Ah, *Chinese New Year sugee cookies*! They hold a special place in my heart and at our festive table. Every year, the tradition of making these delightful cookies brings my family together, filling our home with the warm, nutty aroma of freshly baked treats. Made primarily with semolina and rich butter, these cookies have a unique texture that’s both crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re not just any cookies; they’re a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Trust me, when you take that first bite, the nutty flavor combined with the hint of vanilla will transport you straight into the joyous spirit of the celebrations. It’s a must-have during the festivities!
Ingredients for Chinese New Year Sugee Cookies
- 200g semolina
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter
- 100g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 50g ground almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Prepare Chinese New Year Sugee Cookies
Getting ready to make these scrumptious sugee cookies is part of the fun! Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Trust me, you want your oven nice and toasty before the cookies go in. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins! It should take about 3-5 minutes; don’t rush this step!
Next, add in the egg yolks and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the semolina, all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. This combo brings all the nutty goodness that makes these cookies special. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the buttery goodness, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; keep it gentle!
Now it’s time to shape your dough into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon works great. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen with delight. Once they’re done, let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll want to savor the wait, as they’re best enjoyed once they’ve cooled down a bit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy festive preparations!
- A traditional festive treat that carries the essence of Chinese New Year.
- Deliciously nutty flavor that makes every bite a delightful experience.
- Perfect for sharing during celebrations; they’re sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
To really nail these *Chinese New Year sugee cookies*, there are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly light and fluffy. Also, don’t skip the sifting of the flour and semolina together—this helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies that delightful texture!
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different, and you want those cookies to be a lovely golden brown without overbaking them. Lastly, let them cool completely on a wire rack before diving in. I know it’s hard to resist, but letting them cool helps them firm up beautifully. And remember, you can always adjust the sugar to your taste—if you like them a bit less sweet, feel free to cut back a little! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
These *Chinese New Year sugee cookies* are not only delicious but also quite satisfying! Each cookie is estimated to have around 150 calories, making them a perfect treat to enjoy during celebrations. They contain about 8g of fat, with 4g being saturated fat, and provide 2g of protein. Additionally, you’ll find around 18g of carbohydrates per cookie, along with 5g of sugar. Of course, these values are estimates, and your results may vary based on specific ingredients used. So, indulge a little and enjoy these festive delights!
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 good for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long—everyone will be reaching for seconds! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be happy in there for up to two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen treats, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat; they’re delightful even when chilled!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about *Chinese New Year sugee cookies* is that they can be made in advance. You can bake them a few days before your celebrations and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing!
What can I substitute for ground almonds?
If you’re looking for alternatives due to nut allergies or simply because you don’t have ground almonds on hand, don’t worry! You can use ground sunflower seeds or even oat flour as a nut-free option. If you’re okay with other nuts, finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts can also work beautifully, adding their own unique flavor to the cookies!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Great question! You’ll know your *sugee cookies* are done when they turn a lovely golden brown color on the edges, and the tops look set rather than shiny or wet. If you gently press the top, they should feel firm but still slightly soft, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Just keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!
Can I freeze these cookies?
What variations can I try with this recipe?
There are so many fun variations you can try! If you want to add a little twist, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolaty version. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warm flavor. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, can be a delicious addition, giving a nice chewiness to the cookies. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Print
Chinese New Year Sugee Cookies: 7 Secrets to Perfection
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugee cookies are a traditional Chinese New Year treat made with semolina and flavored with nuts.
Ingredients
- 200g semolina
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter
- 100g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 50g ground almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine semolina, flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be made in advance for the celebrations.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year, sugee cookies, traditional cookies, festive treats
