Chinese Walnut Cookies [vegan]

Happy Year of the Pig, everyone!

Growing up, I never really enjoyed Chinese New Year–it was always a little too much for me. Too much red and gold. Too many questions from nosy relatives. Too many crowds everywhere I’d go. Lately, however, I find myself missing the boisterous spirit of CNY more and more. In fact, what used to be my worst nightmare–wading through hordes of people at the annual Flower Market or walking down streets inundated with red–does not seem that bad of an idea after all.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, I have made my favorite traditional Chinese pastry–veganized, of course. These Walnut Cookies, also known as 核桃酥, are the perfect golden discs of crunchiness. For my American friends who have never tried them before, these cookies are sweet, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, packed with the earthy flavor of toasted walnuts. They leave behind an irresistible nutty aroma in your kitchen, and taste even better when served warm. Best of all, this recipe, made with simple everyday ingredients, is 100% foolproof.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Walnuts (additional 1/4 cup for topping)

• 2 cups All-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup Coconut oil, melted

• 1/2 cup Coconut sugar

• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp Ground flaxseed + 2 1/2 tbsp Water

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1/4 tsp Baking powder

• 1/4 tsp Baking soda

• 2 tbsp Non-dairy milk + 1 tbsp Maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare flax egg by mixing together ground flaxseed and water. Set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.

2. Meanwhile, toast walnuts in preheated 300F oven for 5 minutes. After removing from oven, place toasted walnuts into a food processor and blend until fine.

3. Mix together coconut oil, sugar, salt, and flax egg.

4. Stir in flour and ground walnuts until well-combined.

5. Form dough into circular discs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Press walnut half into center of each cookie.

7. Mix together non-dairy milk and maple syrup, and use pastry brush to gently brush the top of each cookie with the mixture.

8. Bake in preheated 360F oven for 17-20 minutes until golden brown.

9. Enjoy while still warm!

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