Chinese
👍 Beginner Friendly
15 mineasy
ChineseDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThese Sesame Walnut Cookies are a beloved traditional Chinese treat that combines the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds with the rich crunch of walnuts. The cookies feature a tender, crumbly texture achieved through careful mixing of flour, butter, and sugar, enhanced with a hint of vanilla. Each cookie is generously coated with sesame seeds before baking, creating a beautiful golden exterior and an irresistible nutty flavor. Perfect for tea time or as a light dessert, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The addition of egg yolk provides richness while keeping the cookies light and delicate. Popular during celebrations and family gatherings, these cookies represent the perfect harmony of simple ingredients transformed into an elegant treat. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touch to this timeless classic.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Finely chop the walnuts and fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.
Place the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl or plate.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms.
Roll each ball in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds adhere well to the surface.
Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Allow cookies to cool completely before serving or storing. The texture improves as they cool and the flavors meld together.
Sesame Walnut Cookies
4.1 (41)
Traditional Chinese cookies featuring fragrant sesame seeds and crunchy walnuts, baked to golden perfection with a delicate, crumbly texture and subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth.
easy
38 min
24 servings
Ingredients
0 of 8 checked
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cups butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 pieces eggs, yolks only, room temperature
- 3/4 cups honey
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract
- 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
Coating
- 3 tablespoons sesame-oil, toasted variety
Chef Tips
expert advice•For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
•If your walnuts are not fresh, toast them lightly in a dry pan before chopping to enhance their flavor.
•You can substitute half the sesame seeds with black sesame seeds for a striking visual contrast.
•If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
•For a more intense sesame flavor, use toasted sesame oil in place of 1 tablespoon of the butter.
•These cookies pair beautifully with jasmine tea, green tea, or Chinese oolong tea.
•To make them slightly sweeter, you can brush the tops with honey immediately after removing from the oven.
•The cookies can be made smaller for bite-sized treats perfect for parties—just reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
•For a festive touch, press a single walnut half into the center of each cookie before baking.
•Store these cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming too hard.
