Delicious Chinese New Year Cookie Recipes to Impress Your Guests
Introduction
Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and indulging in delicious treats. One of the most beloved traditions during this festive season is the exchange of cookies. These delectable treats not only satisfy our taste buds but also symbolize good luck and prosperity for the coming year. If you're looking to impress your guests with some mouth-watering Chinese New Year cookies, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will share with you a collection of irresistible cookie recipes that are guaranteed to wow your guests. From classic favorites to unique twists, these recipes are sure to be a hit during the Lunar New Year celebrations. So let's dive in and discover the secrets to creating these delightful treats!
Traditional Chinese New Year Cookies
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. One of the highlights of this festive occasion is the wide variety of traditional cookies that are prepared and enjoyed. These cookies not only symbolize good fortune and prosperity but also serve as delightful treats for guests. In this article, we will explore two popular Chinese New Year cookies: Almond Cookies and Pineapple Tarts.
Almond Cookies
Almond cookies are a staple during Chinese New Year festivities. These delectable treats are not only easy to make but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The main ingredients include almond flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolks. The almond flour gives these cookies a rich and nutty flavor, while the butter adds a hint of indulgence.
To make Almond Cookies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and almond flour, and mix until well combined. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Gently press each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple Tarts are another popular Chinese New Year delicacy that will impress your guests. These bite-sized treats consist of a buttery pastry filled with sweet and tangy pineapple jam. The combination of the buttery crust and the fruity jam creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
To make Pineapple Tarts, you will need to prepare both the pastry and the pineapple jam. For the pastry, combine butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in flour until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple jam by cooking fresh pineapple chunks with sugar until thickened. Once the jam has cooled, roll the pastry dough into small balls and flatten them into discs. Spoon a small amount of pineapple jam onto each disc and shape them into tarts. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Chinese New Year cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup ground peanuts
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or Asian market. Make sure to check your pantry before heading out to avoid any unnecessary trips.
The combination of these ingredients adds a unique flavor and texture to the cookies, making them perfect for the Lunar New Year celebration. The use of almond flour, ground peanuts, and sesame seeds provides a nutty and aromatic taste that will impress your guests.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to move on to the next step of the recipe. Stay tuned for detailed instructions on how to prepare the dough and bake these mouth-watering Chinese New Year cookies!
Almond Cookies
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
To make delicious almond cookies for Chinese New Year, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of almond flour
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Whole almonds for garnish
Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gradually add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Press a whole almond into the indentation.
Step 4: Bake and cool
Bake the almond cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once the almond cookies have cooled completely, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them to your guests during Chinese New Year celebrations or store them in an airtight container for later. These delightful treats will surely impress your guests with their delicious almond flavor and delicate texture.
Now that you have the recipe for almond cookies, you can add them to your collection of Chinese New Year treats. Enjoy the process of making these mouth-watering cookies and share them with your loved ones as you celebrate the Lunar New Year. Happy baking!
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple tarts are a must-have treat during Chinese New Year celebrations. These delectable cookies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create these irresistible treats.
Step 1: Make the pineapple jam
To make the pineapple jam, you'll need fresh pineapples, sugar, and a bit of patience. Start by peeling and coring the pineapples, then chop them into small pieces. Place the chopped pineapples in a blender and pulse until you have a coarse mixture.
Transfer the pineapple mixture to a large saucepan and add sugar. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. This process can take around 1 to 2 hours, so be patient as the flavors develop.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
While the pineapple jam is cooling, it's time to prepare the dough for the tarts. You'll need butter, icing sugar, egg yolks, flour, and cornstarch. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolks and mix well.
Next, sift in the flour and cornstarch, and gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Step 3: Assemble the tarts
Once the pineapple jam and dough are ready, it's time to assemble the tarts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball, about the size of a marble.
Flatten the dough ball with your palm and place a teaspoonful of pineapple jam in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the jam and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the dough and jam are used.
Arrange the filled tarts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each tart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tarts turn golden brown.
Step 4: Bake and glaze
While the tarts are baking, prepare a simple glaze to add a glossy finish to the cookies. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg yolk and a teaspoon of milk. Once the tarts are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the glaze over the top of each tart.
Return the tarts to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Indulge!
Allow the pineapple tarts to cool completely before enjoying their mouthwatering flavors. These treats are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Now that you have mastered the art of making pineapple tarts, it's time to impress your guests with these irresistible Chinese New Year cookies. Enjoy the festive season and indulge in these delectable treats!
