Cotton Cup Recipe

A light and fluffy treat perfect for snack!

Ingredients:

• 250g low-gluten flour

• 50g wheat starch

• 35g lard

• 150ml water

• 15g baking powder

• 120g sugar

• 13ml white vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve the Sugar

• Mix 120g sugar with 150ml water in a bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  Scientific Insight: Dissolving the sugar in water ensures that the batter is smooth and that the sweetness is evenly distributed. Sugar also helps tenderize the final texture by interfering with gluten development.

2. Add White Vinegar

• Stir in 13ml of white vinegar to the sugar-water mixture.

  Why Vinegar?: The acid in vinegar reacts with baking powder later in the recipe, producing carbon dioxide gas, which helps the cotton cups rise and become fluffy during steaming.

3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add 250g low-gluten flour and 50g wheat starch into the liquid mixture, stirring until everything is combined.

  Low-Gluten Flour: Low-gluten flour (like cake flour) helps create a tender, soft texture because it forms less gluten. Gluten can make the cotton cups dense, so low-gluten flour is key to a light result.

  Wheat Starch: Wheat starch adds smoothness and structure to the batter without contributing much gluten, enhancing the delicate, airy texture of the cups.

4. Add Lard

• Mix in 35g of lard and stir until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.

  Why Lard?: Lard adds moisture and tenderness to the batter, making the final cotton cups rich and soft. It also helps create a finer crumb structure by coating the flour particles, which slows down gluten development.

5. Prepare the Leavening

• Finally, add 15g of baking powder to the batter and mix well.

  Science Behind Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide when it comes into contact with moisture and heat. This gas creates bubbles in the batter, helping the cotton cups rise and become light and fluffy when steamed.

6. Transfer to Piping Bag

• Pour the smooth batter into a piping bag for easy portioning.

  Why Use a Piping Bag?: A piping bag helps ensure that each mold is filled evenly, which is important for consistent cooking and appearance.

7. Prepare the Steamer and Molds

• Line aluminum molds in your steamer basket to prevent sticking.

  Why Aluminum Molds?: Aluminum conducts heat well, ensuring that the cotton cups cook evenly during steaming.

8. Pipe the Batter into Molds

• Pipe the batter into each mold, filling them until they are 80% full.

  Why 80% Full?: Leaving room in the molds allows the batter to expand as it steams, ensuring the cotton cups rise to their full, fluffy potential without overflowing.

9. Rest the Batter

• Let the filled molds sit for about 5 minutes before steaming. This rest time allows the batter to stabilize before cooking.

10. Steam the Cotton Cups

• Steam the cups over high heat for about 6 minutes, or until fully cooked.

  Science of Steaming: Steaming gently cooks the batter without drying it out, creating a soft, moist texture. The high heat activates the baking powder, allowing the cups to rise quickly.

Scientific Overview

• Low-gluten flour and wheat starch help prevent too much gluten formation, resulting in a tender, airy cotton cup.

• Baking powder and vinegar work together to produce carbon dioxide gas, which gives the cotton cups their fluffy texture.

• Lard helps keep the batter moist and tender, adding richness without heaviness.

• Steaming ensures even cooking while maintaining moisture, which is crucial for achieving the signature softness of cotton cups.

By following these steps and understanding the science behind the ingredients, you’ll create perfect Cotton Cups—light, airy, and delicious!