Forget everything you think you know about cookies. These Chinese Noodle Cookies offer a unique twist on a classic dessert, blending the satisfying crunch of a cookie with the surprising chewiness of noodles. It’s a recipe that’s both easy and incredibly rewarding, perfect for a quick bake or an impressive homemade gift. These delightful treats are guaranteed to become a new favorite, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations lead to the best results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet sophisticated recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled Chinese egg noodles (about 2 oz)
Let's Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Gently fold in the crumbled Chinese egg noodles. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations for Delicious Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal mixing and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cookie Cutter Fun: Get creative with different cookie cutters for fun shapes!
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- Chocolate Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate noodle cookie twist.
- Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
These Chinese Noodle Cookies are a delightful treat that's both easy to make and surprisingly delicious. Give this unique recipe a try and discover a new favorite addition to your baking repertoire! They're perfect for afternoon tea, alongside coffee, or as a special treat any time of day. Enjoy!