Peanut Cookies & Fa Sang Woo: Classic Treats with a Twist

(Updated Version)

No matter the festival in Malaysia, peanut cookies are a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to. Whether it's Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali, these cookies are a staple among the festive offerings (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). Nowadays, buying peanut cookies is a breeze, with countless options available, including homemade varieties.

 

I made peanut cookies for the first time during Chinese New Year, curious about the so-called "secret" recipes. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts with online recipes, I wondered if the impressive photos and popularity of these recipes were misleading. However, after some trial and error, my homemade cookies turned out fabulous (SUJI COOKIES).

Oh, and a quick note about Biskut Kacang Tumbuk, also known as Peanut Cake. I didn’t make this myself, but I did take a photo after buying. They’re quite delicious and might be a great addition to your festivities if you're looking for more options (INDULGENT CHEESECAKES). 

Making Peanut Cookies

Peanuts

To make peanut cookies, start with roasted peanuts, which can be oven-roasted or pan-roasted. For convenience, store-bought roasted peanuts are also a good option.

Adding Oil

Incorporating no-smell oil into your peanut cookies can improve their texture by making them softer and chewier. Oil adds moisture, prevents dryness, and helps the cookies spread evenly during baking, resulting in a uniform texture.

 

Using Peanut Butter

You can also use store-bought peanut butter to save time, making two versions of cookies: one with flour and one flourless. Flourless peanut butter cookies offer a rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture with fewer ingredients, ideal for a simpler, gluten-free option. Conversely, peanut butter cookies with flour provide a classic texture with balanced chewiness and slight crispness, and they allow for more mix-in variations.

Healthier Version

Reduce Sugar

Cut down on granulated sugar or use healthier alternatives.

 

Control Portions

Use smaller cookie cutters or portion out smaller dough balls to manage calorie intake.

 

Mindful Eating

Practice mindful eating by savoring each cookie and being conscious of portion sizes to prevent overindulgence, especially during festive seasons.

 

These Peanut Cookies are made in a Chinese-style, offering a unique twist on a classic treat with traditional flavors.

 

For an extra delight, try making Fa Sang Woo, also known as Chinese Sweet Peanut Porridge—a rich, luscious Cantonese dessert. Whether you've had it from street vendors or not, you’ll enjoy this sweet addition to your peanut-based treats.

Peanut Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup ground roasted peanuts

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup icing sugar

1/4 cup unscented oil

1 tbsp softened butter

A handful of roasted peanuts for decoration

1 egg yolk, lightly beaten (For a vegetarian version, substitute with milk or cream for the egg wash)

 

Method

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground peanuts, flour, icing sugar, oil, and softened butter until well mixed.

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.

Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Press a roasted peanut onto the top of each cookie, then brush with the beaten egg yolk.

Bake at 170°C (340°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Fa Sang Woo (Chinese Peanut Sweet Porridge)

What is mindful about Ms. Nava’s version? It features a mindful amount of sugar and butter, and to elevate it to a healthier version, I’ve added roasted black sesame seeds (hēi zhī ma) and dried Chinese red dates (hóng zǎo).

 

Ingredients

1 cup peanuts

Butter, as needed

Sugar, as needed

Some roasted black sesame seeds

1 handful of Chinese red dates (remove seeds, split into two, and soak)

Method

Roast the peanuts until crispy, then remove the skin.

Blend the peanuts with water to achieve a thick consistency.

Pour the blended peanuts into a pot.

Add butter and sugar, stirring until both are dissolved.

Add the soaked red dates and remove from heat.

Sprinkle roasted black sesame seeds on top before serving.