Chinese Tea Cookie Recipe | Light & Buttery
Craving a light, melt-in-your-mouth treat that pairs beautifully with your favourite tea? My Chinese Tea Cookies are the answer! These classic cookies are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and infused with the delicate aroma of almond extract. Traditionally served alongside Chinese tea, they’re not overly sweet, making them the perfect bite for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or festive occasions.
These cookies are also visually charming, each one with a little red dot in the center, a nod to tradition and symbolism of luck and happiness. With simple pantry ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bake a batch of authentic Chinese Tea Cookies right at home.
Dough Preparation
Preparing the dough for Chinese Tea Cookies is quick and easy. Follow these steps for the perfect balance of crispness and flavour:
Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms.
Shaping the Dough
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place each ball onto a baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon.
- Using the tip of a chopstick or spoon, make a small center indentation on each cookie. Drop a tiny bit of red food colouring into the dent – this gives them their classic Chinese Tea Cookie look.
Now your cookies are ready for the oven!
Baking the Chinese Tea Cookies
Oven Temperature and Baking Time
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the prepared cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them set and keep the crisp texture.
Serving and Decoration
Suggested Serving Ideas
Chinese Tea Cookies are best enjoyed:
- With hot tea – They pair wonderfully with jasmine, oolong, or green tea.
- As a festive treat, their red dot makes them popular for Lunar New Year and family celebrations.
- As a light dessert – Serve after dinner with fresh fruit for a balanced finish.
Decoration Options
- Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle a few onto the dough balls before baking for added crunch.
- No Decoration: Keep it traditional with just the red dot in the center.
These simple touches can elevate the cookies and make them even more appealing to serve to guests.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Cookies Fresh
Once cooled completely, place the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the best texture, avoid storing them in humid environments.
Freezing Option
If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze the baked cookies. Please place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes.
Chinese Tea Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When baking Chinese Tea Cookies, having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need:- Mixing Bowls – A set of medium and large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer – To cream the shortening and sugar until fluffy.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision is key to the right cookie texture.
- Baking Sheets – Lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cooling Rack – Allows the cookies to cool evenly and stay crisp.
- Small Spoon or Chopstick – To create the traditional center dent for the red dot.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Tea Cookies
What are Chinese Tea Cookies made of?
Chinese Tea Cookies are typically made with all-purpose flour, shortening, sugar, baking soda, egg, and almond extract. The little red dot in the center is created with food colouring for a traditional touch.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, but shortening gives the cookies their classic crisp texture. If you prefer a richer, slightly softer cookie, butter can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio.
Why do Chinese Tea Cookies have a red dot?
The red dot is symbolic in Chinese culture, often representing good luck and happiness. It also adds a signature festive appearance, especially during the Lunar New Year.
How do I keep Chinese Tea Cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is not overly soft. If it feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies keep their round shape.
What tea pairs best with these cookies?
They pair beautifully with jasmine tea, oolong, or green tea, as the light sweetness of the cookies complements the earthy, floral notes of Chinese teas.
Can I make Chinese Tea Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, then shape and bake the cookies when ready.
How long do Chinese Tea Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 5 days. For more extended storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Mastering Chinese Tea Cookies at home is both rewarding and straightforward. With their crisp bite, delicate almond flavour, and festive red dot, these cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of tradition and togetherness. Whether you serve them with hot tea, gift them during Lunar New Year, or bake a batch for your family, they bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful experience of baking authentic Chinese Tea Cookies. With proper storage, you can savour their freshness for days, thoughtastierylongerer before then!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
