Snowskin Mooncakes (冰皮月饼)

Snowskin mooncakes, known as 冰皮月饼 (bīng pí yuè bǐng) in Mandarin, are a modern twist on the traditional mooncake that has been celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival for centuries.

Unlike their baked counterparts, which are often characterized by their golden crust and rich fillings, snowskin mooncakes feature a soft, chewy exterior made from glutinous rice flour.

This unique texture, combined with a variety of creative fillings, makes snowskin mooncakes a delightful treat that appeals to both the eyes and the palate.

Originating from Hong Kong in the 1980s, snowskin mooncakes were introduced as a response to changing tastes and preferences among younger generations. The absence of baking gives them a refreshing quality, making them particularly popular in warmer climates.

Snowskin mooncakes are often served chilled, enhancing their appeal as a light and refreshing dessert.These mooncakes can be filled with a wide range of ingredients, from traditional lotus seed paste to innovative combinations like chocolate, fruit, and even ice cream!

In this guide, we will explore the ingredients, provide a detailed recipe, and address frequently asked questions about snowskin mooncakes, empowering you to create these exquisite treats at home.

Table of Ingredients

For the Snowskin

For the Filling

You can choose from a variety of fillings. 

Recipe for Snowskin Mooncakes

Step 1: Prepare the Snowskin

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and icing sugar. Stir well to ensure that there are no lumps.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
   Gradually add the water and vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If you want to incorporate food coloring, divide the dough into portions and knead the color evenly into each portion.
3. Rest the Dough
   Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to hydrate completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Choose Your Filling
   Select your desired filling (lotus seed paste, red bean paste, fruit mixture, chocolate, or ice cream) and prepare it accordingly. If using fruit, ensure it is diced into small pieces. For the chocolate filling, melt the chocolate and mix it with cream until smooth.
2. Portion the Filling
   Divide the filling into small balls, each weighing about 30-50 g, depending on your preference for filling to dough ratio.

Step 3: Assemble the Mooncakes

1. Divide the Snowskin Dough
   After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions, roughly 30-50 g each, depending on the size of the mooncakes you prefer.
2. Flatten the Dough
   Take a piece of snowskin dough and flatten it into a round disc on a lightly dusted surface, ensuring it’s large enough to encase the filling.
3. Wrap the Filling
   Place a ball of filling in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal it completely, ensuring no filling is exposed.
4. Mold the Mooncake
   Lightly dust a mooncake mold with glutinous rice flour. Place the sealed mooncake into the mold and press firmly to shape it. Gently remove the mooncake from the mold.
5. Repeat
   Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Mooncakes
   Place the finished mooncakes in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will help them firm up and enhance their refreshing quality.
2. Serve
   Once chilled, slice the mooncakes into wedges and serve them on a platter. Enjoy the delightful combination of soft snowskin and flavorful filling!

FAQs about Snowskin Mooncakes

1. What is the difference between traditional mooncakes and snowskin mooncakes?

Traditional mooncakes are baked pastries with a thick crust, typically filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. Snowskin mooncakes, on the other hand, are uncooked and have a soft, chewy exterior made from glutinous rice flour. Their fillings can range from traditional to modern, allowing for more creativity in flavor combinations.

2. Can you make snowskin mooncakes in advance?

Yes, snowskin mooncakes can be made in advance. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. How do you store snowskin mooncakes?

Snowskin mooncakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you plan to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them.

4. Can I use different types of flour?

While glutinous rice flour is essential for the texture of snowskin mooncakes, you can experiment with different types of flours for the filling. For example, you can use almond flour or coconut flour in combination with traditional fillings for added flavor and texture.

5. What are some popular fillings for snowskin mooncakes?

Some popular fillings include:

• Lotus seed paste
• Red bean paste
• Chocolate ganache
• Fruit mixtures (like mango or strawberry)
• Ice cream

Feel free to get creative with your fillings based on your preferences!

6. Is it necessary to use a mooncake mold?

Using a mooncake mold is not strictly necessary, but it does help create a beautiful shape and allows for intricate designs. If you don't have a mold, you can shape the mooncakes by hand, though they may not have the same visual appeal.

7. Can I add food coloring to snowskin mooncakes?

Yes, food coloring can be added to the snowskin dough to create visually striking mooncakes. You can divide the dough and knead in different colors to create a rainbow effect or use natural colorings like beet juice or matcha powder.

8. Are snowskin mooncakes suitable for vegans?

Yes, snowskin mooncakes can be made vegan by using plant-based fillings and avoiding any animal-derived ingredients. Be sure to check the labels of store-bought fillings if you are using them.

9. How can I make snowskin mooncakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free snowskin mooncakes, you can substitute glutinous rice flour with a gluten-free alternative like sweet rice flour. However, be aware that the texture may differ from that of traditional snowskin mooncakes.

10. Can I incorporate flavors into the snowskin dough?

Absolutely! You can infuse the snowskin dough with flavors by adding ingredients such as matcha powder, cocoa powder, or fruit puree. This adds an exciting dimension to your mooncakes.