As the Lunar New Year approaches, the vibrant celebrations begin to fill the air, and I am reminded of the joyous traditions that make this holiday so special. Picture this: the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. My journey to perfecting the Chinese New Year cookies came about when I decided I wanted something more unique than the typical store-bought treats. After experimenting with various ingredients, I stumbled upon the delightful combination of almond flour and rich, buttery goodness.
These almond flour sugar cookies, adorned with colorful icing, echo the festive spirit while symbolizing good fortune—just like the lucky red envelopes and mandarin oranges that are so prominent during this celebration. What I love most is that they are not only easy to make but also allow for your creativity to shine in their decoration. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring some joyous flavors to your Lunar New Year festivities!
Why are Chinese New Year Cookies a must-try?
Festive and Fun: These cookies are perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year and bring a vibrant touch to any gathering. Unique Twist: Made with almond flour, they offer a nutty depth that elevates your traditional sugar cookie game. Creative Expression: The customizable icing allows you to unleash your artistic side—each cookie can reflect your personal style! Quick and Easy: With simple steps and staple ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies in just a couple of hours. For even more ideas, check out our tips on creative cookie decoration. Crowd-Pleaser: They’re not just tasty; their festive look will wow your guests!
Chinese New Year Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; can be swapped with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Large Egg – Binds ingredients together; use a chia egg for a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Almond Flour – Offers a nutty taste and unique texture ideal for making these Chinese New Year cookies.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise; always check that it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness of the dough.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Required for icing, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy) – Adjusts icing consistency; substitute with almond or coconut milk if needed.
- Gel Food Colouring – Adds color to the icing; choose shades that match your decorative theme.
- Edible Gold Leaf (optional) – An elegant finishing touch that adds a luxurious flair.
How to Make Chinese New Year Cookies
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Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, gradually add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed until a soft dough forms; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
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Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the chilled dough to approximately ⅛” thick—this thickness will ensure soft, chewy cookies.
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Cut and Bake Cookies: Use festive cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
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Make Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until the mixture is thick yet pourable. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Divide the icing and color with gel food coloring as desired.
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Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe outlines and fill in the shapes with your colored icing. Allow the decorated cookies to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding any additional designs; for best results, let them dry completely for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Optional: Enhance with a sprinkle of edible gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chinese New Year Cookies
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Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill your dough for the full hour to prevent spreading and achieve perfectly shaped cookies.
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Fresh Ingredients: Check the freshness of your baking powder; expired leavening agents can lead to flat cookies.
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Adjust Icing Thickness: If your icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you achieve a thick consistency for decorating your Chinese New Year cookies.
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Perfect Color: Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades; avoid liquid coloring as it can alter the icing’s consistency.
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Time to Dry: Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely overnight for the best results—this ensures the icing sets properly and stays intact.
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Creativity is Key: Don’t hesitate to experiment with decorative techniques—each cookie can be a canvas reflecting your unique style!
Make Ahead Options
These Chinese New Year cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Additionally, you can make the icing up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container, and give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut your desired shapes, and follow the baking instructions as outlined. This thoughtful prep allows you to enjoy the festive spirit without the last-minute rush, making your Lunar New Year celebrations much more delightful!
What to Serve with Chinese New Year Cookies?
Gather around the table with loved ones and indulge in these delightful creations that add sweetness to your celebrations.
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Hot Tea: The warmth of jasmine or oolong tea balances the cookies’ sweetness, creating a comforting pairing perfect for Lunar New Year gatherings.
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Coffee: A rich, aromatic cup of coffee complements the nutty flavor of almond flour, elevating your dessert experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of mandarin oranges and pomegranate seeds adds a burst of juiciness and color, alongside the cookies for a festive touch.
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Coconut Macaroons: These chewy bites complement the almond flavors in the cookies, offering a delightful texture contrast that sweetens every bite.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The indulgent chocolate contrasts beautifully with the nutty sweetness of the cookies, making for a decadent dessert duo.
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Mango Sticky Rice: This sweet, creamy dessert pairs well with the cookies, celebrating the richness of Asian flavors in a delightful way.
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Lemonade: A tangy, chilled lemonade brings a refreshing pop of zest that can help cut through the richness, creating balance on your dessert plate.
How to Store and Freeze Chinese New Year Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and soft for your family to enjoy.
Fridge: If you prefer firmer cookies, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Chinese New Year cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before decorating.
Reheating: If desired, warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their softness. Reheat decorated cookies gently to maintain icing integrity.
Chinese New Year Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour with coconut flour; adjust the liquid in the recipe as needed.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a chia egg or flaxseed meal for a plant-based alternative.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour, perfect for those with nut allergies.
- Colorful Icing: Experiment with different gel food coloring shades to match personal or festive themes.
- Herbal Twist: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the dough for a subtle green tea flavor.
- Spiced Variation: Incorporate a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon into the dough for a warm spice kick.
- Zesty Addition: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Theme Decor: Create designs inspired by traditional lunar symbols or use edible glitter for a festive sparkle.
Each variation invites you to explore flavors and expressions, making your cookies uniquely yours!
Chinese New Year Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of almond flour should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! Use blanched almond flour, as it has a finer texture and lighter color that creates a delicate cookie. Avoid almond meal, which is coarser and can result in a more grainy texture.
How should I store my Chinese New Year cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before transferring them to avoid moisture buildup.
Can I freeze the decorated Chinese New Year cookies?
Yes, you can freeze decorated cookies. First, allow the icing to set completely at room temperature—this usually takes about 6-8 hours or overnight. Once fully dry, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 month.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes in the fridge. Chilling will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and shape without sticking. You can also lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to aid in handling the dough.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe contains gluten-free almond flour, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. However, it does contain eggs and dairy, so for vegan alternatives, substitute the egg with a chia or flaxseed egg and use almond or coconut milk in the icing. Always check ingredient labels for allergens as some brands may have cross-contamination.
What if my icing is too runny?
Very! If your icing turns out too runny, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape once piped. A good test is to see if it can hold a soft peak when you lift the whisk or spatula out of the bowl!
Celebrate with Sweet Chinese New Year Cookies Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, gradually add almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed until a soft dough forms; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll out the chilled dough to approximately ⅛” thick.
- Cut and Bake Cookies: Use festive cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Make Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until thick yet pourable. Divide the icing and color with gel food coloring as desired.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe outlines and fill in the shapes with your colored icing. Allow the decorated cookies to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding any additional designs.