Chinese Cookies
Chewy and flavorful Chinese cookies packed with chopped dates and walnuts, lightly baked and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a 9-inch square pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.
- While still warm, cut into squares and roll in powdered sugar.
- The cookies will look unbrowned.
- Do not bake any longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mixture. If you don’t have dates, you can substitute with raisins or dried apricots. Ensure your eggs are well beaten to help the mixture combine smoothly, as this will result in a better texture. If you want to add some spice, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Chinese Cookies as a delightful treat with tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Spicy Szechuan Noodles for a fusion meal. For a festive touch, dust them with extra powdered sugar before serving. They also make a perfect gift when packaged nicely for friends or family during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, just until warm, but be cautious not to overheat, as they can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Cookies contains roughly 940 calories, with 19g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
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 other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just chop them roughly and add them to the mixture as you would with walnuts. Each nut will provide a unique taste, adding a twist to your Chinese Cookies.
Why are my cookies not browning?
The cookies are designed to be soft and light, which is why they will not brown significantly. If you want them to have a little color, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be cautious not to overbake, as they can become dry.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, which should work well for this recipe. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. This way, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten!
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).