Delicious Asian Cookies Recipes, ranging from the traditional to modern fusion recipes.
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Fun fact: My Father and Grandfather both worked in a cookie factory. (In Asia, we call them biscuits!) Our lives were so cookie-centric, I even ate them for breakfast, which is why I've put this post under "Breakfast" recipes!
During every summer vacation- for more years than I like to remember- I was slaving away in the hot factory too, so I definitely know a lot about Asian cookies! 🙂
Expert Tips
Tip #1: You can also substitute half of the butter in these recipes with lard to give your bakes even deeper and traditional flavour. Alternatively use bacon fat for a smoky taste.
Tip #2: A properly preheated oven needs time- at least 12-15 minutes to get to 350F/ 177C/ 157C fan, give or take depending on the size of the oven. So plan this into your baking schedule!
FAQ
It can refer to either Jewish almond cookies or Chinese fortune cookies, both of which aren't actually Chinese! If you're looking for cookies that are part of Chinese cuisine, such as pineapple tarts, click here.
For Nut-lovers
Tip: garnish the top of the cookie with a toasted nut for a great crunch!
Walnut Cookies
Pair these traditional Chinese cookies with a nice cup of Jasmine Tea with Milk! Actually these cookies are super popular in Hong Kong, so maybe have them with Yuan Yang Tea?
Peanut Cookies
These cookies are popular in South East Asia- I don't use eggs in my recipes, just egg yolks to wash the cookies!
FYI: We don't use peanut butter in traditional Chinese cookies! If you really must substitute, make sure it's a pure nut butter. If not, the extra shortening etc will wreak havoc on your cookie's texture!
Tip: if you can't make your own ground peanuts, you can get ground peanuts from the Asian supermarkets.
Buttery Almond Cookies
Almond Cookies (Using Shortening)
Like fortune cookies, these "Chinese" cookies were created by immigrants in America not China! Use high quality almond extract and almond flour (not almond meal) for extra almond flavor.
Note: If you only use almond flour (and no all purpose flour), you may need something to bind the ingredients such as egg or xanthan gum.
P.S. In case you've not guessed, I'm a huge fan of nuts. Hence, I have this sweet and savory nut recipes round-up on my blog!
Sesame Cookies
These sesame cookie crisps are so easy to make, they only require 5 ingredients!
Note: For more 5-ingredient Asian recipes, click here
Brown Sugar
Fruity
Pineapple Tarts
These are 1 of the most popular cookies in Singapore and Malaysia.
I used to sell pineapple cookies every Chinese New Year but the homemade pineapple jam is a PAIN. I would have to stir the pineapple jam for hours! (I don't like using store bought pineapple paste as it's too sweet and doesn't taste as good.)
Tip: Use unripe pineapples. We need to add a lot of sugar to preserve the jam and if you use a ripe pineapple, your jam becomes too sweet. If you're making open-face tarts, you need to bake the cookies first then add the jam half-way. If not, the jam becomes too dry!
Note: if you love pineapples, why not try this pineapple matcha drink? The 2 flavors go together surprisingly well.
Karachi cookies
Matcha
Matcha Cookies
Matcha & Pine Nuts
If you're a green tea fan with lots of matcha powder on hand, here are some some delicious matcha recipes that may interest you, such as this Starbucks inspired hot matcha latte, this oat milk matcha and these matcha muffins.
Which of these Asian Cookie Recipes was your favourite? Tag me on social media (@greedygirlgourmet) if you make any of these!
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