Chinese Marble Cookies: A Delectable Treat for All Occasions
Get ready to indulge in a delectable treat that will have your taste buds tingling with joy. The Chinese Marble Cookies recipe is a culinary delight that you simply cannot afford to miss. This recipe blends the perfect ratio of vanilla and sugar to create a mouth-watering experience. Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon snack or want to impress your guests with an elegant dessert, Chinese Marble Cookies are the perfect solution.
But don’t let the name fool you; these cookies aren’t just any ordinary baked goods. They possess a unique texture and flavor, making them stand out amongst other bakery-style Chinese cookies. Each bite offers a delightful combination of crunchy and soft textures, while the swirls of chocolate in the dough add both complexity and visual appeal.
Even better, the recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow along with ease. Using ingredients commonly found in any kitchen (think flour, eggs, baking soda, sugar, salt), you’ll be able to whip up a batch of delicious Chinese Marble Cookies in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Get out your mixing bowls and preheat your oven because this Chinese Marble Cookies recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready for an indulgent treat – the Chinese Marble Cookies! This is the perfect cookie to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. A unique and striking pattern, created by blending two distinct doughs together, makes these cookies fun and interesting to look at. But the real magic happens when you take your first bite.
These cookies have a slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy center with a buttery flavor that will melt in your mouth. You’ll also notice a subtle hint of vanilla that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar.
The recipe for these cookies comes with some great characteristics. It’s not too complicated, making it easy for novice bakers to execute with ease, but its presentation looks professional enough to be served in any high-end bakery.
What makes this recipe stand out even more is its versatility. With just a few substitutions or variations, you can create cookies that fit your unique tastes and preferences – you can even make them gluten-free!
Trust me, try one of these Chinese Marble cookies and you’ll never go back. These delicious treats are the perfect blend of sweet and buttery goodness that will leave everyone clamoring for more!
Ingredient List
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Note: Alternatively, you can use unsalted butter instead of vegetable shortening. Also, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before starting with the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients. In this case, you’ll need sugar, vegetable shortening, an egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature to allow them to incorporate more easily.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure that your oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Sugar and Shortening
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and ¾ cup of vegetable shortening. Mix well until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add an egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Sugar Mixture
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your sugar mixture while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Create the Marble Effect
Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it in between your palms to form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Take another tablespoon of dough and mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips with it in order to make a darker dough (You can also use food coloring instead). Roll this second batch into small balls as well.
One by one press each type of ball together creating marbled effect.`
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place your cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Once done remove from oven and let them cool down for a couple minutes before removing from sheet.”””
Substitutions and Variations
Chinese Marble Cookies are a classic recipe that can be modified to fit different taste preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions to make them unique.
– Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can use a 1:1 baking flour mix, or one with xanthan gum.
– Almond Extract: To add a nuttier flavor, replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. This is especially delicious when paired with chopped almonds in the dough.
– Chocolate Marble: For a chocolate twist, mix in ½ cup of melted chocolate chips into the dough. You can also replace cocoa powder for some of the flour.
– Trisha Yearwood’s Recipe: Follow Trisha Yearwood’s recipe for Chinese Almond Cookies by swapping out shortening for unsalted butter, and adding almond extract and chopped almonds.
– Using Butter Instead of Shortening: Replace shortening with unsalted butter at a 1:1 ratio. Note that the cookies will spread more and have a richer flavor.
– Chocolate Chips: To make Chinese chocolate chip cookies, mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dough.
These variations and substitutions will provide you with endless ways to experiment and find your favorite version of this classic Chinese bakery-style cookie.
Serving and Pairing
Chinese Marble Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. While they are certainly scrumptious on their own, they can also be paired with complementary flavors for a more elevated experience.
These cookies are great served as a light snack with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They work well as an accompanying dessert for a casual lunch or an afternoon tea party. The bakery style Chinese cookies with their intricate marbling and lovely texture make it even more irresistible to serve during special occasions like Christmas parties or intimate gatherings.
For a unique twist, consider serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to their slightly sweet and crumbly texture. Or, pair them with some fresh fruit slices to balance out the rich flavors and add a touch of tartness.
If you want to experiment further, you may want to try dunking your marble cookie into some melted chocolate or dipping them in almond milk for added richness.
Whether you are enjoying them on their own or pairing them with something else, Chinese Marble Cookies never fail to impress. Try experimenting and see what compliments the flavor of these delicious cookies the most!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Chinese Marble Cookies are great make-ahead treats. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Or, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, simply place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To store the baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The cookies will stay fresh and delicious for several days if stored properly.
If you want to reheat the cookies, simply place them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes or until they are warm and crispy again. You can also microwave the cookies for a few seconds until they are warm, but be careful not to overdo it as this may cause them to become tough or dry.
It’s worth noting that while these cookies taste best fresh out of the oven, their flavor and texture will improve with time as well, so don’t hesitate to store them for later enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making perfect Chinese Marble Cookies is all about the little details. Here are some tips to make sure your cookies come out looking and tasting great!
1. Use room temperature ingredients
Having all your ingredients at room temperature will help them combine more easily and give you a better result. Make sure to take the butter and eggs out of the fridge a few hours before you start baking.
2. Don’t overmix
When combining your dough ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that don’t spread properly.
3. Chill your dough
Chilling your dough before baking will help the cookies keep their shape in the oven and prevent them from spreading too much. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
4. Use parchment paper or silicone mats
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat will prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.
5. Flatten your cookies slightly before baking
To get that signature crinkled surface on your Chinese Marble Cookies, flatten each ball of dough slightly with the palm of your hand before placing it on the baking sheet.
6. Rotate your baking sheet
About halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees to ensure even browning.
7. Let them cool completely before storing
It can be tempting to dig into a fresh batch of cookies right away, but letting them cool completely before storing them will help prevent any excess moisture from making them soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to bakery-style Chinese Marble Cookies that are sure to impress!
FAQ
As home bakers, we sometimes face some questions and concerns when preparing a new recipe. With that in mind, in this section, we will address the most frequently asked questions that arise when making Chinese Marble Cookies. Hopefully, by answering these questions, you will feel more confident and prepared to tackle this recipe with ease. So let’s dive in!
What are Chinese almond cookies made of?
For this recipe, it’s important to use almond flour instead of almond meal, as almond meal is more coarsely ground. Additionally, you’ll need unsalted butter, kosher salt, eggs, and almond extract. Trust me, almond extract is a game-changer! You’ll also need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda.
What kind of cookies did Trisha Yearwood make?
The recipe I’ll be sharing with you today is a beloved holiday cookie treat from the collection of Trisha Yearwood, a talented singer and avid home-cook.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Chinese Marble Cookies recipe is a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire. With its unique marbled appearance and sweet vanilla flavor, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The combination of cream of tartar and baking soda creates a light and airy texture that simply melt in your mouth. Plus, with the flexibility to make substitutions and variations, this recipe can cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Chinese bakery cookies or want a new twist on classic desserts like chocolate chip or sugar cookies, these bakery-style Chinese Marble Cookies will not disappoint. As Trisha Yearwood would say, “I’m telling you, these cookies are addicting.”
So, what are you waiting for? With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, enjoy the taste of authentic Chinese bakery cookies in the comfort of your own home!
Chinese Marble Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable shortening (i sub butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Beat the shortening with sugar and egg until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, then vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients and beat until well combined.
- Add chocolate a little at a time, cutting in with a knife. Do not stir.
- Form dough into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a sugar-coated glass.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- NOTE: I find these a bit salty, i will have to reduce the salt next time. Baked them for 15min.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.