Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, almost every Chinese household across the globe prepares to bring in good fortune and prosperity. Chinese walnut cookies (hup toh soh 核桃酥) hold special significance in Chinese culture. These crunchy, golden-brown treats cookies are commonly prepared and shared during the Chinese New Year for good luck, and nowadays, they remain popular as a snack for all ages. So, have you ever wondered how to make the most delectable walnut cookies?  In this blog post, we will explore everything about these traditional Chinese Walnut Cookies. So you can taste Chinese culture in your home with this perfect recipe for Chinese walnut cookies.

Ingredients 

Cake flour: Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, resulting in a lighter texture. 

Baking soda: causing the dough to rise and resulting in a softer texture.

Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent for lift; it ensures the cookies achieve the perfect rise, resulting in a light and crunchy texture.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is often used in cookie recipes to tenderize the dough. It helps absorb moisture, resulting in softer and more delicate cookies.

Lard: Lard is a type of fat that can enhance the flavor of baked goods. Lard is an old-fashioned way to make Chinese walnut cookies. Using lard helps achieve a desirable texture, making the cookies crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth. You can also substitute with unsalted butter or cooking oil, but keep in mind the texture of the cookie may be slightly different. 

Sugar: It sweetens the dough.

Eggs: I used two eggs for the cookie dough and one for brushing.

Chopped walnut pieces: Chopped walnut pieces add flavor, texture, and crunch to the cookies. They especially contribute a nutty taste.

Roasted black sesame seeds: for garnish, it is optional.

Detailed baking instructions 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Gather all the ingredients and use a rolling pin to grind the walnut halves into smaller chunks on a clean surface.

In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar and lard until the mixture reaches a light and fluffy consistency.

Gradually add baking powder, cornstarch, and baking soda until well combined.

Gently add cake flour and eggs into the mixture until a smooth cookie dough forms.

Fold the walnut chunks into the cookie dough mixture and mix well. Arrange the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Roll the dough into round balls and flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingertips or the back of a spoon. 

Give each cookie a gentle egg wash, then sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds with a spoon. (You can also press a piece of walnut half into the center of each cookie, adding it as a decorative touch.)

Bake for 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Pro tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure the Chinese walnut cookies have the best results:

• Creaming method: Cream the lard and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy for the best flavor.
• Chill dough: After preparing the cookie dough, it will be a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. It is an option, but chilled dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Consistent size: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure uniform-sized cookies.
• Proper baking time: Bake the cookies just until the edges are lightly golden brown. Do not overcook. Overbaking can result in dry cookies. Remember that cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
• Cooling rack: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack once they are out of the oven. This prevents them from continuing to cook on the hot baking sheet.

Variations and modern twists

Vegan options: Experiment with vegan butter or allergy-friendly substitutes to replace the lard to meet different dietary preferences. 

Different nuts: Consider adding other nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for a unique twist.

Chocolate chip walnut cookies: For those who love a sweet and savory combination, try adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough for some walnut chocolate chip cookies. 

Storing the leftover Chinese walnut cookies

If you have leftover Chinese walnut cookies,  you can store the cookies in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Make sure the container is sealed tightly. While it's not necessary, some people prefer refrigerating cookies. If you choose to refrigerate, make sure the cookies are in an airtight container. 

You can also freeze Chinese walnut cookies. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Final thoughts

Chinese walnut cookies are a great way to taste Chinese culture right in your own home. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, these Chinese walnut cookies bring delicate texture, a nutty taste, the warmth of tradition, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.  With the right ingredients and baking techniques, you can have some delicious homemade snacks in no time.

For those who have yet to try these sweet treats, what are you waiting for? Try making Chinese walnut cookies for your family gatherings, and feel free to share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking!

Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

Chinese walnut cookies (hup toh soh 核桃酥) are crunchy, golden-brown treats that hold special significance in Chinese culture.

5 from 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 14 cookies

Calories: 156kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons cake flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 8 tablespoons lard
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 eggs two for the cookies, one for bush
• ½ cup chopping walnut pieces
• roasted black sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Gather all the ingredients and use a rolling pin to grind the walnut halves into smaller chunks on a clean surface.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar and lard until the mixture reaches a light and fluffy consistency.
• Gradually add baking powder, cornstarch, and baking soda until well combined.
• Gently add cake flour and eggs into the mixture until a smooth cookie dough forms.
• Fold the walnut chunks into the cookie dough mixture and mix well. Arrange the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Roll the dough into round balls and flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingertips or the back of a spoon.
• Give each cookie a gentle egg wash, then sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds with a spoon. (You can also press a piece of walnut half into the center of each cookie, adding it as a decorative touch.)
• Bake for 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.2g | Protein: 3.4g | Fat: 10.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.4g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1000mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 3.7g | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!

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