Modern Twists on Traditional Recipes
Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Elevate your Chinese New Year festivities with a modern twist on traditional cookie recipes. One delicious option is Matcha Shortbread Cookies. These delightful treats combine the earthy flavors of matcha with the buttery goodness of shortbread.
To make Matcha Shortbread Cookies, start by sifting together flour, matcha powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Next, roll the dough into a log shape and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Once chilled, slice the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. The result is a delicate and flavorful cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
Red Bean Thumbprint Cookies
Another modern twist on a classic recipe is Red Bean Thumbprint Cookies. These cookies offer a unique and delicious flavor combination by incorporating red bean paste into the dough.
To make Red Bean Thumbprint Cookies, start by creaming together butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Gradually add flour and cornstarch to the mixture until a soft dough forms.
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of red bean paste. You can either make your own red bean paste or purchase it from a store specializing in Asian ingredients.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely before serving. The combination of the buttery cookie base and the sweet, nutty red bean filling is sure to impress your guests.
With these modern twists on traditional Chinese New Year cookie recipes, you can add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether you choose to indulge in Matcha Shortbread Cookies or Red Bean Thumbprint Cookies, your guests will be impressed by these delectable treats. Embrace the flavors of the season and enjoy the festivities with these mouth-watering delights.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Chinese New Year cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter: 1 cup (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Egg yolks: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Sesame seeds: for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start making the cookies.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions to create these delectable treats:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Add the egg mixture to the dough and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them.
- Gently press each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- If desired, sprinkle the cookies with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These homemade Chinese New Year cookies are sure to impress your guests with their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. Enjoy these delightful treats during the Lunar New Year festivities and share the joy with your loved ones.
Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
To make delicious matcha shortbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup matcha powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 2: Mix and chill the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Once the dough comes together, shape it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 3: Shape and bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Sprinkle with matcha
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, sift a small amount of matcha powder over the top for an extra touch of flavor and a vibrant green color.
- Gently press the powder into the cookies to ensure it sticks.
Step 5: Savor the flavor!
These matcha shortbread cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat during Chinese New Year celebrations. The combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and the subtle earthy flavor of matcha creates a truly delightful treat. Serve them to your guests and watch as they savor every bite.
Enjoy these homemade matcha shortbread cookies and impress your guests with your baking skills during the Lunar New Year festivities!
Red Bean Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the red bean paste
To make the delicious red bean thumbprint cookies, you'll first need to prepare the red bean paste. This sweet and creamy filling adds a burst of flavor to the cookies. Here's how you can make it:
- Start by soaking the red beans in water overnight. This will help soften them and make them easier to cook.
- Drain the soaked red beans and transfer them to a saucepan. Add enough water to cover the beans and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they are tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the beans are cooked, drain any excess water and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.
- Transfer the red bean paste back to the saucepan and add sugar to taste. Cook the paste over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove the red bean paste from the heat and let it cool completely before using it as a filling for the thumbprint cookies.
Step 2: Create the cookie dough
Now that you have the red bean paste ready, it's time to make the cookie dough. This buttery and crumbly dough will serve as the base for the thumbprint cookies. Here's how you can make it:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand.
- Add an egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape.
Step 3: Form and indent the cookies
Once the cookie dough has chilled, it's time to shape the cookies. This step requires a bit of precision, as you'll need to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie for the red bean filling. Here's how you can do it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take a small portion of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball, about the size of a walnut.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Fill with red bean paste
Now that the cookies are shaped and indented, it's time to fill them with the delicious red bean paste. Here's how you can do it:
- Spoon a small amount of the prepared red bean paste into the indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling may overflow during baking.
- Repeat this process until all the cookies are filled with the red bean paste.
Step 5: Bake and relish
The final step is to bake the cookies to perfection and enjoy their delightful flavors. Here's how you can do it:
- Place the baking sheet with the filled cookies into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will allow them to set and firm up.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. As they cool, the red bean filling will set and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them to your guests and watch as they are impressed by your homemade CNY treats.
Now you have a recipe for delicious red bean thumbprint cookies that are sure to impress your guests during the Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy these mouth-watering treats and celebrate the festive season in style.
Conclusion
By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can easily recreate these delectable treats in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are designed to be accessible to all skill levels.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients and take your time with each recipe to ensure the best results. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the cookies by experimenting with different flavors and decorations.
Hosting a Lunar New Year gathering? These homemade cookies will surely impress your guests and make the festivities even more memorable. So gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves, and start baking these delightful treats today.
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year filled with love, happiness, and, of course, delicious cookies! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
