Chinese New Year Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the Lunar New Year, bringing families together for sweet moments. These cookies are not just treats; they symbolize good fortune, joy, and unity. With a simple approach, you can create these festive Chinese cookies that everyone will love. Let’s embark on this delicious journey and explore how to make these traditional Chinese New Year pastries!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese New Year Cookies
These Chinese New Year Cookies are not only easy to prepare but also rich in flavor and meaning. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
- Customizable with various decorations, making them unique.
- Made with simple ingredients, ensuring accessibility.
- Great for children to help decorate, creating fun memories.
- Symbolize prosperity and good luck in the new year.
- Serve as delightful gifts for loved ones, showcasing your thoughtfulness.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with their delightful flavor.
- These are among the best cookies for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Combining the joy of baking and the rich traditions of Chinese New Year, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Chinese New Year Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 1 large Egg (or chia egg for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Almond Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to balance sweetness)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (for icing)
- 1/4 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Gel Food Colouring (as desired)
- Edible Gold Leaf (optional)
How to Make Chinese New Year Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, gradually add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed until a soft dough forms; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Step 3: Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Step 4: Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the chilled dough to approximately ⅛” thick.
- Step 5: Cut and Bake Cookies: Use festive cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Step 6: Make Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until thick yet pourable. Divide the icing and color with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 7: Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe outlines and fill in the shapes with your colored icing. Allow the decorated cookies to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding any additional designs.
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese New Year Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps in easier rolling and prevents spreading.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant decorations that pop.
- Experiment with flavors by adding almond or citrus zest to the dough.
- These cookies are vegetarian, making them suitable for various diets.
Best Ways to Serve Chinese New Year Cookies
These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Arrange them on a decorative platter for a stunning centerpiece during your Lunar New Year gathering.
- Package them in beautiful boxes as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
- Pair them with Chinese tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese New Year Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese New Year Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Chinese New Year Cookies?
The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and ensuring the dough is well-chilled before baking. This ensures the cookies maintain their shape and have a wonderful texture.
Can I make Chinese New Year Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Once ready to serve, simply roll, cut, and bake the cookies fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese New Year Cookies?
Common mistakes include overmixing the dough and skipping the chilling step. Always measure your ingredients accurately and follow the instructions closely for the best results.
Variations of Chinese New Year Cookies You Can Try
Consider these fun variations:
- Substitute almond flour with coconut flour for a different flavor.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
- Incorporate dried fruits or nuts into the dough for added texture.
- Experiment with various icings to create a colorful display.
These variations will keep your cookie-making experience exciting and aligned with traditional Lunar New Year sweets.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Chocolate Eclair Cake or Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies. You can also explore Creamy Tuscan Scallops for a savory treat!
Learn more about the significance of Chinese New Year traditions to enhance your celebrations.
Print
Sweet Chinese New Year Cookies to Celebrate Together
- Total Time: 132 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate with Sweet Chinese New Year Cookies Made Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 1 large Egg (or chia egg for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Almond Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (check freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to balance sweetness)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (for icing)
- 1/4 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Gel Food Colouring (as desired)
- Edible Gold Leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, gradually add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed until a soft dough forms; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the chilled dough to approximately ⅛” thick.
- Cut and Bake Cookies: Use festive cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Make Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until thick yet pourable. Divide the icing and color with gel food coloring as desired.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe outlines and fill in the shapes with your colored icing. Allow the decorated cookies to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding any additional designs.
Notes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg