As the Chinese New Year approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable, and one treat that embodies the spirit of the celebration is the *sugee cookies*. These delightful little gems, with their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, have been a staple in my family for generations. I remember my grandmother meticulously shaping each cookie, her laughter echoing through the kitchen as the sweet aroma filled the air. Making these cookies isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite of these traditional treats, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in our hearts during the festivities!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious *Chinese New Year sugee cookies*, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g semolina: This gives the cookies their signature texture, so don’t skip this ingredient!
- 100g all-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together, creating that perfect cookie structure.
- 150g unsalted butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing; this is where all the buttery flavor comes from!
- 100g icing sugar: For that sweet touch, icing sugar blends in smoothly and gives a lovely finish.
- 2 egg yolks: These add richness and moisture to the dough; the yolks are key to that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must for enhancing the flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Just a hint to help the cookies rise slightly while baking.
- Pinch of salt: It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Chopped nuts for topping (optional): If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some on top before baking!
How to Prepare *Chinese New Year Sugee Cookies*
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of making these *Chinese New Year sugee cookies*! It’s easier than you might think, and the results are so rewarding. Ready? Let’s go!
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want that nice, airy texture!
- Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until it’s all combined. You’ll love the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen at this point!
- In another bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything evenly.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Don’t rush this part! Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Once the dough comes together, shape it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- If you’re using chopped nuts, top each cookie with a sprinkle before baking—it adds a nice crunch!
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; ovens can be sneaky!
- Finally, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just a bit.
And there you have it! Enjoy the aroma of these delightful cookies as they cool down, and get ready to share (or not!) the deliciousness with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in just under an hour!
- Traditional flavors that celebrate the essence of Chinese New Year.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
- Customize with your favorite nuts for an extra crunch!
Tips for Success
To make your *Chinese New Year sugee cookies* truly shine, I’ve got a few handy tips that will elevate your baking game! First off, when you’re creaming the butter and icing sugar, take your time—aim for that light, fluffy texture. It makes a world of difference in the final cookie!
If you find the dough a bit crumbly, don’t hesitate to add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together. As for shaping, use slightly moistened hands; this prevents the dough from sticking to your fingers and makes rolling those little balls a breeze!
And remember, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less icing sugar. Just taste the dough (yes, it’s safe!) before baking to find your perfect balance. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delightful *Chinese New Year sugee cookies*, it’s good to know a bit about their nutritional content! Each cookie is approximately 120 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t break the calorie bank. They contain about 8g of fat, with 5g of that being saturated fat, so they’re rich and buttery. You’ll also get around 2g of protein and 10g of carbohydrates per cookie. Just keep in mind, these are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Chinese New Year sugee cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll still be good for about two weeks.
If you have leftovers (or just want to make a batch ahead of time), you can freeze these cookies too! Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!
Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze sugee cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve their freshness. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
What variations can I make?
There are so many fun ways to customize these cookies! You can add chocolate chips, swap in different nuts, or even mix in some dried fruit for a twist. Just keep the base recipe the same, and feel free to get creative!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Keep an eye on them during baking! They should be lightly golden on the edges. If they look too pale, they might need a few more minutes—but be careful not to overbake!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can substitute margarine, the flavor and texture might not be as rich and buttery. If you want that classic taste, stick with unsalted butter!
Why are my cookies too crumbly?
If your dough turns out crumbly, it might be due to not enough moisture. A teaspoon of milk can help bring it all together. Just mix gently until combined!
Serving Suggestions
These *Chinese New Year sugee cookies* are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings! Serve them alongside a steaming pot of Chinese tea for a delightful pairing that enhances their buttery flavor. They also make a charming addition to any dessert platter for celebrations like family reunions or Lunar New Year parties. For an extra special touch, consider packaging them in beautiful boxes as gifts for friends and family, spreading sweetness and joy throughout the season. Trust me, they’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Imprimer
Chinese New Year Sugee Cookies: 5 Steps to Joyful Baking
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Sugee cookies are a traditional treat for Chinese New Year, known for their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingrédients
- 200g semolina
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and icing sugar.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine semolina, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Top each cookie with chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be made in advance for the festive season.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less icing sugar.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 25mg
Mots-clés: chinese new year sugee cookies
