Chinese Peanut Cookie

Chinese Peanut Cookies are a taste of pure nostalgia. Growing up in Malaysia, these delicate treats were an essential part of Chinese New Year—crumbly, nutty, and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth. After countless trials, I’ve perfected this recipe to bring back those childhood flavors. Now, I’m excited to share it with you so you can enjoy these delightful bites of tradition!

Take a trip down memory lane with this timeless Chinese Peanut Cookie recipe! A must-have for festive celebrations, these rich and aromatic cookies embody the joy of the season. Their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture is what makes them so special. After years of testing different versions, this recipe is the closest to the ones I grew up with—and now, you can create them in your own kitchen.

Join me as I walk you through every step to make these crumbly, nutty delights, perfect for sharing with family and friends—or savoring all to yourself! Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this simple recipe is sure to bring a touch of festive magic to your home.

Yield	Prep Time	Cooking Time	Temperature
approx. 25 pcs	20 min	12 - 15 min	180 °C / 350 °F

Mise en Place

Ingredients:

Part A	Crunchy Peanut Butter	200 g
	Vegetable Cooking Oil	60 g*
Part B	Plain Flour	225 g
	Baking Powder	6 g
	Icing Sugar	90 g
Egg wash	Whole Egg (Medium)	1 pcs (approx 60g)
	Milk	2 tablespoons
Optional	Whole peanut (or any nuts)	as needed

Equipment:

Oven
Prep bowls
Spatula
Pastry brush
Baking Mat/Paper
Baking Tray
Scale
Measuring Spoon
Cooling Rack

Quick Batch Scale Table

Ingredients	Half Batch	Double Batch	Triple Batch
Yield	Approx. 12 pcs at 24 g each	Approx. 50 pcs at 24 g each	Approx. 75 pcs at 24 g each
Crunchy Peanut Butter	100 g	400 g	600 g
Vegetable Cooking Oil	30 g	120 g	180 g
Plain Flour	112.5 g	450 g	675 g
Baking Powder	3 g	12 g	18 g
Icing Sugar	45 g	180 g	270 g
Egg Wash mixture	as needed	as needed	as needed

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper/baking mat.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine Part A (peanut butter, vegetable cooking oil) with Part B (plain flour, baking powder, icing sugar). Stir until well incorporated.
*If the dough feels too dry and doesn’t hold together, gradually add more vegetable cooking oil until you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough that’s easy to shape.

Shape the cookies: Portion the dough and roll it into small, round balls. I made mine about 24 grams each, but feel free to adjust the size to your preference. Just keep in mind that smaller cookies bake faster, while larger cookies may need a little extra time in the oven.
Garnish the cookies: Brush a light layer of egg wash over the cookies for a beautiful golden finish.
Next, press your choice of nuts gently into the cookies—I used cashew nuts since that’s what I had on hand, but traditionally, whole peanuts are used for an authentic touch.
Finally, apply one more layer of egg wash over the cookies to enhance their color and shine before baking.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the cookies are turning golden brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage:
Store the cookies in an air-tight container or gift packaging of your choice. If stored correctly can be kept up to 1 month, if you don't finish eating them by then.

Additional Tips:

The consistency of the dough can vary depending on the ingredients and environment conditions. If the dough feels too dry, gradually add more vegetable cooking oil until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
To achieve an extra glossy finish, I glaze the cookies with egg wash twice (once before adding the nuts, and once after) before baking. This enhances their shine and gives them a beautiful golden color.
These cookies are meant to melt in your mouth but making them too large can impact the mouth feel as it can be dry or sticky when eating. I keep mine around 24 grams per cookie, but feel free to make them smaller for easier enjoyment!

Final Thoughts

Chinese Peanut Cookies are more than just a treat—they're a taste of tradition, nostalgia, and festive joy. Every bite carries the warmth of family gatherings and the cherished memories of celebrating Chinese New Year. Whether you're making them for the first time or perfecting a childhood favorite, this recipe brings a little piece of heritage to your kitchen.

I hope these melt-in-your-mouth delights bring as much happiness to you as they do to me. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and let the aroma of roasted peanuts and buttery richness fill your home. Happy baking!