Introduction
Homemade Hong Kong Jenny Bakery Butter Flower Cookies Recipe
Jenny Bakery butter cookies are one of Hong Kong’s most famous and beloved treats. Known for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies have gained a cult following among locals and tourists alike. Their signature flower shape and smooth, crumbly consistency make them stand out from ordinary butter cookies.
If you’ve ever tried Jenny Bakery cookies, you know how addictive they can be. But what if you could make them at home? In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step homemade recipe to recreate these iconic Hong Kong butter flower cookies. You’ll learn the best ingredients to use, baking techniques, and tips to achieve that signature taste and texture.
Let’s get started on making your very own batch of homemade Jenny Bakery butter cookies!
Part 1: What Makes Jenny Bakery Butter Cookies Special?
The Legacy of Jenny Bakery in Hong Kong
Jenny Bakery is a well-known Hong Kong brand that has gained international recognition for its premium butter cookies. Established in 2005, the bakery quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists, with long queues forming outside its stores daily.
What sets Jenny Bakery apart is not just the taste of its cookies but also its iconic teddy bear tins, which have become collectibles. The brand focuses on using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create cookies that are buttery, delicate, and incredibly flavorful.
Signature Characteristics of Jenny Bakery Butter Cookies
- Premium Ingredients – Jenny Bakery uses high-quality butter, flour, and sugar to ensure a rich and smooth taste.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – The cookies have a light, crumbly texture that dissolves in your mouth with every bite.
- Distinct Flower Shape – Piped into elegant flower-like swirls, these cookies look as good as they taste.
- No Artificial Additives – Jenny Bakery cookies are known for their natural ingredients, free from preservatives or artificial flavorings.
- Perfect Balance of Sweetness – The cookies are not overly sweet, making them enjoyable for all age groups.
Part 2: Ingredients Needed for Homemade Jenny Bakery Cookies
To recreate the famous Jenny Bakery butter cookies at home, you’ll need simple yet high-quality ingredients.
Homemade Hong Kong Jenny Bakery Butter Flower Cookies
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- ✅ 200 g cake flour (for a light texture)
- ✅ 50 g cornstarch (for crispness)
- ✅ 20 g milk powder (for extra creaminess)
- ✅ A pinch of salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ✅ 200 g unsalted butter (high-quality, room temperature)
- ✅ 70 g powdered sugar (for a smooth texture)
- ✅ 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cream the butter and sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- 2️⃣ Sift the dry ingredients – Combine cake flour, cornstarch, milk powder, and salt. Sift together to remove lumps.
- 3️⃣ Mix the dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- 4️⃣ Add vanilla extract and mix gently. Do not overmix!
- 5️⃣ Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D).
- 6️⃣ Pipe flower shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep them evenly spaced.
- 7️⃣ Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- 8️⃣ Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C).
- 9️⃣ Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown.
- 🔟 Cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving.
Notes
Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jenny Bakery Butter Cookies
Making Jenny Bakery-style butter cookies at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect buttery, crumbly texture.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Soften the Butter – Take the unsalted butter out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature. It should be soft but not melted.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat 200g of butter with 70g of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Sift the Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, sift together 200g of cake flour, 50g of cornstarch, and 20g of milk powder. This helps create a smooth and lump-free dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or use a spatula to gently fold until the dough is well combined.
- Add Vanilla Extract and Salt – Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Do not overmix!
2: Piping the Cookies
- Prepare a Piping Bag – Use a large star piping tip (Wilton 1M or 2D) and fill the bag with cookie dough.
- Line a Baking Tray – Place parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Pipe the Cookie Shapes – Hold the piping bag vertically and pipe flower-shaped swirls onto the tray. Keep them evenly spaced for uniform baking.
- Chill the Cookies – Place the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3: Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 320°F (160°C) and allow it to heat up completely.
- Bake Until Golden – Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown.
- Cool Completely – Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them set and become crisp.
Part 4: Tips for Perfect Jenny Bakery-Style Butter Cookies
Making the perfect Jenny Bakery-style butter cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results.
1. Use High-Quality Butter
- Butter is the star ingredient, so choose high-fat, unsalted European-style butter like President, Lurpak, Kerrygold, or Anchor for the best flavor.
- Avoid margarine or low-fat butter, as they will affect the texture and taste.
2. Do Not Overmix the Dough
- Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies instead of a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Chill the Piped Cookies Before Baking
- After piping, refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and helps retain the beautiful flower shape.
- If your kitchen is warm, chilling is even more important!
4. Use the Right Piping Tip
- For the signature butter flower shape, use a large open star nozzle like Wilton 1M or 2D.
