Delightful Homemade Chinese Cookies: New York Bakery Style Recipe Revealed

Craving the unforgettable taste of New York bakery Chinese cookies? Look no further! With this recipe, you can recreate these delightful treats at home, featuring the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch.

To make these cookies, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, and cake flour. With these ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create delicious Chinese cookies that are perfect for any occasion. You can also experiment with different variations and add your own special touches to make the recipe your own.

If you're looking for a new cookie recipe to try, New York bakery style Chinese cookies are definitely worth a try. With their unique flavour and texture, they're sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Plus, they're easy to make, so you can enjoy them anytime you want.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cookies are a delicious and unique treat that you can easily make at home.
• The essential ingredients for New York bakery style Chinese cookies include sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, and cake flour.
• You can experiment with different variations and add your own special touches to make the recipe your own.

Understanding Chinese Cookies

Chinese sweets are a popular and well-loved part of Chinese cuisine, and Chinese cookies are no exception. These cookies are a staple in Chinese bakeries and are enjoyed by people of all ages. If you're interested in learning more about Chinese cookies, keep reading.

History and Origin

The history of Chinese cookies can be traced back to ancient China, where they were first made as a type of pastry. Over time, the recipe evolved and was adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Today, Chinese cookies are enjoyed all over the world and are a popular item in Chinese bakeries.

Types of Chinese Cookies

There are many different types of Chinese cookies, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Some of the most popular types include:

• Red bean cookies: These cookies are made with red bean paste and are a popular dessert in China.

• Pineapple cookies: These cookies are made with pineapple jam and are a favourite in Taiwan.

• Almond cookies: These cookies are made with almond flour and are a popular item in Chinese bakeries.

• Sesame cookies: These cookies are made with sesame seeds and have a nutty flavour.

When it comes to making Chinese cookies, there are many different recipes to choose from. If you're looking for a traditional recipe, try making New York Bakery Style Chinese Cookies. This recipe calls for ingredients like sugar, vegetable shortening, egg, vanilla, cake flour, baking soda, and salt.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding seafood to your Chinese cookies. Shrimp or crab meat can be used to make savoury cookies, while squid or octopus can be used to make sweet cookies. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly and use fresh seafood for the best results.

In conclusion, Chinese cookies are a delicious and popular part of Chinese cuisine. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or want to try something new, there are many different types of Chinese cookies to choose from. So why not give them a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making New York Bakery Style Chinese Cookies, there are a few essential ingredients that you need to have on hand. Here are the key ingredients that you should consider using in your recipe:

Flour Varieties

For this recipe, it is best to use cake flour. Cake flour is a low-protein flour that is finely milled, which makes it perfect for creating a tender and delicate cookie. If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

Sweeteners and Fats

Sugar is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it provides the cookies with their sweetness. You can use granulated sugar or caster sugar, depending on your preference. In addition to sugar, you will also need vegetable shortening. It is recommended to use vegetable shortening instead of butter because it helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them a tender texture.

Leavening Agents and Flavours

Baking soda is the leavening agent used in this recipe. It helps the cookies rise and gives them a slightly crisp texture. Vanilla extract is also used to add flavour to the cookies. You can use pure vanilla extract or imitation vanilla extract, depending on your preference.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your cookies, you can also include ground nuts or chocolate chips. These ingredients will give your cookies a delicious crunch and a rich flavour. You can also use cornstarch to help make your cookies more tender.

If you want to experiment with the recipe, you could try adding some seafood to the mix. For example, you could add some chopped shrimp or crab meat to the cookie dough. This would give the cookies a unique flavour and texture that would be perfect for seafood lovers.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Preparing the Dough

To make New York Bakery Style Chinese Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: unsweetened cocoa powder, milk, ground walnuts, walnut halves

Begin by mixing the sugar and vegetable shortening together in a large mixing bowl until they are well combined. Then, add in the egg and vanilla, and continue to mix until the mixture is smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Shaping and Decorating

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Take one portion of the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out into a log shape. Brush the log with egg wash and roll it in ground walnuts or unsweetened cocoa powder, if desired. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the log into small pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.

Place the pieces onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. If you want to add a decorative touch, press a walnut half onto the top of each cookie.

