Dog Cookies For The Chinese New Year Of The Dog

Dear Reader, I am so excited to share this recipe for Chinese New Year with you because not only are these dog cookies the cutest things ever, they are super easy to make (crazy easy, pinkie swear!) and deliciously buttery too! These German butter cookies are like a super short shortbread and come together so easily. And they can even make for a fun project with kids too!

I first saw these on Veronica's Instagram account and fell in love with them straight away. She messaged me the recipe for these dog cookies and I bought potato flour and Milo cereal the next day. I had an inkling that these would have a lovely short texture just by the use of potato starch but I wasn't prepared for how addictive these would be.

I say the part about these being a fun kids' project with a bit of caution: I don't have kids so I didn't road test these with actual children. But if your kids can roll a ball of dough then these will be easy. The black sesame seed eyes did prove to be a bit vexing for me as I was in a hurry and I have longish nails but I found salvation to my stress with tweezers.

Speaking of children, my little one Mochi has now been with us for 1.5 years and I'm so happy to see that her anxiety is abating and she's finally relaxing. She finally understands that this is her home and I think one day soon I will be able to leave her alone for a couple of hours while I go out which is really just the only thing of concern as she is the perfect dog for me.

I really wish I could explain to her that I will be back to see her. I sometimes think about what she understands and doesn't understand and what I would say to her if I could talk to her. I have so many questions for her. From the practical like "How do you experience time?" to things I am curious about like, "Why don't you dance to music?" and "What do you dream?". She did want one of these cookies and I tried to explain to her that sometimes human food isn't meant for dogs. And if I ever got to speak the food obsessed little one, I feel might be a long conversation! Anyway, happy year of the dog and happy baking!

So tell me Dear Reader, what would you ask your pet if you could ask them anything? Are you going to eat or do anything special this year for Chinese New Year? Which Chinese horoscope sign are you?

Dog Cookies

Recipe from Minty's Kitchen

Preparation time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes resting time

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Makes around 15-18 cookies

• 125g/4ozs. unsalted butter, softened
• 40g/1.4ozs. icing or confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 125g/4ozs. potato starch
• 100g/3.5ozs. plain flour
• Milo cereal for ears
• Black sesame seeds for eyes
• Chocolate drops for noses

Step 1 - Beat the butter and sugar together for 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla and then on the lowest speed add in the potato starch and plain flours until just combined. Wrap in cling film and rest for 30 minutes (I only rested mine for 15 minutes and some developed little cracks and I'm not sure if this is why).

Step 2 - Preheat oven to 170C/340F and line a baking tray with parchment. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and lay an inch apart. Place the Milo cereal ears on top and then push in the chocolate drop nose. Gently add the black sesame for eyes. Bake for 15 minutes.