Best Easy New York Bakery Chinese Cookies Recipe
New York City is known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the most beloved treats found in its bakeries is Chinese cookies. These deliciously addictive cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweetness. If you want to recreate the magic of New York City’s bakery cookies at home, here is a simple and foolproof recipe for you to try.
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The dough should come together and form a soft, pliable consistency.
6. If desired, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand, and sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to dive into some common questions about Chinese cookies:
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may affect the taste and texture of the cookies. Butter is recommended for the best results.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
A2: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, as it provides the right texture and structure for the cookies. Using alternative flours may result in a different outcome.
Q3: Can I omit the sesame seeds?
A3: Yes, the sesame seeds are optional. They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious without them.
Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling in sesame seeds and baking as instructed.
Q5: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A5: If stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Q6: Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits.
Q7: Can I use a convection oven?
A7: Yes, you can use a convection oven. However, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly as convection ovens tend to bake faster.
Q8: Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?
A8: Yes, you can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add a unique flavor to the cookies.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Simply adjust the ingredient measurements accordingly and follow the same instructions.
Now armed with this easy and delicious New York bakery Chinese cookies recipe, you can bring a taste of the Big Apple into your own kitchen. So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy these addictive treats!