Name: Easy Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose Flour ((dip and sweep*); ⅔ cup Butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes); ½ cup Sugar; 1 tsp Baking Powder; ½ tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 large Egg; ½ cup Sesame Seeds

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A Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe is more than just a delight for the taste buds; it’s a wonderful culinary experience that I cherish from my cooking class in China. These cookies are simple to make but boast a unique flavor that comes from the delightful combination of sesame seeds and a rich, buttery dough. The Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe calls for a few staple ingredients like sugar, baking powder, and salt, all mixed with precision to create the perfect cookie dough.

During my class, I learned the importance of balancing the ingredients in the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe to achieve that ideal texture and taste. The process of rolling each ball of dough and coating it with sesame seeds felt therapeutic. Each cookie baked to a beautiful golden brown becomes a little piece of art, ready to be savored. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a simple and rewarding baking project.

The Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe offers a lovely blend of textures, with the sesame seeds adding a slight crunch to the soft cookie. While the ingredients are straightforward, mastering the recipe is more about practice and understanding the dough’s consistency. Sharing this Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe feels like inviting you into my cooking journey, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it did to me.

Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

Table of Contents

Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

When I attended a cooking class in China, I learned that a few key ingredients make Chinese Sesame Cookies unique in flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting these delightful treats.

Sesame Seeds as the Star

Sesame seeds are the heart and soul of Chinese Sesame Cookies. They are not just a garnish but the primary flavoring agent. You can use a mix of black sesame seeds and toasted white sesame seeds for a more complex flavor profile. Black sesame seeds give the cookies a rich, nutty taste, while toasted white sesame seeds add a hint of sweetness.

The seeds’ crunch is essential for that distinct texture. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor, making the cookies incredibly aromatic. Toasting also changes the seeds’ nutritional qualities slightly, bringing out beneficial oils and adding a warm, inviting color. Every bite captures a burst of sesame flavor, setting these cookies apart from others.

Fats for Texture

The choice of fat in the cookies is significant to achieve the right texture. Traditional recipes often use a combination of fats like unsalted butter and shortening. Butter lends a rich flavor and a tender crumb to the cookies. Using unsalted butter is common so that you can control the saltiness precisely.

Shortening or lard might also be included to help the cookies maintain their shape. These fats, especially when combined with butter, contribute to a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The fats affect how the cookies rise and bake, ensuring they are firm yet tender. Selecting the right fat mix is crucial for achieving that perfect bite.

Sweetening Agents

The sweetness in Chinese Sesame Cookies typically comes from a mix of granulated sugar and sometimes brown sugar. Granulated sugar is used for a clean sweetness that doesn’t overpower the sesame aroma. Brown sugar might be added for a hint of molasses once in a while, which complements the nuttiness of the sesame seeds.

The sugars not only sweeten but also affect the cookies’ texture and color. Brown sugar can make the cookies a little denser and darker, adding an attractive color and deeper flavor. Balancing these sweetening agents is key to ensuring the cookies are not overly sweet, allowing the sesame seeds’ natural flavor to shine through.

Cookie Dough Preparation

Creating the cookie dough is a crucial step when making Chinese Sesame Cookies. Proper mixing ensures a smooth texture, while chilling the dough enhances the flavors and makes it easier to handle.

Mixing Technique

When I first learned to make the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe in a cooking class in China, the instructor emphasized the importance of using a good mixing technique. Using an electric mixer helps achieve a well-blended dough. It combines the butter and sugar until they’re creamy.

The texture is further refined by adding a large egg, which helps bind the dough ingredients together. Vanilla extract is then incorporated for a touch of sweetness. Occasionally, a hint of almond extract is included, which adds an exquisite layer of flavor to the dough.

Mixing the dry ingredients separately and incorporating them gradually is vital. This approach prevents overmixing, ensuring the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe produces tender bites. The final dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, making it ready for the next key step: chilling.

Importance of Chilling

Chilling the dough is not just a suggestion; it’s essential. Once the cookie dough is mixed, it’s advisable to refrigerate it for a specific chilling time. In my experience, letting the dough rest for at least a couple of hours makes a difference.

Chilling firms up the butter, making it easier to shape. It also allows the ingredients to meld well, enhancing the dough’s flavors and contributing to the success of the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe. The dough becomes more manageable and less sticky, resulting in cookies that hold their shape during baking.

After chilling, the dough is ready to be rolled or shaped, depending on the recipe’s requirements. The chilling step ensures the cookies have the right texture and flavor, paying off beautifully with each bite.

Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

Baking Process

The process of baking Chinese Sesame Cookies requires attention to detail, from setting the right oven temperature to careful handling after baking. Each step ensures the cookies achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Oven Temperature and Timing

I set the oven to 350°F (175°C well before starting with my prep. This preheating is crucial to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. Once the oven reaches the correct temperature, I place the prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper onto the middle rack.

