Cow Ear Cookies: A Sweet (or Savory!) Treat
Have you ever seen a cookie shaped like a cow’s ear? Or maybe a pig’s ear? These whimsical treats, also called umbrella cookies, are known as Banh Tai Heo in Vietnamese. They’re often enjoyed during Chinese New Year, and their unique swirl makes them instantly recognizable.
If you’re looking to try your hand at making these fun cookies, you’ve come to the right place! This article is your comprehensive guide to Cow Ear Cookies, covering everything from the classic sweet version to more savory takes.
We’ll explore different methods, too, discussing whether to bake or fry your Banh Tai Heo for the perfect crispy, delicious cookie. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and create some edible art!
What are Cow Ear Cookies?
Cow ear cookies, sometimes called pig ear cookies, are a crunchy, flaky treat popular in Asian countries and Asian communities around the world. You’ll often find them in bakeries and grocery stores, especially around the time of Chinese New Year.
Origins and cultural significance
The exact origins of cow ear cookies are a little murky, but it’s likely they came from either China or Vietnam. They’re often eaten during Chinese New Year, and they may have some symbolic meaning related to prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
Distinguishing features
These cookies get their name from their shape, which looks a bit like a cow’s ear or a pig’s ear. The layered appearance comes from rolling different doughs together to create a swirl effect.
Variations: Sweet vs. savory
Cow ear cookies typically come in two versions: sweet and savory. The sweet ones often have a light, sugary glaze, while the savory version may be seasoned with spices and salt.
Ingredients for Cow Ear Cookies
The ingredients for cow ear cookies are simple and can be tweaked to suit your personal tastes. Most recipes call for two different doughs: a sweet dough and a savory dough.
Sweet dough ingredients
The ingredients for the sweet dough are:
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour, for structure
- 2 grams of baking powder, to give it some lift
- 1 gram of salt, to balance the sweetness
- 40 grams of icing sugar, for sweetness
- 40 grams of cooking oil, for moisture and richness
- 80 grams of water, to bring it all together
Savory dough ingredients
The ingredients for the savory dough are:
- 60 grams of fermented red bean curd, for that umami flavor
- 100 grams of all-purpose flour, again for structure
- 20 grams of icing sugar, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 gram of baking powder, for a little lift
- 1 gram of five-spice powder, for complexity
- 5 grams of sesame seeds, for nuttiness and texture
- 25 grams of cooking oil, for moisture and richness
Fermented red bean curd (also called nam yee) is a key ingredient in the savory version of this cookie. It gives the cookie its distinctive salty, fermented flavor.
Ingredient substitutions and considerations
If you want a crispier cookie, you could substitute some of the all-purpose flour with rice flour. Keep in mind that the quality of the ingredients you use will affect the final product. For example, using a high-quality cooking oil will result in a richer, more flavorful cookie.
Making Cow Ear Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to try your hand at making these unique and delicious cookies? Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.
Preparing the Doughs
First, you’ll need to prepare both the sweet and savory doughs. Precise measurements are key here, so be sure to follow your recipe closely. When mixing, pay close attention to the consistency of the dough. You want it to be smooth and pliable. Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give the cookies their characteristic texture. Don’t skimp on the kneading time! If the dough seems too dry, don’t panic! Add a teaspoon of liquid from the fermented bean curd at a time until it comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the dough will become sticky and difficult to work with.
Rolling and Shaping the Dough
Once your doughs are prepared, it’s time to roll them out. Aim for a thin rectangle, roughly 10 x 12 inches, for each dough. This thinness is important for achieving the crispiness we’re after. Now comes the fun part: layering! Gently place the sweet dough rectangle on top of the savory dough rectangle, creating a single, double-layered rectangle. Press lightly to ensure the layers adhere to each other. This layering is what creates the beautiful swirl pattern in the finished cookies.
[Visual aids would be inserted here to show the rolling and layering process]
Chilling and Slicing
This step is non-negotiable! Chilling the dough is essential for clean slicing and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Wrap the layered dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it much easier to slice. After chilling, carefully unwrap the dough and use a sharp knife to slice it into thin (1/8-inch) cookies. The thinner the slice, the crispier the cookie! As you slice, you should start to see the distinctive “cow ear” swirl pattern emerge. If the dough becomes too soft during slicing, return it to the freezer for a few more minutes.
Cooking Methods: Frying, Baking, and Air-Frying
There are several ways to cook cow ear “cookies” to give them that perfect crunchy texture your dog craves. Here are a few options:
Deep Frying
While not the healthiest option, deep frying delivers maximum crispiness. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat approximately 2 inches of oil (peanut or vegetable oil works well) in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully place the cow ear pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy treats.
- Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.
- Remove the fried cow ear pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let cool completely before offering to your dog.
Tip: To avoid overcooking, start with smaller pieces and monitor the color closely. A light golden brown is ideal.
Baking
Baking is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here’s a simple baking method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the cow ear pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes on the first side, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness.
- Let cool completely before offering to your dog.
Tip: Brushing the cow ear pieces with a light coating of oil before baking can enhance their crispness.
Air-Frying
Air-frying offers a good balance between crispiness and healthiness. Here’s how to air-fry cow ears:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cow ear pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Air-fry for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and air-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until crispy.
- Let cool completely before offering to your dog.
Tip: As with baking, brushing the cow ear pieces with a light coating of oil before air-frying can result in a crispier texture.
Tips for perfect cow ear cookies
Want to bake the best cow ear cookies ever? Here are a few tips:
- Slice thinly. The thinner the slice, the crispier the cookie. You want to aim for translucent.
- Consider rice flour. Rice flour is lower in gluten than all-purpose flour, so it can make your cookies extra crisp.
- Watch your oven. All ovens are different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the perfect golden-brown color.
- Chill first. Chilling the dough before slicing makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Happy baking!
In Conclusion
Cow ears might look complicated, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Just roll out your dough, brush it with butter (or your favorite fat), sprinkle on your toppings, roll it up, slice it, and bake (or air-fry) until golden brown and crispy.
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Go sweet or savory, bake them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer – it’s all good!
So, give it a try! Experiment with different flavors and have fun creating these unique and delicious cow ear cookies.