Chinese New Year in Singapore brings a delicious lineup of cookies — some crisp and airy, others rich and buttery, and some chewy with a satisfying bite. But what really makes each style different? And which type should you choose for your family, guests, or gifting?
If you’ve ever wondered why pineapple tarts melt in your mouth while almond cookies crackle softly, this guide breaks down the three main CNY cookie styles so you can pick the perfect jars for the festive season.
1. Crispy CNY Cookies
Crispy Chinese New Year cookies are light, crackly, and perfect for snackers who enjoy a clean crunch. These cookies typically have less butter, more dry ingredients, and a slightly longer bake time.
What Makes Them Crispy
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Lower butter content
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More starch, flour, or nuts
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Higher baking temperature to dry out moisture
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Thin, delicate shaping for an airy bite
Who Loves This Style
People who enjoy:
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Light snacks that don’t feel heavy
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Crunchy textures
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Mild sweetness
Examples of Crispy Cookies
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Almond crisps
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Love letters (kueh kapit)
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Thin nut cookies
These cookies are perfect for big gatherings because they’re easy to snack on and appeal to all age groups.
2. Buttery CNY Cookies
Buttery cookies are the favourites in many Singaporean households. These cookies melt gently on the palate and deliver a rich, luxurious flavour. This style often uses premium butter, egg yolks, and soft dough that yields a tender, smooth texture.
What Makes Them Buttery
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High butter content
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Shorter baking time
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Soft dough with low gluten development
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Slight crumble when bitten
Who Loves This Style
People who enjoy:
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Rich flavours
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Cookies that melt in the mouth
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Classics that feel festive and indulgent
Well-Known Buttery CNY Treats
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Pineapple tarts
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Butter cookies
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Macadamia cookies
Buttery cookies are often seen as premium festive treats, making them ideal for gifting and home visits.
3. Chewy CNY Cookies
Chewy cookies offer a satisfying bite soft, moist, and slightly dense. This texture comes from natural moisture, syrups, or sticky ingredients like dried fruit, oats, honey, or caramel.
What Makes Them Chewy
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Higher moisture content
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Ingredients like honey, molasses, or fruit
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Lower bake temperature
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Thicker shaping for a soft centre
Who Enjoys This Style
People who prefer:
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Soft, dense cookies
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Treats that feel hearty and filling
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Modern, dessert-inspired flavours
Common Chewy Variations
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Oatmeal cookies
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Honey-based cookies
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Chewy chocolate chip variations
These cookies are especially popular among younger guests and those who enjoy Western-inspired flavours.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Celebration
For Family with Kids
Choose crispy cookies — easy to snack on and not too rich.
For Elders
Pick buttery cookies — soft texture with classic festive flavours.
For Modern Households
Go for chewy, dessert-style cookies — interesting flavours and satisfying texture.
For Gifting
Buttery cookies always win because they feel premium, festive, and universally appreciated.
Why Texture Matters During CNY
Texture isn’t just a preference — it’s cultural. Chinese New Year treats are symbolic:
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Crunchy textures represent joy and celebration.
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Buttery richness signals prosperity and abundance.
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Chewy treats suggest longevity and togetherness.
When you choose cookies with intention, your CNY snack table tells a story of flavour, tradition, and festive meaning.
Tips to Keep Every Style Fresh
No matter which type you choose, freshness makes all the difference. Here’s how to keep cookies tasting like they were just baked:
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Store in airtight jars
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Keep away from heat and humidity
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Avoid mixing different cookie styles in one jar
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Keep buttery cookies chilled if your home is warm
These tips help maintain crispness, protect buttery richness, and prevent chewy cookies from drying out.
Takeaway
From crispy and light to buttery and melt-in-your-mouth to chewy and comforting — each CNY cookie style brings something unique to the festive table. When you understand the differences, choosing the perfect treat becomes easy, whether you’re snacking at home, hosting guests, or preparing thoughtful gifts.