Chinese New Year Cookies Recipe: How to Make Traditional Treats

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. One of the most popular foods during this festive season is Chinese New Year cookies. These cookies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavours and are often given as gifts to family and friends.

To make your own Chinese New Year cookies, you will need some essential ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Traditional recipes for Chinese New Year cookies include almond cookies, sesame cookies, and peanut cookies. However, there are also modern twists on these traditional recipes that incorporate new ingredients such as matcha, chocolate, and even seafood.

When baking Chinese New Year cookies, it is important to follow proper baking techniques and tips to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly. Decorating and presenting your cookies is also an important aspect of Chinese New Year traditions. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making Chinese New Year cookies, from essential ingredients to baking techniques and tips, to decorating and presenting your cookies.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese New Year cookies are a popular food during the festive season.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese New Year cookies include flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
• Traditional recipes and modern twists on Chinese New Year cookies are available, with some recipes incorporating seafood as an ingredient.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese New Year Cookies

When it comes to making Chinese New Year cookies, choosing the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavour. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the essential ingredients that you'll need to make delicious Chinese New Year cookies.

Choosing the Right Flour

Flour is a crucial ingredient in any cookie recipe, and Chinese New Year cookies are no exception. While all-purpose flour is the most commonly used type of flour in cookie recipes, you can also use other types of flour to achieve different textures and flavours. For example, almond flour can be used to create a nutty flavour and a crumbly texture, while rice flour can be used to create a lighter, crispier cookie.

The Role of Fats: Butter and Peanut Butter

Fats play a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavour in Chinese New Year cookies. Butter is the most commonly used fat in cookie recipes, as it adds richness and flavour. Peanut butter is another popular choice, as it adds a nutty flavour and a chewy texture to cookies. For a healthier option, you can also use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter.

Sweetening with Sugars and Alternative Sweeteners

Sweetening is another important aspect of Chinese New Year cookies. Granulated sugar is the most commonly used sweetener in cookie recipes, but you can also use other types of sugar to achieve different flavours and textures. For example, brown sugar can be used to create a caramel flavour and a chewy texture, while powdered sugar can be used to create a lighter, crumblier cookie. You can also use alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to your Chinese New Year cookie recipe. For example, you can add dried shrimp or scallops to create a savoury flavour and a crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can add dried squid or cuttlefish to create a sweet and savoury flavour. Just be sure to soak the seafood in water before adding it to the cookie dough to prevent it from becoming too tough.

Traditional Recipes and Modern Twists

If you're looking to make Chinese New Year cookies, you can't go wrong with traditional recipes. Classic almond and peanut cookies are always a hit, and they're easy to make. The dough is usually made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and then flavoured with either almond or peanut butter. These cookies are perfect for dipping in tea or enjoying as a snack.

Classic Almond and Peanut Cookies

To make Chinese almond cookies, you'll need:

• 200g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp almond extract
• A handful of flaked almonds

To make Chinese peanut cookies, you'll need:

• 200g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 100g peanut butter

To make either type of cookie, simply mix the ingredients together (except for the flaked almonds or peanut butter, which should be added last), roll the dough into balls, and flatten them slightly with a fork. Then, place them on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Innovative Variations: Matcha and Black Sesame

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, why not try matcha cookies or black sesame shortbread cookies? Matcha is a type of green tea powder that's become increasingly popular in recent years, and it gives these cookies a vibrant green colour and a slightly bitter flavour. Black sesame seeds, on the other hand, give these cookies a nutty, savoury flavour that's perfect for those who prefer less sweet treats.

To make matcha cookies, you'll need:

• 200g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp matcha powder

To make black sesame shortbread cookies, you'll need:

• 200g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 50g black sesame seeds

To make either type of cookie, simply mix the ingredients together (except for the matcha powder or black sesame seeds, which should be added last), roll the dough into balls, and flatten them slightly with a fork. Then, place them on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

As a suggestion, you could also try adding seafood to your Chinese New Year cookie recipe. For example, you could make shrimp dumplings or crab cakes to serve alongside your cookies. Seafood is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it would be a great addition to your Chinese New Year feast.

Baking Techniques and Tips

Achieving the Perfect Texture

When it comes to Chinese New Year cookies, the texture is just as important as the taste. You want your cookies to be melt-in-your-mouth and have the perfect crunch. Achieving this texture requires attention to detail during the baking process.

Firstly, make sure to use parchment paper on your baking tray. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking to the tray and ensures even baking. It also makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, make sure your cookie dough is at room temperature before baking. This will help ensure that the cookies bake evenly. If your dough is too cold, it may not spread out properly, resulting in unevenly baked cookies.

