Best 2 Chinese Butter Cookies Recipes

Chinese butter cookies, also known as nian gao, are a popular treat enjoyed during the Chinese New Year. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. While they may seem intimidating to make, they are actually quite simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a batch of delicious Chinese butter cookies that will impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHINESE ALMOND-PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Chinese Almond-Peanut Butter Cookies image

Make and share this Chinese Almond-Peanut Butter Cookies recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Buabette

Categories Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 48 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups shortening
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 small egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1/2 teaspoon lye water (if available)
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
red food coloring (optional)

Steps:

Cream shortening, peanut butter, and sugar in a large bowl.
Add flour.
Make three wells in the mixture, add the egg to one well, the lye wter, water, baking powder and baking soda to the second, making sure that the mixture bubbles as these ingredients are added.
Add the almond extract to the third well.
Mix thoroughly.
Knead for several minutes, roll into 3/4" balls.
Press with forefinger and color indentation with red food coloring.
Bake at 300° for 25 minutes.

CHINESE BUTTER COOKIES

Chinese Butter Cookies image

Provided by Diana Kuan

Categories Cookies Dessert Bake Kid-Friendly Lunar New Year Edible Gift Party Small Plates

Yield makes about 40 small cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
special equipment
Mixer with paddle attachment
Cookie press

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a standing electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and cream until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Slowly sift in the self-rising flour and beat until a smooth dough forms.
3. Add the dough to a cookie press and attach a star or flower-shape disk. Press the cookies onto the lined baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space around each cookie.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before storing. The cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Tips:

Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before creaming them together. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
Bake the cookies at a moderate temperature (350°F) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Chinese butter cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!