose ripe mangoes for the best taste. • Granulated Sugar – Helps thicken the mango jam; adjust amount based on mango sweetness. For the Sticky Rice • Sweet Rice – Provides the chewy texture; do not substitute for regular rice. • Coconut Milk – Delivers creaminess and tropical flavor; essential for this recipe. • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds a hint of sweetness and creaminess; omit for a dairy-free version. These Mango Sticky Rice Cookies promise a delightful fusion of flavors that will whisk you away to a tropical paradise! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, forming a soft dough; chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Step 2: Make Mango Jam While the dough chills, prepare the mango jam by finely dicing 1 ripe mango and placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat, let it cool completely, and set aside for layering in the cookies. Step 3: Prepare Sticky Rice Next, rinse 1 cup of sweet rice under cold water until the water runs clear, ensuring it’s free from excess starch. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Once soaked, steam it in a bamboo steamer or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for 20-30 minutes until tender. Once done, mix the rice with ½ cup of coconut milk and ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess, then allow it to cool and thicken. Step 4: Assemble Cookies Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, scoop out dough balls about 2 tablespoons in size, spacing them 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a hollow in the center of each dough ball. Place a teaspoon of cooled mango jam into the hollow, filling it generously, then top each with a spoonful of the prepared sticky rice, gently pressing down to adhere. Step 5: Bake Bake the assembled Mango Sticky Rice Cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching closely. They should turn a lovely golden brown, with a slightly soft center indicating they’re perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to keep that delightful chewy texture. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Afterward, sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Mango Sticky Rice Cookies are now ready to bring a taste of tropical bliss to your dessert table! Make Ahead Options These Mango Sticky Rice Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save some time on dessert prep! You can prepare the cookie dough and mango jam up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first two steps of the recipe, then wrap the chilled dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The mango jam can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for the same duration. For the sticky rice, soak it up to 8 hours ahead of time and steam it when you’re ready to assemble the cookies. To maintain quality, ensure everything is cool before combining. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the prepared dough, fill it with the mango jam, top with sticky rice, and bake as directed for delightful, fresh cookies! How to Store and Freeze Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Airtight Container: Store your Mango Sticky Rice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and chewy. Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 3 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for the best flavor. Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookies for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before serving for that fresh-baked taste. Reheating: To revive their delicious chewiness, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes—this brings back their tropical allure! Expert Tips for Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, ripe mangoes for the best flavor in your Mango Sticky Rice Cookies. The sweetness is key! Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading and retains that irresistible chewy texture. Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close eye on baking time. Aim for a golden brown hue to avoid over-baking these tropical delights. Sticky Rice Selection: Use sweet rice for true chewiness. Avoid regular rice as it won’t give the same texture. Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a wire rack; this ensures they maintain their shape and texture. What to Serve with Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these tropical treats with delightful accompaniments that enhance their vibrant flavors. Coconut Ice Cream: The creamy coconut flavor beautifully complements the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast to their chewy texture. Each bite becomes a tropical indulgence that transports you to sandy beaches. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi adds a fresh, zesty touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies while elevating their fruity notes. Chai Latte: The warming spices of chai create a cozy pairing with the tropical flavors. Its aromatic essence adds depth, making each bite more comforting and heartwarming. Coconut Milk Beverage: A chilled glass of sweet coconut milk is a perfect match, harmonizing the creamy notes of the cookies and soothing any sweet tooth cravings. Mango Sorbet: For an extra mango hit, serve the cookies alongside a scoop of mango sorbet, enhancing the tropical experience with a cool, refreshing twist. Flaky Sea Salt Sprinkles: Don’t underestimate the power of finishing salt! A sprinkle on top intensifies the sweet and salty contrast, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea provides a light, herbal punch that nicely balances the rich sweetness of the cookies. It’s a perfect palate cleanser after a tropical treat. Hibiscus Iced Tea: The floral notes in hibiscus iced tea add a unique touch, complementing the cookies’ tropical flavors while providing a refreshing chill. Almond Milk: For a creamy, nutty alternative, serve almond milk. It beautifully complements the coconut flavors in the cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience. Make it a Platter: Create a dessert platter featuring the cookies, fruit dips, and various toppings for a fun and interactive dessert experience that everyone will love! Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Variations Feel free to explore these creative tweaks, bringing your unique touch to the tropical flavors! Vegan Twist: Use flaxseed meal or applesauce instead of egg, and replace regular butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free delight. These simple swaps keep the tropical essence intact, making it a guilt-free treat. Nut-Free Option: Omit any nuts from the recipe or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture. It’s all about enjoying those tropical flavors without worry! Gluten-Free Version: Choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain the chewy texture without gluten. Your guests will never know these are gluten-free; they’ll just savor the delicious taste. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, chocolatey variation that beautifully complements the tropical notes of mango and coconut. Who can resist chocolate? Tropical Fruit Medley: Instead of mango, try using diced pineapple or banana for a fruity twist. The different fruits will add a refreshing zing, bringing a new personality to each cookie! Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, sprinkle a tiny bit of cayenne pepper into the dough. Just a pinch will turn up the flavor dial and surprise your taste buds in an adventurous way! Coconut Crunch: Add toasted coconut flakes into the cookie dough for an extra tropical crunch. It enhances the coconut flavor while adding delightful texture. For more delicious ideas, try pairing these cookies with a side of Crispy Chilli Beef Rice for a savory treat or indulge in sweet treats like Cosmic Brownie Cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking journey! Mango Sticky Rice Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe mangoes for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for mangoes that have a slightly soft feel when gently pressed and a sweet aroma. Ripe mangoes should have vibrant, golden hues with minimal dark spots. Avoid any that are overly soft or have dark blemishes, as these indicate overripeness. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? Very! Place your Mango Sticky Rice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their chewy texture. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just remember to allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor experience! Can I freeze the cookies, and how? Absolutely! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. These cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or for a quick fix, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel. What if my dough is too sticky or crumbly? No worries at all! If your dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. If the dough is too crumbly, a small splash of milk can help bind it together. Remember, chilling the dough can also help stabilize it before shaping your cookies! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? The more the merrier! For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. For gluten-free variations, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Always check for any allergies or intolerances based on your guests’ needs, and you’re good to go! Mango Sticky Rice Cookies: Chewy Tropical Bliss Awaits Delight in these Mango Sticky Rice Cookies, a chewy twist on the classic Thai dessert, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: ThaiCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough½ cup Unsalted Butter or vegan butter for dairy-free½ cup Brown Sugar¼ cup White Sugar can substitute with coconut sugar1 large Egg or flaxseed meal/applesauce for vegan1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract use pure for best results1 teaspoon Baking Soda check freshness1 pinch Salt1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour use gluten-free blend if neededFor the Mango Jam1 large Mango ripe, fresh or frozen2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar adjust to tasteFor the Sticky Rice1 cup Sweet Rice do not substitute for regular rice½ cup Coconut Milk¼ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk omit for dairy-free Equipment Mixing bowlSaucepanBaking sheetParchment paperBamboo Steamer Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Mango Sticky Rice CookiesIn a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of white sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, forming a soft dough; chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.While the dough chills, prepare the mango jam by finely dicing 1 ripe mango and placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat, let it cool completely, and set aside for layering in the cookies.Next, rinse 1 cup of sweet rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once soaked, steam it for 20-30 minutes until tender. Mix the rice with ½ cup of coconut milk and ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess, then allow it to cool.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, scoop out dough balls about 2 tablespoons in size, spacing them 2 inches apart. Make a hollow in each ball, fill with mango jam, then top with sticky rice.Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown with a soft center. Avoid overbaking.Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best flavor, use fresh, ripe mangoes. Chill the dough to maintain the chewy texture. Store in an airtight container and can be frozen for later. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!