Lastly, consider using a convection oven for baking. Convection ovens circulate hot air, resulting in more even baking and a crispier texture. If you don't have a convection oven, simply reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Expert Tips for Even Baking

If you want to take your Chinese New Year cookies to the next level, consider these expert tips:

• Use a baking tray with a light-colored surface. Dark surfaces can absorb more heat, resulting in uneven baking.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure that your cookies are all the same size. This will help them bake evenly.
• Don't overcrowd your baking tray. Leave at least an inch of space between each cookie to ensure even baking.
• Rotate your baking tray halfway through the baking process. This will help ensure that the cookies bake evenly on all sides.
• If you want to add a unique twist to your Chinese New Year cookies, consider adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a delicious addition to traditional cookie recipes. Just make sure to chop the seafood finely and cook it before adding it to the cookie dough.

Decorating and Presenting Your Cookies

Once you have baked your Chinese New Year cookies, it's time to decorate them and present them in a way that will bring good fortune and prosperity to your loved ones. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Simple Icing and Embellishments

One of the easiest ways to decorate your cookies is with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water. Mix the two ingredients together until you have a smooth, runny consistency, and then drizzle it over your cookies. You can also add food colouring to the icing to create different colours.

To add some extra flair to your cookies, consider using edible embellishments like gold leaf, silver balls, or edible glitter. These will give your cookies a festive and celebratory feel, and will make them stand out from the crowd.

Packaging Cookies for Gifting

If you're planning on giving your cookies as gifts, it's important to package them in a way that shows you care. Consider using Chinese takeout boxes, red envelopes, or small gift bags to hold your cookies. You can also tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the packaging to add a finishing touch.

To make your gift even more special, include a note that says "新年快乐" (Happy New Year) or "恭喜发财" (Wishing you prosperity) with your cookies. This will show your loved ones that you put thought and care into their gift.

As a suggestion, you can also use seafood in your recipe to make your cookies more unique and delicious. For example, you can add dried shrimp or scallops to your sesame cookies to give them a savoury flavour. Alternatively, you can use fish-shaped cookie cutters to make fish-shaped cookies, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

When it comes to Chinese New Year cookies, it's important to be mindful of their nutritional value and dietary considerations. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for some popular Chinese New Year cookies, along with some suggestions for making them healthier.

Calories and Carbohydrates

Chinese New Year cookies are often high in calories and carbohydrates, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation. For example, a single peanut cookie can contain up to 80 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates. If you're watching your calorie intake, consider limiting your consumption of these cookies or opting for smaller portions.

Gluten-Free and Protein

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond cookies are a great choice. They're made with almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Almond cookies are also a good source of protein, with around 2 grams per cookie.

Fat and Fiber

Many Chinese New Year cookies are high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, some cookies, such as cashew nut cookies, are lower in fat than others. Additionally, some cookies, such as peanut cookies, are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.

Sodium, Potassium, and Iron

Chinese New Year cookies are generally not a significant source of sodium, potassium, or iron. If you're looking to boost your intake of these nutrients, consider incorporating seafood into your Chinese New Year cookie recipe. For example, you could add chopped shrimp or crabmeat to your almond cookie dough for a delicious and nutrient-rich twist.

Overall, Chinese New Year cookies can be a delicious and festive treat, but it's important to be aware of their nutritional value and dietary considerations. By making some simple substitutions and additions, you can enjoy these cookies as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make traditional almond cookies for Chinese New Year?

To make traditional almond cookies for Chinese New Year, you will need almond flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together until you have a smooth dough. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the cookies in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool before serving.

Can you suggest an easy recipe for Chinese New Year sugar cookies?

Yes, an easy recipe for Chinese New Year sugar cookies is to mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt together. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the cookies in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool before serving.

What are the top cookie varieties to serve during Chinese New Year celebrations?

The top cookie varieties to serve during Chinese New Year celebrations include almond cookies, sesame cookies, peanut cookies, and pineapple tarts. These cookies are often served as they symbolize good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

Are there any halal cookie recipes suitable for Chinese New Year?

Yes, there are several halal cookie recipes suitable for Chinese New Year. You can make halal almond cookies, sesame cookies, peanut cookies, or pineapple tarts by using halal ingredients. Some recipes may also suggest the use of seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to add a unique flavour to the cookies.

How do you incorporate chow mein noodles into Chinese New Year cookies?

To incorporate chow mein noodles into Chinese New Year cookies, you can mix the noodles with melted chocolate or caramel. Once the noodles are coated, you can shape them into small clusters and let them cool on a baking sheet. These clusters can be served as a crunchy and sweet snack during Chinese New Year celebrations.

What's the secret to making authentic Chinese fortune cookies?

The secret to making authentic Chinese fortune cookies is to use a thin and pliable batter made from flour, sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Once the batter is mixed, it is spread thinly on a baking sheet and baked until it is lightly golden brown. The fortune is then placed on the cookie, and the cookie is folded in half to create its signature shape.