Name: Delicious Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) for Every Celebration
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 74 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Walnuts (plus 37-74 pieces for garnishing); 3.5 cups Cake Flour (can substitute with all-purpose flour); 2 cups Icing Sugar (plus 2½ tablespoons); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (skip if using self-raising flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1-1.5 teaspoons Salt (optional); 1.25 cups Vegetable Oil (can use lard or margarine as alternatives); 2 Eggs (beaten; can skip for vegan version); 3-4 Egg Yolks (for glazing; can use almond milk and maple syrup for vegan option); Sesame Seeds (optional)

In the heart of every festive celebration, there’s a sweet treat that beckons to be shared and savored. Enter the delightful world of Chinese Walnut Cookies, or Hup Toh Soh, that transform any gathering into a memorable occasion with their crispy exterior and soft, crumbly center. The fragrance of toasted walnuts fills the kitchen, drawing friends and family together as each bite melts in your mouth, blending traditional flavors with the comforts of home.

While these treats are often enjoyed during the joyous festivities of Chinese New Year, they’re simple enough to make any day special. Imagine whipping up a batch with just a handful of pantry staples, with options available for both vegetarians and those seeking a vegan-friendly delight. This recipe is not just a cookie; it’s a celebration of taste and culture that brings people together around the table, making each nibble a charming reminder of togetherness and prosperity. Are you ready to dive into this easy and rewarding baking experience? Let’s get started on crafting these festive delicacies!

Why are Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) special?

Irresistible crunch: The unique texture of crispy edges with a crumbly center creates a delightful experience in every bite.
Festive flavors: Infused with the warm aroma of toasted walnuts, these cookies perfectly embody traditional tastes.
Easy to make: This straightforward recipe requires minimal effort, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Customizable options: Whether you prefer vegan versions or want to swap in different nuts, the possibilities are endless.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are a delightful treat for gatherings, sure to impress friends and family alike!
Cultural charm: Every batch tells a story, celebrating togetherness and prosperity—perfect for any occasion!

Try them today and enjoy their endearing appeal, whether during festive celebrations or simply as an afternoon snack.

Chinese Walnut Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Walnuts – 3 Cups, plus 37-74 pieces for garnishing; the star of the show, providing flavor and texture.
Cake Flour – 3.5 Cups; gives structure to the cookies, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour for ease.
Icing Sugar – 2 Cups + 2½ tablespoons; adds delightful sweetness and a smooth finish; white caster sugar works too!
Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons; a leavening agent that ensures a light texture—skip if using self-raising flour.
Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon; complements the baking powder for that perfect fluffiness.
Salt – 1-1½ teaspoons, optional; enhances flavors, yielding a more balanced sweetness to your Chinese Walnut Cookies.
Vegetable Oil – 1¼ Cups; brings moisture and ensures a crumbly texture; lard or margarine can be great alternatives.
Eggs – 2, beaten; vital for binding the ingredients together; skip them for a vegan treat and replace with flax egg or aquafaba.

For the Glaze

Egg Yolks – 3-4; brushed for a beautiful golden hue; use almond milk mixed with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.

For Decoration

Sesame Seeds – optional, for a decorative touch; feel free to swap for more garnished walnut pieces for added flair.

Get ready to delight your senses and create beautiful memories with these Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh)!

How to Make Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh)

Toast Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3 cups of walnuts evenly on a lined baking tray. Toast for 10-15 minutes until they turn fragrant and golden. Let them cool before processing into a coarse meal.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, icing sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Next, stir in the beaten eggs until combined, then gradually pour in the vegetable oil, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to over-knead!
Shape Cookies: Use your hands or a scooping tool to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into small balls or gently press them into flat discs, ensuring they have enough space between them on the baking tray.
Decorate: For a beautiful finish, glaze each cookie with the egg yolk mixture. Press a walnut piece or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20-24 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying these delightful treats!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) Variations

Feel free to spark your creativity and make this delightful recipe your own! Each variation more delicious than the last.