- Apply even pressure while piping to get consistent swirls.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature
- A low and slow bake is key to achieving the perfect golden edges without burning the cookies.
- Keep the oven at 320°F (160°C) and check the cookies at 15 minutes.
6. Let the Cookies Cool Completely
- Butter cookies are delicate when hot. Let them sit on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Cooling them properly ensures they have the right crispness and texture.
7. Store the Cookies Properly
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze the raw piped dough and bake fresh when needed!
Part 5: Variations of Jenny Bakery Butter Cookies
While the classic Jenny Bakery butter cookies are delicious on their own, you can customize them with different flavors to create exciting variations. Here are some popular twists on the original recipe.
1. Chocolate Butter Cookies
For a rich chocolate version, follow these modifications:
- Replace 20g of cake flour with 20g of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add 1 tbsp of melted dark chocolate to enhance the flavor.
- Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste.
2. Coffee Butter Cookies
For a fragrant coffee-infused cookie, try this variation:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp of instant coffee powder in 1 tbsp of warm milk before adding it to the dough.
- Use espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
3. Almond Butter Cookies
For a nuttier taste, add almonds to the recipe:
- Replace 20g of cake flour with 20g of ground almonds.
- Sprinkle crushed almonds on top before baking.
- Toast the almonds before grinding to bring out a rich, roasted flavor.
4. Matcha Green Tea Butter Cookies
For an Asian-inspired twist, add matcha powder:
- Replace 10g of cake flour with 10g of matcha powder.
- Use ceremonial-grade matcha for a vibrant color and better taste.
- Matcha pairs well with white chocolate drizzle for added sweetness.
5. Lemon Butter Cookies
For a refreshing citrus flavor, add:
- 1 tsp of lemon zest for a natural citrus aroma.
- ½ tsp of lemon extract to enhance the lemony taste.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a delicate finish.
Part 6: Storing and Serving Butter Cookies
Once you’ve baked your homemade Jenny Bakery butter cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness, texture, and flavor. Here’s how to keep them at their best for as long as possible.
How to Store Butter Cookies
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks | Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 month | Keep in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. |
| Freezer (Baked Cookies) | Up to 3 months | Place cookies in a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. |
| Freezer (Unbaked Dough) | Up to 3 months | Pipe cookies onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen. |
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Jenny Bakery-style butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- With Tea or Coffee – Their delicate texture pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of Earl Grey, green tea, or espresso.
- As a Gift – Package them in decorative tins to give as homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.
- With Ice Cream – Crumble them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- For Special Events – Serve them on a dessert platter for birthdays, tea parties, or festive celebrations.
Part 7: FAQs About Jenny Bakery Butter Cookies
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Jenny Bakery butter cookies.
Jenny Bakery butter cookies are among the most famous cookies in Hong Kong. They are known for their rich buttery taste, delicate texture, and signature flower shape. These cookies are highly sought after by tourists and locals, with long queues forming daily outside Jenny Bakery stores.
For the best taste and texture, high-fat European-style butter is recommended. Some of the best options include:
President Butter (France) – Creamy and slightly sweet.
Lurpak Butter (Denmark) – Smooth and well-balanced.
Kerrygold Butter (Ireland) – Rich, golden, and slightly nutty.
Anchor Butter (New Zealand) – Popular in Asian baking for its rich taste.
Using high-quality butter ensures that your cookies have the authentic melt-in-your-mouth texture just like Jenny Bakery’s.
Yes, Jenny Bakery cookies are cheaper in Hong Kong than in overseas markets. When bought directly from their stores in Hong Kong, they are sold at the original retail price. However, when purchased abroad, prices can be significantly higher due to import costs, reseller markups, and shipping fees.
Butter cookies and shortbread may look similar, but they have key differences in texture, ingredients, and baking methods.
Part 8: Conclusion
Jenny Bakery’s butter flower cookies are a true Hong Kong delicacy, loved for their rich buttery flavor, delicate texture, and signature swirl shape. While the original cookies are famous worldwide, making them at home is simple and rewarding with the right ingredients and techniques.
By following this step-by-step recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Jenny Bakery cookies in your own kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with chocolate, coffee, almond, or matcha variations, these cookies are perfect for gifting, tea-time snacks, or special occasions.
With high-quality butter, proper chilling, and careful piping, you’ll achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Plus, with proper storage, you can enjoy them for weeks or even freeze the dough to bake fresh batches anytime!
Now, it’s time to bake your own Jenny Bakery-style butter cookies at home. Enjoy every bite!
Homemade Hong Kong Jenny Bakery Butter Flower Cookies Recipe