Chinese mooncakes

Step 1/11

• 200 g flour
• 20 g confectioner's sugar
• 70 ml water
• 60 g lard

• large bowl

Mix two thirds of the flour with the confectioner’s sugar, water and half of the lard. Knead into a smooth dough, set aside and let rest for approx. 30 min.

Step 2/11

• 135 g flour
• 67 g lard

• small bowl

Meanwhile, mix the remaining flour and lard in a separate bowl. Knead into a smooth dough, set aside and also let rest for approx. 30 min.

Step 3/11

• oven
• cutting board
• knife

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Roll each dough into a long strip approx. thumb thick. Cut first dough into equal portions approx. finger-width in length. Separate second dough into an equal number of portions. Roll each portion into a ball in the palm of your hand, keeping the two doughs separate.

Step 4/11

Flatten the balls from the first dough in your hand until they fit around the balls from the second dough. Wrap the flattened discs around the balls firmly.

Step 5/11

• rolling pin

Using a rolling pin, flatten each portion into a thin oblong disc. Roll up each disc with your hands.

Step 6/11

Turn rolls by 90° and roll out each one into another oblong disc. Roll these discs up again.

Step 7/11

Make an indentation in the center of each roll with your finger. Wrap the dough into a circle with the indentation at its center. Shape into a smooth ball and roll this ball into a thin, round disc.

Step 8/11

• 300 g red bean paste

Place a spoonful of red bean paste at the center of each disc. Pleat the edges of the dough around the paste and squeeze closed. Place seam side down.

Step 9/11

Gently turn mooncakes in the palms of your hands, giving them a round and smooth surface.

Step 10/11

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds

• pastry brush
• baking sheet
• parchment paper

Place on a lined baking sheet seam side down. Brush mooncakes with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 180°C/350°F for approx. 35 - 45 min. until golden.

Step 11/11

Let cool and enjoy with guests or give to friends.

Enjoy your meal!