What’s Cookin’ – Chinese New Year Cookies

This is the second in a series of no-cook Christmas Cookies that we make and that are easy and fun to prepare with young children, too.

This recipe came from my mother.  I’m not sure where it came from originally, and I have seen some similar recipes out there, but not this particular version.  We have been eating these at Christmas for over 50 years.

The cast of characters – four ingredients, simple enough!

Put the chips into a bowl and microwave on high for one minute.  Stir and microwave for additional 30 second intervals until the chips are completely melted.  Stir until perfectly smooth.  This took me about 2 minutes and 15 seconds.

Add the nuts and stir until completely coated.  If you do not like peanuts or are allergic, you may omit adding them, and the cookies will still be delicious!  If you like peanuts and can eat ’em, they add a delicious salty counterbalance to the sweetness of the chips.

Add the chow mein noodles and fold gently until completely coated.  You want to try to avoid breaking the noodles as much as possible.  The peanuts and the chow mein noodles add a nice texture and crunchiness to these cookies.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, and allow to set until completely cooled and firm.

A unique, fun, and easy cookie that adds a nice dimension to a Christmas Cookie tray.  Yummy!