Nut Variety: Swap out walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts to experience a different nutty flavor profile.
Chocolate Delight: Add dark or milk chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Spicy Twist: For a hint of warmth, blend in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor of your cookies.
Citrus Zest: Include the zest of an orange or lemon in the dough for a refreshing citrusy note.
Dried Fruits: Toss in some chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a chewy contrast alongside the crunch of nuts.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of cake flour to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Version: Omit eggs and replace them with a flax egg or aquafaba, adjusting the rest of the recipe accordingly for a delicious vegan treat.
Oat Crunch: Mix in a cup of rolled oats for added texture, giving the cookies a rustic, hearty feel that’s simply irresistible.

Let your imagination run wild as you craft these sweet treats! Each variation is an invitation to experience the traditional charm of these cookies in wonderful new ways.

Expert Tips for Chinese Walnut Cookies

Perfectly Toasted Walnuts: Toast until golden, as under-toasting can result in a lack of flavor. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Avoid Over-Kneading: Mix until the dough comes together but remains crumbly. Over-kneading can lead to tough cookies instead of the intended delicate texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and oil are at room temperature for better emulsification, leading to a smoother dough.
Shape Uniformly: For even baking, make sure your cookie portions are similar in size. Weighing them can help achieve consistency.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool fully on the wire rack to prevent breaking during transfer. Warm cookies are fragile!
Vegan Substitutes: If making a vegan version of these Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh), use flax egg or aquafaba to maintain the right texture while keeping it plant-based.

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh)

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks, preserving their delightful crunch while keeping them fresh.

Fridge: If you want to prolong their shelf life, refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks; just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating: To regain that perfect texture, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes after thawing, enhancing the flavor of your Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh).

What to Serve with Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh)?

Pair these delightful cookies with the perfect accompaniments to create a full and enjoyable experience.

Milk Tea: The robust flavors and comforting warmth complement the cookies’ crispy texture beautifully, making every sip and bite a pleasure.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of brightness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a juicy, vibrant crunch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a scoop alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast of temperatures, where the creamy decadence enhances the nutty flavor of the walnuts.
Hot Chocolate: The rich, chocolatey goodness pairs perfectly with the crumbly texture of the cookies, creating a cozy treat that warms the soul.
Chinese Green Tea: This earthy, delicate beverage brings out the subtle flavors of the walnuts, making it an ideal pairing for a calm afternoon snack.
Nuts and Dried Fruits Platter: A selection of mixed nuts and dried fruits offers an engaging variety of textures and flavors, enhancing the cookie experience as a festive treat.
Cheese Platter: A mild cheese such as brie or camembert can provide a creamy contrast that complements the crunchy cookies, creating a sweet-and-savory combination.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: This decadent pairing adds a touch of indulgence, where the berries’ freshness and chocolate richness elevate the cookie’s taste.
Coconut Macaroons: For a themed dessert table, these chewy, sweet bites will echo the nutty flavors while adding a different texture to your spread.

Crafting a perfect pairing not only elevates the enjoyment of these Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) but also brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply follow the initial steps of toasting the walnuts and mixing the dry ingredients, then store the dough covered in the fridge. If you want even more flexibility, you can shape the cookies into balls, place them on a lined baking tray, and freeze them for up to 3 days. Just bake them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, to ensure they’re just as delicious as fresh. This prep-ahead method will have you enjoying delightful cookies with minimal fuss on those busy weeknights!

Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) Recipe FAQs

What kind of walnuts should I use for Hup Toh Soh?
Absolutely! Fresh, whole walnuts provide the best flavor and texture for your Chinese Walnut Cookies. Choose walnuts that are firm and free from dark spots or bruises. If you prefer convenience, walnut pieces can be used, but I recommend toasting them before adding them to the dough for maximum flavor.

How should I store my Chinese Walnut Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze Chinese Walnut Cookies?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor them, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through—this brings back their delightful crunch!

What if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough is too crumbly to hold together, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes. Add a little more vegetable oil or a splash of water, mixing until just combined. You want a crumbly texture, but it should hold together when pressed. Just don’t over-knead!

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Not at all! Since Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hup Toh Soh) are primarily made with walnuts, they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using seeds like sunflower seeds or coconut flakes, but keep in mind that your cookies’ flavor and texture will differ significantly.

Can I make a vegan version of Chinese Walnut Cookies?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, simply omit the eggs and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or aquafaba (3 tablespoons). Both alternatives maintain the desired texture while keeping these cookies plant-based.