Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with Cute Designer Animal Snowskin Mooncakes
Another year has flown by, and with it comes the arrival of the Mid-Autumn Festival. For many, this festival brings fond memories of sharing traditional mooncakes under the soft glow of the full moon. But this year, I decided to step away from tradition and create something more fun and playful—a unique mooncake that’s cute, kid-friendly, and breaks away from the traditional mold.
Growing up, I never really enjoyed mooncakes as a child. They seemed like something meant for adults, with their serious, heavy, and intricate designs. So, I asked myself, “Why do mooncakes always have to look like this? Can’t they be fun and whimsical?” With that in mind, I started brainstorming and sketching ideas to create mooncakes that kids would love. My creations are affectionately called Hankerie’s Designer Snowskin Mooncakes, featuring adorable animal-themed mooncakes that are sure to bring smiles before anyone even takes a bite.
Why Designer Mooncakes?
As someone who has always been passionate about baking, creativity plays a central role in everything I make. I approach my snowskin mooncakes much like I do with designer cakes, starting with a sketch and blueprint to conceptualize the final product. Each creation is a reflection of my original ideas, and every design is unique, blending artistry with tradition.
But, of course, appearance isn’t everything. The taste of the mooncake is just as important as its looks. I favor the classic white lotus paste for the filling, even though it takes time to prepare. The rich flavor of the paste, combined with the soft texture of the snowskin, creates a perfect balance. And the best part? These mooncakes are made without preservatives or artificial colors, using all-natural ingredients to achieve their vibrant hues.
Making Mooncakes a Family Affair
One of the most enjoyable aspects of creating these cute animal-themed mooncakes is that it’s a great activity to do with family. Whether you’re making them with kids or enjoying the process with loved ones, the experience is filled with laughter and creativity. Plus, homemade mooncakes allow you to control the sweetness and fillings, ensuring that they’re exactly how you like them.
I’ve made several types of mooncakes over the years, but I keep coming back to snowskin mooncakes. Not only are they less sweet than the traditional baked version, but they’re also lighter, healthier, and don’t require any baking. If you’re looking for more mooncake inspiration, feel free to check out my previous posts on different mooncake varieties.
Hankerie’s Designer Animal Mooncake Recipe
Ready to dive into the world of cute, kid-friendly mooncakes? Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making your very own Designer Animal Snowskin Mooncakes.
Cute Designer Snowskin Mooncakes
Course: DessertCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: medium5
servings50
minutes4
hours300
kcalIngredients
250g glutinous rice flour
60g icing sugar
50g vegetable oil
150ml water
Food coloring (natural or artificial)
Red bean paste or lotus seed paste (for filling)
Cornstarch (for dusting)
Edible food markers (for decorating)
Directions
- Prepare the Filling
- If you’re using store-bought red bean or lotus seed paste, skip this step. However, if you’re making the filling from scratch, follow these steps:
- Shape the filling into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon, and set them aside. These will be the core of your mooncakes.
- Make the Snowskin Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the glutinous rice flour and icing sugar.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil while mixing the ingredients with a spoon or spatula.
- Slowly pour in the water, stirring continuously until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into several portions, depending on how many colors you plan to use.
- Color the Dough
- Add food coloring to the dough portions. I prefer using natural colorings, like matcha powder for green, butterfly pea for blue, or beetroot powder for pink. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Animal Body
- Start by shaping the main body of your animals. For instance, if you’re making bunnies, take a small portion of white dough, roll it into a ball, and then flatten it slightly. This will be the body of the bunny.
- Attach a small ball of dough to the back of the body to form the tail.
- Create the Ears, Nose, and Other Details
- For the bunny’s ears, take two small pieces of dough (white or pink) and shape them into elongated ovals. Attach them to the top of the bunny’s head.
- Roll a tiny piece of red bean paste into a ball for the nose and place it in the center of the bunny’s face.
- Add the Eyes and Whiskers
- For the eyes, use a small amount of red bean paste or black sesame seeds to create small dots and place them on the face.
