Chinese Green Bean Cookies

Hosting a cozy get-together or simply craving something sweet and unique to snack on at home? Look no further than these delightful Chinese Green Bean Cookies! A twist on the traditional cookie recipes, these treats are buttery and packed with the unexpected goodness of green beans, adding a touch of health to your indulgence. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s get baking!

**Chinese Green Bean Cookies**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup cooked and mashed green beans
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. **Prepare the Green Beans:** Cook the green beans until they are soft, and then mash them until smooth. You can use a food processor for an even smoother consistency.

3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender and delicious cookie.

4. **Add the Vanilla and Green Beans:** Mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed green beans. The green beans will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cookies, as well as a nutritional boost.

5. **Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:** Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.

6. **Fold in the Nuts (Optional):** If you’re using nuts, fold them into the cookie dough at this point. Nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor to the cookies.

7. **Shape the Cookies:** Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet. You can gently press down on each cookie with a fork to create a crisscross pattern or simply leave them as round cookie shapes.

8. **Bake the Cookies:** Put the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

9. **Cool and Enjoy:** Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these unique and tasty Chinese Green Bean Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat!

These Chinese Green Bean Cookies are a wonderful way to introduce a new flavor and a touch of creativity to your baking repertoire. The combination of buttery goodness and the unexpected green bean twist is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet with a touch of uniqueness, give this recipe a try! Happy baking!