**Chinese Christmas Cookies: A Culinary Journey Through Tradition and Taste**
In the heart of Chinese culture, where tradition and innovation intertwine, lies a delectable treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas: Chinese Christmas cookies. These culinary delights, steeped in history and symbolism, have become an integral part of the festive season, bringing joy and warmth to families across the country. From the classic Almond Cookies, with their delicate almond flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating, to the indulgent Pineapple Cookies, bursting with tropical sweetness, each recipe holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese people. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover the secrets behind these beloved cookies and create your own Christmas memories with these treasured recipes passed down through generations.
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
Each Christmas, my mother baked these Chinese almond cookies and stored them in clean coffee cans. When she passed away, I started giving our kids a can of these sentimental sweets. (Traditional Chinese almond cookies typically use lard, but butter is a great substitute if you don't have lard on hand.) -Jane Garing, Talladega, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a fork. Sprinkle with almonds, pressing to adhere as needed. In a small bowl, beat egg white and water. Brush over cookies. , Bake until edges and bottoms are lightly browned, 14-16 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 67mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
Almond cookies like these are thought to resemble coins, making them particularly popular as a symbol of good fortune during the Chinese New Year. Traditional recipes are made with lard and flavored with almond extract. We used butter and almond flour in these to boost the nutty flavor and create a crumbly texture similar to pecan sandies. Enjoy them year-round, particularly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield 15 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sift the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda and salt together into a large bowl. Whisk any bits of almond flour left in the sifter into the sifted flour mixture.
- Combine the butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the almond extract and 1 egg yolk and beat until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the speed to medium low, add the flour mixture and beat until no streaks of flour remain, about 2 minutes.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk together the remaining egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Scoop the dough by tablespoons (you can use a 1/2-ounce ice cream scoop) and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Roll each scoop into a ball and return it to the baking sheet. Flatten each with your palm into a 2-inch round. Gently press an almond onto each and brush with the egg wash.
- Bake, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the cookies are golden brown on the edges, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
- Store the cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
HOLIDAY HAYSTACKS
Provided by Ree Drummond Bio & Top Recipes
Categories dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 24 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat 2 inches of water in a pot to a simmer. Add the semisweet and milk chocolate to a bowl and place over the pot of simmering water. Allow to melt, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the noodles, almonds and pistachios to a large bowl and set aside.
- When the chocolate has melted completely, pour over the noodle and nut mixture. Mix until everything is well coated in the melted chocolate.
- Using 2 spoons, drop tablespoon mounds onto 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the holiday sprinkles over the top. Allow to dry completely before storing, about 1 hour.
CHOW MEIN NOODLE COOKIE
An easy drop cookie, perfect for the holidays.
Provided by Carol
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Noodle Recipes
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butterscotch chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Stir in chow mein noodles and peanuts.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto foil. Let stand until cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.1 calories, Carbohydrate 12.2 g, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 32.5 mg, Sugar 9.3 g
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter and eggs. This will help the cookies bake more evenly and give them a tender texture.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them. This will help the frosting set properly.
Conclusion:
Chinese Christmas cookies are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, there's sure to be a Chinese Christmas cookie that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a special holiday treat, be sure to give Chinese Christmas cookies a try.
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