Chinese Cookie Recipe: Sweet Pieces of Happiness!
Cookies date back to the 7th century. Since then, they have gained immense popularity as a snack. Hundreds of flavor variations are now available across the globe. One of my favorites is the Chinese almond cookie. It has the perfect sweetness and a nice texture.
Let’s make some Chinese cookies today! The detailed Chinese cookie recipe is given below for your convenience. It contains a quick overview of the recipe, a list of ingredients required, detailed steps with images, nutrition facts, and more. Follow this recipe to treat your loved ones with this delicious cookie.
Table of Contents
Chinese Cookie Overview
The secret to the flavor of this cookie lies in making the perfect dough. See the following overview chart for the preparation time and plan your schedule.
| Cuisine: Chinese | Difficulty: Medium | ||
| Total Time: 40 minutes | |||
| Serving | Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
| 4 persons | 20 minutes | 20 minutes | 153 kcal |
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Cookies usually require fewer ingredients than savory snacks. Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make these cookies.
- Flour: Use 135g of low-gluten flour and 30g of almond flour.
- Oil: 70g of corn oil
- Sugar: 45g of powdered sugar
- Egg: 35g of beaten egg
- Baking Soda: 1g
- Baking Powder: 2g
- Almond: 40g of sliced almonds
Other than these ingredients, you will need a few tools. Keep a scraper, and a kitchen scale ready before you make these cookies.
Chinese Cookie Recipe: Step-By-Step Instructions
Wash your hands thoroughly because you are going to need them. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Calibrate the Scale
Instead of measuring ingredients separately, you can measure everything in the mixing bowl. Tare the scale after placing the bowl on it. It will zero the scale.
Step 2: Start Adding Ingredients
Pour 70g of corn oil into the bowl. Then, add 45g of powdered sugar to it. The scale should show 115g by now. Add 35g of beaten egg, 135g of low-gluten flour, 30g of almond flour, 1g of baking soda, and 2g of baking powder. Keep an eye on the scale while adding each ingredient.
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Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Use a spatula to mix the ingredients and form a dough. Once there is no loose flour, you can pour the mixture onto a mat. Scrape the dough from all sides using a scraper. Then, use your hands to knead the dough a bit.
Step 4: Divide the Dough Into Balls
At this point, the dough should weigh about 315-320g. It will be enough to make 16 pcs of cookies, each weighing about 20g. Take small portions from the dough and measure them with the scale.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Make the dough balls round by pressing them with your palms. Then, place the ball on one of your palms. Create a small pit in the center by pressing the dough with the joint of your index finger.
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Step 6: Top with Almond Slices
I used store-bought almond slices but you can make your own. Place 3-4 almond slices on top of each cookie dough. Organize all the cookies on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Set the oven to 180℃ and the timer to 20 minutes. Place the baking tray inside the oven and start baking the cookies. Once the timer goes off, take the fragrant cookies out and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts of Chinese Almond Cookie
Using low-gluten flour for these cookies makes them a healthier choice. Below are the nutritional values of Chinese almond cookies. Check them out.
- Total Carbohydrates: 19.2g
- Protein: 2.2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Total Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Total Sugar: 8.3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 117mg
- Potassium: 59mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Phosphorus: 57mg
- Vitamin A: 72IU
Do’s and Don’ts of the Recipe
Over the years, I figured out some tricks to make these cookies perfect every time. Here are my top tips to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
Do’s
- You must use the baking soda and baking powder in the right proportion to get the perfect fluff.
- You should bake the cookies right after making the dough. Fresh dough gives more delicious cookies.
Don’ts
- Don’t overwork the dough. It might make the cookie too chewy.
- Don’t use self-raising flour for making Chinese cookies.
Chinese Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Instead of measuring ingredients separately, you can measure everything in the mixing bowl. Tare the scale after placing the bowl on it. It will zero the scale.
- Pour 70g of corn oil into the bowl. Then, add 45g of powdered sugar to it. The scale should show 115g by now. Add 35g of beaten egg, 135g of low-gluten flour, 30g of almond flour, 1g of baking soda, and 2g of baking powder. Keep an eye on the scale while adding each ingredient.
- Use a spatula to mix the ingredients and form a dough. Once there is no loose flour, you can pour the mixture onto a mat. Scrape the dough from all sides using a scraper. Then, use your hands to knead the dough a bit.
- At this point, the dough should weigh about 315-320g. It will be enough to make 16 pcs of cookies, each weighing about 20g. Take small portions from the dough and measure them with the scale.
- Make the dough balls round by pressing them with your palms. Then, place the ball on one of your palms. Create a small pit in the center by pressing the dough with the joint of your index finger.
- I used store-bought almond slices but you can make your own. Place 3-4 almond slices on top of each cookie dough. Organize all the cookies on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet.
- Set the oven to 180℃ and the timer to 20 minutes. Place the baking tray inside the oven and start baking the cookies. Once the timer goes off, take the fragrant cookies out and enjoy!
FAQs
While making these cookies, you might be curious about a few things. I want to clarify them here.
How can I make my Chinese cookies chewier?
You can knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes to make the Chinese cookies chewier. But I don’t recommend doing this. It will alter the authentic texture of these cookies.
What are some popular Chinese cookie varieties?
Chinese almond cookies are one of the most popular varieties. Besides, Chinese butter cookies, Chinese chocolate chip cookies, Chinese peanut cookies, and Chinese cashew cookies are also popular.
Are Chinese cookies and fortune cookies the same?
No. Chinese cookies are almost flat. But fortune cookies are hollow with a crispier crust. Though many people confuse Chinese cookies with fortune cookies, they aren’t the same.
Can I make Chinese cookies in different shapes or designs?
Absolutely. You will get various cookie molds in nearby stores. Press the cookie dough in the mold to make your favorite shapes or designs. Artistic cookies are also popular as gifts.
Can I use gluten-free flour for the Chinese cookie?
Yes. If you want to avoid gluten, you can use gluten-free flour. But a bit of gluten is necessary so that the cookies can hold their shapes.
Conclusion
Be it for a family gathering or your midnight cravings, Chinese cookies are perfect for small appetites. They also make great presents as these cookies carry the love and effort you put in. If you ask me to choose between store-bought cookies and these homemade cookies, I will choose the homemade cookies any day.
So, I thought to share the Chinese cookie recipe with you. Now you can make these cookies at home and share them with your friends and family. I hope these lovely cookies give you a nice and sweet experience.
