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Enjoy these festive Chinese New Year treats that bring a sweet, crunchy almond twist to your celebrations. They bake up golden and cozy, perfect for sharing on special occasions.
These cookies started as a homemade nod to the holiday. Over time, they’ve become a favorite at our gatherings, enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Needed Ingredients
- Butter: adds creamy richness and a soft, crumbly feel best with unsalted butter for better control
- Sugar: sweetens and helps the cookies brown nicely granulated sugar is perfect
- Egg: brings the dough together and keeps it moist for a tender bite
- All-purpose flour: the base that holds everything together use fresh, finely ground flour
- Ground almonds: offer that nutty aroma and texture fresh almond meal works great
- Vanilla extract: boosts the overall scent and taste
- Baking powder: makes the cookies light and fluffy
- Pinch of salt: balances out sweetness and enhances flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Oven Ready
- Warm up your oven to 350°F (180°C) so the cookies bake evenly and get that nice golden hue.
- Beat Sugar and Butter
- Mix softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This adds air for a softer texture.
- Mix Wet Stuff
- Stir in the egg and vanilla until everything blends smoothly.
- Prep Dry Mix
- Sift flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt together to avoid lumps and spread ingredients evenly.
- Combine All
- Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mixture. Stir gently until it forms dough, but don’t overdo it to keep things tender.
- Form Dough Balls
- Roll the dough into small balls about the size of walnuts. Space them on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick together.
- Bake Until They’re Ready
- Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for golden edges to know when they’re done.
- Let Cool
- Leave the cookies on the tray for a bit, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right.
I’m a big fan of ground almonds—they give these cookies their unique flavor. Baking these with family, sharing laughs and stories, always makes the kitchen feel warm and welcoming.
How To Store Them
Keep your cookies in a sealed container at room temp to stay crispy yet soft for up to seven days. If stacking, put parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick. For longer freshness, freeze in a tight container and thaw on the counter before munching.
Switch Up The Ingredients
Try swapping almonds for chopped pistachios to add a fun green pop and fresh flavor. Toss in some orange zest for a bright, citrusy lift that pairs well with the nuts. Or use brown butter instead of regular for a tasty, caramel-like twist.
Tasty Pairing Ideas
Enjoy these with warm jasmine or green tea that complements the delicate nutty notes. A small bowl of sweet red bean paste makes a nice, traditional side. Or sip on sweet soy milk for a cozy and festive treat.
Cultural Roots
These Chinese New Year cookies mix tradition and joy in every golden bite. Baking them feels like a warm way to honor heritage and build fresh memories in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Where does the almond taste come from?
It comes from mixing ground almonds into the dough, giving a nice nutty flavor and texture that goes well with the sugar.
- → Can I switch the vanilla for something else?
Sure, you can try almond or orange flavoring to add a fresh twist while keeping the cookie’s classic feel.
- → How do I get the perfect golden shade?
Bake them at 350°F (180°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes so they turn golden without burning.
- → What makes these cookies taste richer?
Using browned butter instead of plain butter gives a deep nutty aroma that lifts the flavor.
- → Should I wait for the cookies to cool before eating?
Yes, letting them cool helps them firm up and makes the flavor better.