As a Hong Kong-based company, we look forward to celebrating Lunar New Year every year. It’s the largest and most important holiday our calendar – a time of celebration, tradition and indulgence – and no LNY feast is complete without a smorgasbord of festive Chinese desserts.
Just like cherished rituals, such as making dumplings or dispensing Lai See (red envelopes) stuffed with money, these auspicious treats are thought to pave the way for a fantastic year ahead. Their names and appearances symbolize blessings like wealth, good fortune and longevity, making them a must-have during this special time of the year.
From crispy almond cookies thought to line your pockets with gold to sticky rice cakes representing growth, we’ve rounded up seven of the most auspicious and delicious Chinese desserts to ring in the Year of the Snake.
New Year’s Cake (Nian Gao; 年糕)

With the holiday baked right into its name, it’s no surprise that this sticky rice treat is a favorite at new year gatherings. The word “Gao” in Nian Gao sounds like “tall” or “high,” symbolizing the belief that eating this cake during Lunar New Year guarantees a year of soaring success.
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 13×9 baking dish.
- Whisk 3 eggs in a large bowl, then mix in 1 cup sugar and ½ cup vegetable oil.
- Gradually add a 16-ounce package of glutinous rice flour and 2 ½ cups milk, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like sesame seeds or red bean paste.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, cool for an hour, then slice to serve.
Tang Yuan (汤圆)

These mochi-like treats are a Chinese New Year staple, symbolizing family unity with their round shapes. Often filled with black sesame or peanut butter, they can also be enjoyed plain in sweet ginger soup.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup glutinous rice flour with ½ cup water, adding more as needed, to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Roll into small balls.
- Boil water, add the tang yuan, and cook until they float (3-5 minutes).
- For the syrup, simmer 2 cups water with ¼ cup brown sugar and ginger slices.
- Add the cooked tang yuan, simmer briefly and serve warm.
Deep-fried Sesame Balls (Jian Dui; 煎䭔)

A perennial dim sum staple, deep-fried sesame balls are especially popular during Lunar New Year thanks to their symbolic meaning – their round shape represents family unity, while their golden hue ushers in prosperity.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup glutinous rice flour and 2 tablespoons sugar, then slowly mix in ½ cup of hot water to form a soft dough.
- Divide into small pieces, flatten and fill with sweet red bean paste.
- Seal and roll into balls.
- Lightly cover each ball in the water, then coat it with raw sesame seeds.
- Heat oil to 280°F (140°C) and deep-fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Chinese Prosperity Cakes (Fa Gao; 发糕)
Steamed until they rise and burst into a multitude of cracks, these soft, chewy cakes are your ticket to good luck and riches. It’s believed that the higher and more defined the cake’s surface breaks, the better the blessings for the new year.
Recipe:
- Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Dissolve ½ cup dark brown sugar in ½ cup warm water, then gradually combine with the flour mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter into molds or cupcake liners in a muffin pan, filling almost to the top.
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a wok or pot.
- Place a metal or bamboo steamer on top, and steam the cakes over medium-high heat for 20 minutes, covering the steamer lid with a towel to catch condensation.
Chinese Almond Cookies (Xing Ren Bing; 杏仁酥)
Crumbly like shortbread and topped with a signature almond, these coin-shaped cookies symbolize good fortune and make for a delectable way to welcome prosperity in the new year.
Recipe:
- Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix in ¼ cup softened butter, ¼ cup almond flour, and ½ teaspoon almond extract to form a soft dough.
- Shape into balls, flatten, and press an almond on top.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Peanut Brittle (Hua Sheng Táng; 花生糖)

Known as “Longevity Nuts,” peanuts are associated with a wealth, vitality and a longer lifespan in Chinese culture. To dress up this humble ingredient for the new year, whip up a batch of simple yet oh-so-satisfying peanut brittle to share with friends and family.
Recipe:
- Combine 1 cup sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup and ¼ cup water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until boiling, then stir in 1½ cups peanuts.
- Stir constantly until golden brown, then remove from heat.
- Quickly mix in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Pour onto a greased surface or parchment, spread thinly and let cool completely.
- Break into pieces and enjoy!
Sugar Gourd Skewers (Tong Wu Lou; 糖葫蘆)
A wintertime street snack in northern China (where it’s known as Tanghulu), this photogenic dessert features festive red fruits – like hawthorn berries or strawberries – on skewers. They’re dipped in crystallized sugar, creating a glassy gourd-like shape that’s thought to be lucky. Best of all, this iconic treat is incredibly easy to make.
Recipe:
- Skewer 6-8 firm fruits like hawthorn, strawberries or grapes.
- In a pot, heat 1 cup sugar, ⅓ cup water and ½ teaspoon vinegar over medium heat without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C), which is considered the hard-crack stage in candy-making.
- Dip each skewer into the syrup, coat evenly and let the excess drip off.
- Place on parchment to cool and harden.
Celebrate the beauty of Chinese culture with BOMSHBEE’s thoughtfully designed products, from elegant tableware perfect for Lunar New Year feasts to timeless drinkware.