Chinese Smiling Sesame Cookie Balls 笑口棗
We made the delightfully addictive Chinese New Year favorite, Chinese Smiling Sesame Cookie Balls 笑口棗, crisp little sesame infused cookies that are eaten and shared during the New Year festivities.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 40 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 1/2 cups low gluten cake flour, 300g
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup sugar, 160g
- 3 tbsp hot water
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup white sesame seeds, 120g
Instructions
- 1
Sift flour, baking powder and baking soda together.
- 2
In separate bowl, stir sugar and hot water until dissolved. Add 2 tbsp oil, egg and stir until mixed.
- 3
Pour wet into dry and stir until mixed, then knead into a dough. If dough seems dry add extra oil, 1/2 tbsp at a time. The dough should be pliant, and not stick to sides of the bowl.
- 4
Wrap in cling film and let rest in fridge for 40 mins.
- 5
Roll into 1/2 inch balls.
- 6
Pour sesame seeds into a plate. Prepare a small saucer of water. Dip fingers in water and lightly just moisten each dough ball before rolling in sesame seeds. Gently press the seeds into dough.
- 7
In a small pot pour enough neutral tasting oil (vegetable oil or peanut oil) to cover the cookie balls. Heat oil to 340F (170C).
- 8
Gently slide 6-8 sesame balls into oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. The cookie balls will stay at the bottom for a little while, then float up by themselves.
- 9
Cook for 3-4 mins, turning the balls at intervals so that all sides are evenly browned. When the sesame balls are a lovely golden color remove and set on paper towels to drain. The sesame balls will crisp up as they cool.
- 10
Best when fresh, store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.