- For extra details like whiskers or expressions, use edible food markers to draw on the surface of the mooncake once it’s been shaped.
- Assemble the Mooncakes
- Roll out a portion of the dough into a flat circle. Place one of the filling balls in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing it at the top.
- Shape the mooncake into the desired animal form, whether it’s a bunny, bear, or any other design you’ve chosen.
- Dust with Cornstarch
- Lightly dust your work surface and the mooncakes with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Use a mooncake mold if you’d like to give your creations a more defined shape, but this is optional.
- Refrigerate the Mooncakes
- Place your completed mooncakes in an airtight container and refrigerate them for at least 3-4 hours before serving. This allows the snowskin to firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once chilled, your cute designer snowskin mooncakes are ready to be enjoyed! They make the perfect treat for family gatherings or Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
Notes
- Use Natural Colorings: I always prefer using natural ingredients to color my mooncakes. Not only are they healthier, but they also add subtle flavors to the dough. Try matcha, beetroot, or butterfly pea powder for vibrant colors.
- Chill the Dough Before Shaping: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. This will make it much easier to handle.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the mooncakes, as this can cause the dough to tear. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed for a smooth finish.
- Work Quickly: The snowskin dough can dry out if left exposed for too long, so work quickly when shaping the mooncakes and keep unused portions of dough covered with a damp cloth.
Why Pandan Snowskin Mooncakes?
Pandan is one of my favorite flavors to work with. Known as the “vanilla of the East,” pandan leaves impart a subtle, sweet aroma that elevates any dessert. In Malaysia, fresh pandan leaves are readily available, making them a staple in many traditional recipes. For this particular mooncake recipe, I’ve incorporated pandan into the snowskin dough, giving it a beautiful pale green hue and a fragrant flavor that pairs wonderfully with both red bean and lotus paste fillings.
Using fresh pandan extract instead of artificial flavors or colors is a key element of this recipe. It may not produce the vivid green color you see in store-bought pandan mooncakes, but the natural flavor is well worth it.
The Story Behind My Pandan Snowskin Mooncake Creation
The inspiration for this pandan snowskin mooncake comes from my deep-rooted love for pandan and my passion for making healthier, less sweet versions of traditional desserts. While many bakeries opt for artificial pandan essence, I wanted to highlight the natural flavor of this incredible leaf. It’s a small way of preserving the traditional flavors I grew up with while adding my creative twist to the classic mooncake.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making these adorable designer snowskin mooncakes with your kids, for friends, or just to enjoy yourself, they’re sure to bring joy and deliciousness to any Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. The combination of creativity, tradition, and fresh ingredients makes these mooncakes truly special, and I hope they inspire you to try something new this festival season.
Remember, mooncakes don’t have to be serious or traditional—they can be fun, cute, and kid-friendly too. So why not create your own batch of designer mooncakes and make some new memories this Mid-Autumn Festival?
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and may your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of delicious mooncakes!
Click the links below to find your favorite mooncake recipe:
Traditional Baked Rugby Mooncakes -> [https://www.hankerie.com/baked-rugby-shaped-mooncake-a-unique-twist-on-a-classic-delicacy/]
Teochew Spiral Mooncake (Natural Pandan Flavor) -> [https://www.hankerie.com/teochew-spiral-mooncake-natural-pandan-flavor-a-step-by-step-guide-to-making-this-flaky-layered-mooncake/]
Designer Koi Fish Snowskin Mooncakes: [https://www.hankerie.com/designer-koi-fish-snowskin-mooncake-crafting-edible-art-with-tradition-and-creativity/]
Bunny Mochi Snowskin Mooncakes: [https://www.hankerie.com/diy-bunny-mochi-snow-skin-mooncake-recipe-for-the-mid-autumn-festival/]
Homemade Crystal Jelly Mooncake (Healthier version) [https://www.hankerie.com/homemade-japanese-crystal-jelly/]
Pandan Snowskin Mooncake [https://www.hankerie.com/pandan-snowskin-mooncake-a-deliciously-traditional-mid-autumn-delight/]
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and happy baking!
