Ala Ban recipe

A Comprehensive Guide to Making Alaband Cookies

Alaband cookies, or "阿拉棒," are crunchy, savory snacks loved for their simplicity and addictive flavor. Here’s a detailed guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: You’ll need 250g all-purpose flour, 50g sugar, 30g milk powder, 1 egg, 60g unsalted butter (softened), and a pinch of salt. For a savory twist, add 1/2 tsp garlic powder or grated Parmesan.

Steps:

1. Mix Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, milk powder, and salt. Add the egg and softened butter, then knead into a smooth, stiff dough. If it’s too dry, add 1-2 tsp milk.

2. Rest Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Shape: Roll the dough into a 1cm-thick rectangle. Cut into thin strips (about 0.5cm wide). Twist each strip gently into a spiral—this gives them their iconic shape.

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Place twists on a baking lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, turn off the oven and let them cool inside.

5. Cool & Store: Let them cool completely on a rack. Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.

Variations: Add sesame seeds, herbs like rosemary, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for flavor. Enjoy these homemade treats with tea or as a movie snack!