mooncake recipes

Mooncake recipes typically involve a sweet or savory filling encased in a thin pastry crust. Common fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolks, or mixed nuts. The dough is made from flour, sugar, and sometimes maltose or oil for a tender texture. Fillings are shaped into balls or discs, wrapped with the dough, and then pressed into molds to create decorative patterns. The assembled mooncakes are baked to develop flavor and a glossy finish. Variations may include ice cream or snowskin mooncakes, which do not require baking. Overall, the process balances careful ingredient measurements, shaping, and baking for a traditional treat.