Snowy Delights: Homemade Snow Skin Mooncakes

Ingredients

• 200g (1 1/2 cups) glutinous rice flour 200g (1 1/2 cups) glutinous rice flour
• 30g (2 tablespoons) icing sugar 30g (2 tablespoons) icing sugar
• 30g (2 tablespoons) shortening 30g (2 tablespoons) shortening
• 150ml (2/3 cup) cold water 150ml (2/3 cup) cold water
• Filling of your choice (lotus seed paste, red bean paste, matcha paste, etc.) Filling of your choice (lotus seed paste, red bean paste, matcha paste, etc.)
• Natural food coloring (optional) Natural food coloring (optional)
• Cornstarch or cooked glutinous rice flour for dusting Cornstarch or cooked glutinous rice flour for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): Varies depending on the filling
• Fat (total, saturated): Varies depending on the filling
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): Varies depending on the filling
• Protein: Varies depending on the filling
• Fiber: Varies depending on the filling
• Salt: Varies depending on the filling

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, icing sugar, and shortening. Mix well until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add cold water to the mixture while stirring continuously until a soft and pliable dough forms.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into smaller portions and add natural food coloring if desired. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
4. 4.
   Take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a small amount of filling in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing it tightly.
5. 5.
   Dust your hands with cornstarch or cooked glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking. Roll the filled dough into a smooth ball.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
7. 7.
   Place the mooncakes in a container lined with cornstarch or cooked glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve the Snow Skin Mooncakes chilled and enjoy their soft and chewy texture.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Ensure you are using glutinous rice flour specifically, as it gives the mooncakes their characteristic chewy texture.
• Shortening — If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the shortening with vegetable oil, but it may slightly alter the texture of the snow skin.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smooth and even snow skin texture, knead the dough until it becomes elastic and pliable.
• Experiment with different fillings such as black sesame, taro, or even durian for unique flavor combinations.
• Dust your hands and work surface with cornstarch or cooked glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking while shaping the mooncakes.
• Store the mooncakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
• Serve the mooncakes chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Snow Skin Mooncakes as a delightful dessert during the Mid-Autumn Festival or any special occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of hot Chinese tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Snow Skin Mooncakes on a decorative platter, showcasing their vibrant colors. You can also wrap each mooncake in a small piece of edible rice paper for an elegant touch.