Repeat the process with the remaining portion of dough.

Baking and Cooling

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed!

If you want to add a seafood twist to this recipe, you can try adding chopped shrimp or crab meat to the dough before shaping and decorating the cookies. The seafood will add a delicious flavour and texture to the cookies that you're sure to love.

Special Variations and Tips

Nutty Additions and Substitutes

If you want to add some nutty flavour to your New York Bakery Style Chinese Cookies, you can try substituting some of the flour with ground walnuts or adding walnut halves on top of the cookies before baking. You could also try adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the recipe to make chocolate and walnut cookies. If you want to make marble cookies, you can divide the dough in half and add cocoa powder to one half and vanilla extract to the other half. Then, roll out the dough and twist the two colours together before baking.

Festive Decorating Ideas

Chinese Cookies can be a great addition to any festive occasion. You can decorate them with candy sprinkles, chocolate stars, or sprinkles to make them look more festive. For Halloween, you can use orange and black sprinkles or candy corn. For Christmas, you can use red and green sprinkles or melted chocolate to make a Christmas tree or snowflake design. If you want to make a filling, you can use chocolate fudge or melted chocolate to sandwich two cookies together.

When it comes to gift-giving, Chinese Cookies make a great present. You can pack them in a box or a jar and add a ribbon or a tag to make them look more presentable. If you want to make them more special, you can add some seafood to the recipe. For example, you can add some dried shrimp or scallops to the dough to give it a unique taste. However, make sure to check if your guests are vegetarian or allergic to seafood before adding it to the recipe.

Nutrition and Storage

Caloric and Nutritional Information

If you are conscious about your calorie intake, you might want to limit your consumption of these delicious New York Bakery Style Chinese Cookies. Each serving contains approximately 1335 calories. The cookies also have a high content of sugar and vegetable shortening. However, they do not contain any fiber or protein, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Proper Storage Techniques

To keep your cookies fresh and crispy, it is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to a week if stored properly. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a month.

When storing the cookies, make sure that they are cooled completely before placing them in the container. If you store them while they are still warm, they will become soggy and lose their crispy, crumbly texture.

If you want to roast some nuts and add them to the cookie dough, you can use almonds or walnuts. These nuts will give the cookies a nutty and roast flavour that complements the sweetness of the dough. You can also add seafood to the recipe if you want to experiment. For example, you can add some dried shrimp to the dough to give the cookies a unique flavour. However, be aware that seafood might not be to everyone's taste, so it is best to try this out on a small batch of cookies first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chinese cookies from a New York bakery?

To make Chinese cookies from a New York bakery, you will need sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until the dough is formed. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.

What's the simplest way to bake Chinese almond cookies?

The simplest way to bake Chinese almond cookies is to combine almond flour, sugar, eggs, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until the dough is formed. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Press the dough balls with a fork to flatten them slightly. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Can I substitute almond flour in Chinese cookie recipes?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour in Chinese cookie recipes. Almond flour is a great substitute for regular flour in gluten-free baking. It gives the cookies a nutty flavour and a crumbly texture. You can use almond flour in place of regular flour in most Chinese cookie recipes.

What's the origin of Chinese cookies found in Jewish bakeries?

The origin of Chinese cookies found in Jewish bakeries is not clear. However, it is believed that Jewish immigrants in New York City were inspired by Chinese almond cookies and started baking them in their bakeries. The cookies became popular among Jewish communities and are now a staple in Jewish bakeries.

How do you add a chocolate centre to Chinese cookies?

To add a chocolate centre to Chinese cookies, you will need chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Roll the cookie dough into small balls and press them down slightly. Place a piece of chocolate in the centre of each cookie dough ball and roll the dough around it. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.

What significance does the almond have in Chinese New Year celebrations?

Almonds are a symbol of good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. They are often used in Chinese New Year celebrations to bring good luck and prosperity. Almond cookies are a popular dessert during Chinese New Year celebrations and are often given as gifts to family and friends.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can add some seafood to your Chinese cookie recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a great addition to the cookies. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it into the cookie dough before baking. The seafood will add a unique flavour and texture to the cookies that your guests will love.