Peanut Cookies 花生饼

I've seen many fellow bloggers who made this super easy but highly addictive snack for the coming Chinese New Year. Every Chinese New Year goodies has an auspicious meaning and this stalwart of CNY peanut cookie symbolise longevity.

Nibbling on these treats can be addictive. Every bite of peanuty goodness will experience a crunchy burst in your mouth. Who can resist the nutty fragrant and the savoury crust?



Although there is no eggs but nuts are high in calories, so watch your weight... Wait, a little indulge once a year isn't that bad, no?

Recipe:
Makes: 115 piece

Ingredients:
• 600g peanuts, fried/roasted and ground until fine
• 450g plain flour
• 250g castor sugar (i use 200g icing sugar)
• 1 tsp salt - optional
• 1 tbsp butter
• 250ml canola oil (use sparingly and use only enough to bind the mixture)
• 1 egg - beaten for glazing
• handful of peanuts, fried/roasted, halved and cut into quarter when still hot (optional)

Method:
1. Preheat the oven at 170C and lined with baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Sift the flour, sugar, salt and butter into the peanut mixture and mix them together until well combined.


3. Gradually add in half the oil, using hand and knead the mixture together.


4. Pour the rest of the oil while still kneading the mixture until you can roll the mixture up into a ball without sticking to your fingers. Test it with a small lump of the mixture and roll into a ball between your palms, your dough is ready if it doesn’t crumble. If not, add just a bit more oil until you can roll them into a ball.


5. Scoop 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture into your palm, and roll them into small balls. Place them on the baking sheets, leaving some space in between.


6. Press each ball lightly with the end of a chopstick, put a little quartered peanut on top of each ball. Brush egg glaze evenly over peanut cookies.


7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Remove cookies to cool on wire rack before storing in airtight containers.

There are tons of Chinese New Year confectioneries but I can't try them all, unless I am a full time housewife. Peanut cookies is my husband least favourite but one of my mum favourite, and my family likes the super nutty fragrant.



What is your favourite Chinese New Year food?