Baking usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Keeping an eye on the cookies, I look for a light golden color as an indicator of doneness. While some might use butter or lard, I prefer a combination, as it adds the right balance of flavor and texture. Additionally, using baking soda and salt enhances the cookie’s taste, giving it a delightful contrast.

Post-Bake Handling

After removing the cookies from the oven, I let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes. During this time, cookies continue to set, establishing their shape. Using a wire rack, I then transfer them carefully, ensuring proper air circulation to prevent additional cooking.

Handling is gentle yet quick, especially if the cookies are to retain their soft interior. An egg mixture is integral to the texture, providing moisture, which retains the dessert’s lightness even after cooling. Once fully cooled on the rack, they are ready to be stored or served, maintaining freshness for days.

Serving and Storage Tips

When serving Chinese sesame cookies, I find it best to enjoy them fresh out of the oven or shortly after they cool. The warmth enhances their nutty flavor, making each bite more delightful. A perfect pairing for these cookies is a cup of green tea or jasmine tea, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

If you plan to make a large batch, proper storage ensures they stay crisp and tasty. Place the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale. You can line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to a week, but I always suggest enjoying them sooner for the best texture.

For long-term storage, freezing the cookies is a good option. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Labeling the bag with the date helps keep track of storage time. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour or enjoy straight from the freezer for a crisp texture.

It’s important to avoid moisture, as it can make the cookies lose their crunch. Keep them dry by placing a small piece of dry bread or a few grains of rice in the container. This absorbs any excess moisture, keeping the cookies fresh.

I suggest resisting the urge to refrigerate the cookies. While it seems like a good idea, the fridge might actually make them soft and less enjoyable. They’re best stored at room temperature or in the freezer.

Nutritional Considerations

When considering the nutritional aspects of Chinese Sesame Cookies, it’s important to look at key components such as calories, protein, and sugar content.

Calories are one of the primary considerations. The cookies can be calorie-dense due to the ingredients typically used, like sesame seeds and sugar. On average, a serving may contain around 150-200 calories, depending on size and specific ingredients.

Protein content in these cookies comes mainly from sesame seeds. While they don’t provide a significant amount, they contribute a small protein boost. Sesame seeds are known for containing healthy fats and some protein, which add nutritional value.

Sugar levels are another consideration, as these cookies tend to have a sweet flavor. It’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially for those watching their sugar intake.

The sesame seeds provide not just flavor but also nutritional benefits like healthy fats and some minerals. They add texture and a nutty taste, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the cookies.

In my experience, being mindful of these factors helps in enjoying Chinese Sesame Cookies both as a delightful treat and as part of a balanced approach to eating. Understanding what’s in your food makes it easier to make informed choices.

Ingredients For the Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

All-purpose Flour
Butter
Sugar
Baking Powder
Vanilla Extract
Egg
Sesame Seeds

Cooking Instructions For the Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F(177C°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside.

In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds over low-medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant. Since the sesame seeds have the potential to explode and leap out of the pan like popcorn, remove them from the pan now. Additionally, the heat from the pan can easily burn them, so put the sesame seeds in a bowl and leave it there.

In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder; set aside.

Using a hand-held mixer or a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer, place the butter in a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed for one to two minutes until it is soft. Mix in the sugar until it becomes creamy. Mix thoroughly after adding the egg. Next, stir in the vanilla. When necessary, halt the machine and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl’s bottom and sides to ensure that everything is combined.

Stir in the flour mixture until it is well combined.

Gather the dough into 25-gram pieces (just over 1 tablespoon) and form them into balls. As this recipe yields 22 cookies, you can also equally split the dough into 22 pieces and roll them into balls. To flatten the balls uniformly, press them with a measuring cup or a glass with a flat bottom. Transfer to the baking sheet. Next, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds on both sides of the dough, one at a time. To ensure that the sesame seeds adhere to the dough, you can lightly press them with your fingers. Cover each dough with sesame seeds, then bake for 16 minutes, or until the cookies’ centers are firm.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them stay on the baking sheet for 20 minutes. As they cool, they become crunchy.

FAQ For the Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

Question: What is the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe?

A: The Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe is a traditional dessert made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and sesame seeds. The cookies are baked to a golden brown and have a crispy texture with a nutty flavour from the sesame seeds.

Question: How do you make the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe?

A: To make the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe, you mix flour, sugar, and sesame seeds into a dough. The dough is rolled into small balls, coated with more sesame seeds, and then baked until golden. The result is a crispy, fragrant cookie.

Question: Can I use different types of sesame seeds in the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe?

A: Yes, you can use either white or black sesame seeds in the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe. White sesame seeds are more commonly used, but black sesame seeds will provide a slightly richer flavour and a darker colour to the cookies.

Question: How should I store Chinese Sesame Cookies?

A: Chinese Sesame Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months, and simply thaw them before serving.

Question: Can I add other flavours to the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe?

A: Yes, you can experiment by adding ingredients like honey, ginger, or almond extract to the Chinese Sesame Cookies recipe. These additional flavours will enhance the taste and offer a unique twist on the traditional cookie.