Chinese New Year Sugar Cookies: Sweet Festive Treats
Chinese New Year is a time for joy, family, and delicious food. One treat that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit is Chinese New Year sugar cookies. These delightful cookies, often shaped like stars, circles, or traditional symbols, are decorated with vibrant red icing to signify good fortune and happiness. Not only are they a feast for the taste buds, but they also bring an extra layer of charm to the celebration table. Whether you’re enjoying them with loved ones or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to bring sweetness to the New Year.
Ingredients
To make these festive sugar cookies, you’ll need:
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
For the Royal Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 large egg whites (or 3 tbsp meringue powder + ¼ cup water)
1 tsp almond extract
Red gel food coloring
Instructions
Prep and Baking:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Cut and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, circles, or traditional Chinese symbols.
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
Decorating:
Make the Icing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder + water) until smooth. Add almond extract and mix well.
Divide the icing and tint a portion with red gel food coloring.
Decorate the Cookies:
Use a piping bag with a small round tip to outline and flood the cookies with red icing. Allow the base layer to dry before adding additional designs, like swirls or symbols, in contrasting colors.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chill for Precision: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading, ensuring clean shapes.
Even Rolling: Use rolling pin guides to maintain an even thickness.
Practice Piping: If new to royal icing, practice designs on parchment paper first.
Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week and decorated ones for 3-4 days.
Chinese New Year sugar cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of joy and togetherness. With simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Pair these cookies with traditional Lunar New Year snacks like almond pineapple cookies or peanut cookies to create a dessert spread that embodies the festive spirit. Gather your family and friends, and make these cookies a part of your celebrations this year.