Lotus Blossom Pastries: A Stunning Chinese New Year Delicacy

Lotus Flower Crisps (荷花酥): A Blooming New Year Masterpiece

By Daqiong

As Lunar New Year approaches, I'm thrilled to share this iconic Chinese pastry – Lotus Flower Crisps (荷花酥). More than a dessert, it’s edible art: crisp golden petals unfurling around a fragrant coconut heart, symbolizing purity and renewal. Follow my perfected recipe to amaze your guests!

Why This Recipe Wins

✅ Visual Magic: Petals bloom dramatically in hot oil

✅ Harmonious Flavors: Buttery crust + sweet coconut core

✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze unbaked pastries for instant festivities

Step 1: The Golden Heart (Filling)

Egg yolks bind, coconut sings:

Mix 32g egg yolks (≈2 yolks) + 40g powdered sugar + 45g shredded coconut + 30g softened butter.

Knead until cohesive – critical for structural integrity!

Shape into 12g balls, freeze solid (prevents oil leakage).

Pro Tip: Chilling firms the filling – skip this, and petals burst mid-fry!

Step 2: Dual Dough Alchemy

A. Blush "Water-Oil Dough" (水油面团)

The flexible canvas:

Dissolve 1 drop pink food coloring in 48g water.

Combine 120g cake flour + 15g sugar + 40g lard (or butter) + colored water.

Knead → rest 10 mins → re-knead until satiny.

B. Fragile "Oil Pastry Dough" (油酥面团)

The flaky layers:

Rub 90g cake flour + 60g lard until crumbly.

Roll into 12 equal balls.

Secret: Lard > butter for authentic flakiness!

Step 3: Assembly Ballet

Precision creates petals:

Encase oil dough: Flatten pink dough balls; wrap each around oil dough. Seal tightly!

Double-fold layers: Roll each ball into ovals → fold 1/3 inward → repeat. Rest 15 mins.

Fill & sculpt: Roll dough circles → place frozen filling → seal into spheres.

Carve petals: With a razor-sharp knife, cut 6 slits (stopping 1cm from base). Gently flatten.

Critical Cut Depth:

Too shallow → petals won’t bloom ❌

Too deep → petals detach ❌

Step 4: The Blooming Fry

Where magic happens:

Heat oil to 130°C/265°F (test with chopstick – faint bubbles).

Fry pastries cut-side up. Do not crowd!

Spoon oil over centers gently to coax petals open.

Fry 3-4 mins until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Watch them transform:

<center>Closed Bud → Unfurls → Golden Bloom</center>

Why This Captivates

Texture Symphony: Shattering crust → creamy coconut core

Aroma Poetry: Toasted coconut + caramelized butter

Cultural Soul: Lotus = purity, renewal & harmony – perfect for New Year!

Daqiong’s Wisdom

Lard vs. Butter: Lard yields flakier layers; butter adds richness.

Oil Temp is King: >140°C burns petals; <120°C makes greasy.

Serve Warm: Petals stay crispest within 2 hours.

"These aren’t just pastries – they’re edible wishes for prosperity."

Final Touch

Arrange on red lacquer trays with pistachio "lily pads". Pair with jasmine tea to cut sweetness. Share them as gifts – each bloom carries your heart.

May your New Year blossom with joy! 🪷✨

Why This Wows at Celebrations

Symbolism: Lotus = purity and rebirth—perfect for New Year!

Texture Contrast: Shatteringly crisp petals vs. fragrant coconut core.

Make-Ahead Hack: Freeze uncooked pastries; fry straight from freezer (+1 min frying).

Serving Ritual:

Arrange on red plates with kumquats (prosperity) and lychees (family unity).

Key Adaptations for Western Cooks:

Ingredient Subs:

Lard → Equal parts cold butter

Cake flour → All-purpose flour + 2 tbsp cornstarch per cup

Tool Swaps:

No steamer? Use deep fryer or heavy pot.

Freeze filling in ice cube trays for perfect spheres.

Troubleshooting:

Petals stuck? Oil too cold.

Filling leaked? Seal tighter or add yolk.

Cultural Hook: Explains lotus symbolism for meaningful gifting.