Popular CNY Biscuits Every Malaysian Family Loves

Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a season of reunion, joy, and celebration, where families gather to honour traditions, share meals, and welcome prosperity for the year ahead. Beyond the red packets, decorations, and prayers, families look forward most to the CNY biscuit table. Weeks before the New Year, households begin preparing jars of colourful biscuits, each carefully chosen not only for its taste but also for the symbolism and good fortune it brings. 

These biscuits are more than just snacks, they connect us to family, culture, and childhood memories. They remind us of children sneaking bites, the smell of freshly baked treats filling the home, and the joy of relatives gathering to taste and share. Even with new snacks and creative twists coming out, some biscuits stay as timeless favourites, appearing every year in Malaysian homes and bringing comfort and happy memories to everyone.

History & Cultural Significance

Chinese New Year biscuits have a long history intertwined with tradition and symbolism. Each biscuit carries its own meaning: pineapple tarts (ong lai) represent prosperity, peanut cookies symbolize longevity, almond cookies signify unity, and shrimp or crab stick biscuits reflect abundance and wealth. These treats were historically shared with family and neighbours as a gesture of goodwill, strengthening bonds and celebrating a fruitful year ahead. Over the years, this tradition grew into the bright, overflowing jars we see today, now a common part of Malaysian festive celebrations.

Every biscuit on the table has its own story and charm, bringing both flavour and meaning to the festive season. From sweet and buttery tarts to crunchy, savoury treats, these biscuits are selected to delight every member of the family. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most loved CNY biscuits and what makes them special.

Pineapple Tarts

Sweet, tangy, and buttery, pineapple tarts are the undisputed king of CNY biscuits. Their bright yellow filling symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making them a must-have on every festive table. These tarts come in a variety of shapes: rolled into tiny cylinders, moulded into open-faced flowers, or crafted into bite-sized squares. The aroma of pineapple paste simmered to perfection, combined with the buttery pastry, fills homes with warmth. 

Kuih Kapit / Love Letters

Thin, crispy, and lightly egg-flavoured, kuih kapit is a favourite during Chinese New Year because of its delicate crunch. Made by pressing the batter on hot moulds and rolling it while warm, this biscuit brings back memories of grandparents baking while children excitedly watch and taste. It’s fun, nostalgic, and full of the festive spirit in every bite.

Almond Cookies

Crumbly and fragrant, almond cookies are a symbol of completeness and family unity. Their round shape is particularly meaningful, representing harmony and togetherness. Loved across generations, they are perfect when accompanied with tea during visits to relatives. Some families top each cookie with a whole almond for added flavour and tradition, making them a simple yet elegant treat.

Peanut Cookies

Soft, crumbly, and full of roasted peanut flavour, peanut cookies symbolize longevity and abundance. Their simple, comforting taste makes them a nostalgic favourite, especially among older generations who grew up enjoying them during festive visits

Honey Cornflakes Cookies

Honey cornflakes cookies are sweet, crunchy, and playful, making them a hit with children. Often decorated with sprinkles or baked in small paper cups, they add variety to the biscuit table. Their bright, cheerful appearance reflects the festive mood of CNY, and their quick disappearance from jars proves they are as fun to eat as they are to look at.

Ya Guo Bing / Mushroom Biscuits

Shaped like tiny mushrooms, Ya Guo Bing biscuits are light, crunchy, and slightly sweet. Their playful appearance makes them a favourite among children, while their crisp texture adds variety to the biscuit selection. Often one of the first biscuits picked from the jar, they carry a sense of whimsy and fun that brightens the festive table.

Honeycomb Biscuits

Golden and crisp, honeycomb biscuits offer a unique texture and slightly caramelised flavour. Their golden colour is seen as lucky, representing wealth and good fortune. Both adults and children love their crunch, making them a classic favourite that combines taste, meaning, and a festive look.

Shrimp Biscuits

Aromatic, crunchy, and packed with umami, shrimp biscuits, like the crab stick biscuits, offer a savoury balance to the festive table. Adults often reach for these when they want a break from the sweeter options, and their distinct flavour reflects Malaysia’s coastal culinary influence.

Crab Stick Biscuits

Slightly salty and savoury, crab stick biscuits symbolize abundance and blessings from the sea. They serve as a savoury alternative to the sweeter treats on the table and are especially popular with adults. Long and thin, they are easy to snack on, making them both tasty and convenient for gatherings.

Seaweed Rolls

Crispy rolls wrapped in seaweed provide a healthy and festive option, symbolising longevity and vitality. Their unique flavour and texture make them stand out among traditional biscuits, while still maintaining a connection to the spirit of celebration.

 Why These Biscuits Endure

These biscuits are loved not just for their taste, but for the special memories and traditions they carry. Every jar reminds us of childhood excitement, helping grandparents roll and bake the dough, peeking to steal a bite, and laughing with cousins while picking our favourite biscuits.

Even with new snacks and creative treats available today, traditional CNY biscuits remain an important part of Malaysian celebrations. They bring comfort, create a sense of togetherness, and add to the festive cheer. Sharing these biscuits with family and friends is also a way to pass down traditions, teaching children about the meaning behind each biscuit while letting them enjoy the flavours of the season.

These biscuits are more than food. They are a way to connect generations, celebrate family, and keep memories alive. They remind us of past celebrations while creating new joyful moments, making them an essential and timeless part of Chinese New Year.

CNY biscuits are more than just snacks — they carry the spirit of family, tradition, and celebration. Each treat, from sweet pineapple tarts to savoury shrimp biscuits, adds flavour and happiness to the festive season.

Even as new snacks and modern twists appear, the classics remain timeless favourites, bringing back memories of past celebrations and shared moments with loved ones. They remind us of laughter, togetherness, and the simple joys of Chinese New Year.

This year, as you prepare and enjoy these biscuits, remember that it is not just the taste that matters. It is the love and memories shared with family and friends that make the season truly special.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year!