Exploring the World of Chinese Noodle Cookies
Chinese noodle cookies have a special charm due to their delightful crispiness and the unexpected use of noodles. These cookies provide a unique fusion of Chinese culinary traditions and the universal love for sweets. In this blog post, we'll dive into five simple recipes that will make your next cookie baking adventure exciting and delicious.
Recipe 1: Classic La Mian Cookies
La Mian noodles, known for their chewy texture, can be transformed into a cookie that's both crunchy and subtly sweet. Here's how you can make them:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried La Mian noodles
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the La Mian noodles according to package instructions, then let them cool and break them into small pieces.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in the La Mian pieces.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Notes:
✨ Note: La Mian cookies provide a unique texture that combines the crispiness of cookies with the slightly chewy nature of noodles. They are perfect for surprising guests with something different from the usual.
Recipe 2: Instant Noodle Butter Cookies
These cookies use instant noodles for a quick twist, offering a salty-sweet experience:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pack of instant noodles, seasoning discarded
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Instructions:
- Crush the instant noodles into tiny pieces.
- Mix the sugar into the melted butter, then add the flour and baking powder, stirring to combine.
- Fold in the noodle bits.
- Form the dough into small balls, flatten them slightly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Notes:
🌟 Note: The crunch from instant noodles in these cookies creates an intriguing contrast with the soft, buttery cookie base.
Recipe 3: Sesame Noodle Cookies
This recipe highlights the rich flavor of sesame seeds with the added crunch of noodles:
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of dried or cooked noodles, chopped
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix butter and sugar until creamy, then add the egg and sesame oil.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and sesame seeds in a separate bowl.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the chopped noodles.
- Form into cookies and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Notes:
🍪 Note: These cookies are excellent for tea time or as a unique gift option. The sesame seeds not only enhance flavor but also add a nutritional boost.
Recipe 4: Egg Noodle Almond Cookies
Using egg noodles in almond cookies adds an unexpected twist:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup egg noodles, cooked and broken into pieces
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Instructions:
- Cream butter with sugar, then add the egg and almond extract.
- Mix in almond flour and baking powder, then gently fold in the egg noodle pieces.
- Shape into small balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes.
Notes:
🌰 Note: These cookies combine the delicate flavor of almonds with the mild, savory taste of egg noodles for a truly memorable cookie.
Recipe 5: Spicy Soba Noodle Cookies
Spice up your cookie tray with this adventurous recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked soba noodles, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter with sugar, then add egg and cayenne pepper.
- Stir in flour and baking soda, then fold in the soba noodles.
- Form cookies and bake for about 10 minutes, ensuring not to overbake to preserve the spicy kick.
Notes:
🔥 Note: Be cautious with the amount of cayenne; a little goes a long way. These cookies can serve as a unique ending to an Asian-themed meal.
From Classic La Mian Cookies to Spicy Soba Noodle Cookies, these recipes offer a delightful exploration into the versatile world of Chinese noodle cookies. Each recipe provides a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart from the standard cookie fare. They're perfect for introducing new flavors to your baking repertoire or for impressing at gatherings. These cookies not only provide a delicious treat but also an engaging conversation starter about culinary traditions and fusion baking. Enjoy experimenting with these unconventional ingredients and discover a new favorite in your cookie collection.
Can I use any type of noodles for these cookies?
+
Yes, you can experiment with various types of noodles, but keep in mind that different noodles will give different textures. La Mian and Instant noodles work well for their unique textures.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
+
Absolutely! You can skip the almond flour in the Egg Noodle Almond Cookies recipe or substitute it with additional all-purpose flour to make it nut-free.
How should I store these cookies?
+
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to 5 days, though their crispiness might reduce over time. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.
