Flaky mooncakes are an essential delicacy for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The process of making this dish is both simple and enjoyable, allowing one to savor the taste of traditional festivities at home.
The required ingredients are clear: 200 grams of low-gluten flour, paired with 100 grams of vegetable oil and 80 grams of water, along with a pinch of salt for seasoning. The filling choices are diverse, whether it’s the classic red bean paste, smooth lotus seed paste, or traditional mixed nuts filling, all catering to different taste preferences. Additionally, each mooncake needs to include an egg yolk and an appropriate amount of powdered sugar as a garnish.
When making it, the first step is to prepare the outer skin. Mix the flour, oil, water, and salt together, kneading until the dough is smooth, then let it rest for 15 minutes to relax.
Next, divide the relaxed dough into small pieces, roll them flat, and carefully wrap in your preferred filling, gently pinching the edges to ensure the filling is completely enclosed. If preferred, you can embed an egg yolk in the filling to enhance the flavor.
The semi-finished products are placed on a baking tray, brushed lightly with egg wash, which is the secret step to giving the mooncakes their enticing golden color.
Preheat the oven to 180°C, serving as the stage for the mooncakes’ transformation. After about 15 to 20 minutes, as the surface turns a pleasing golden hue, the mooncakes are declared done baking.
Once out of the oven, allow the mooncakes to cool, then lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar, which not only beautifies the appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness. Thus, the homemade flaky mooncakes are successfully completed, awaiting the festive gathering.
The key to making them lies in controlling the dough’s moisture and elasticity, which is crucial for the crispiness of the flaky skin. The egg wash layer before baking is not only for aesthetic appeal but also a small detail that shouldn’t be overlooked in the production process. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the mooncakes during baking to prevent over-baking, which could cause the sugars to leak and affect the perfection of the final product.
