Chinese Chews Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Chinese

Chewy, nutty cookies infused with dates and vanilla, coated in sugar for a delightful crunch. Perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix and sift cake flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add chopped nuts, chopped dates, beaten eggs, and vanilla to the mixture.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased shallow cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  4. While hot, roll teaspoonfuls of the cookie into balls in powdered sugar or granulated sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour if you can't find it. You can also substitute the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. Ensure the dates are soft; if they're hard, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation, or pair them with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Stewed Eggs or a light salad. They also pair well with Cold Noodles With Sesame Sauce for a harmonious balance of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Chinese Chews Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Chews Cookies contains roughly 282 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.

282 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 9% DV
Carbs 40.4g 15% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 308.1mg 13% DV
Potassium 340.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 109.4mg 8% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces to blend well into the cookie batter. Each nut will impart a different flavor, so choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This works well in keeping the cookies moist.

How do I make these cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your Chinese Chews Cookies, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also incorporate zest from an orange or lemon for a citrusy twist. Additionally, using high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the overall taste of the cookies.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chinese recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →