Making mooncakes is a fun traditional activity, especially during holidays. First, gather all the necessary ingredients based on personal taste preferences, such as flour, suitable fats (both vegetable oil and bean paste oil are good choices), sugar, and filling materials like sweet bean paste and rich nuts.
Next, move on to making the mooncake skin. Mix the flour with the fat, gradually adding water while continuously stirring until it can be kneaded into a soft and elastic dough. Allow the dough to rest for a while, which helps to relax the gluten, then divide the large dough evenly into small pieces for easier handling.
Filling is the key step in creating the mooncake shape. Take a small piece of dough, flatten it, and place a spoonful of bean paste or another desired filling on top, carefully pulling up the edges of the dough to seal it shut, gently rolling it into a ball to ensure the filling is completely encased.
Using special mooncake molds is crucial to give the mooncakes a unique appearance. Place the filled dough ball in the mold, applying moderate pressure to ensure the dough adheres to every detail of the mold, then gently tap to release the shaped mooncake, revealing its perfect form.
Baking is the final step in achieving delicious mooncakes. Arrange the variously shaped mooncakes on a baking tray and place them in a preheated oven at the appropriate temperature. Wait patiently for just the right temperature and time until the surface of the mooncakes turns an enticing golden color, exuding a charming aroma of baking.
Finally, patiently allow the baked mooncakes to cool naturally, which is an essential process to ensure the texture. Once completely cool, store these handmade creations in a dry, sealed container to maintain their flavor and to allow this traditional delicacy to be shared with family and friends at any time.
