How many calories does a Chinese cookie have? A nutritional breakdown

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a Chinese cookie is not standardized and depends entirely on the type, with a fortune cookie containing as few as 20-30 calories while a deep-fried sesame ball can exceed 130 calories. Understanding the wide variety is key to answering the question of how many calories does a Chinese cookie have.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of Chinese cookies varies greatly by type, ingredients, and preparation method. Popular varieties range from the low-calorie fortune cookie to more calorie-dense options like sesame balls and almond cookies. Key factors include ingredients like sugar and oil, preparation methods such as deep-frying, and overall size.

Key Points

Variety is key: There is no single calorie count for a Chinese cookie; the number varies widely by type and recipe.
Fortune cookies are low-calorie: With only 20-30 calories, they are the lightest option among common varieties.
Almond cookies are moderate: These average around 100-180 calories each, depending on size and recipe.
Sesame balls are highest in calories: Due to deep-frying and sweet fillings, these can contain 130-170 calories per ball.
Preparation affects caloric content: Baking results in lower calorie counts compared to deep-frying.
Ingredients matter: The fat source (lard, butter, oil) and sugar content are major determinants of total calories.
Serving size is crucial: Always be mindful of the actual serving size, especially for dense, larger cookies.

Understanding the Calorie Differences in Chinese Cookies

Unlike a standard American chocolate chip cookie, there is no single "Chinese cookie." The term refers to a wide array of sweet treats with different ingredients, sizes, and preparation methods. This diversity means their calorie counts are not uniform and can vary significantly from one cookie to the next. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone monitoring their calorie intake or simply curious about the treats they enjoy.

Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies are perhaps the most famous Chinese cookie in the West, though they are an American invention. Their small size and thin, brittle nature make them one of the lowest-calorie options. A typical fortune cookie contains approximately 20-30 calories. This makes them a light, fun, and relatively guilt-free way to finish a meal.

Chinese Almond Cookies

Chinese almond cookies, or xingren bing, have a crumbly, shortbread-like texture and a buttery, almond flavor. Their calorie count is significantly higher than a fortune cookie due to ingredients like butter, oil, and sugar. Depending on the recipe and size, a single Chinese almond cookie can have anywhere from 109 to over 180 calories. Variations in recipes, such as using lard versus butter, also impact the final calorie total.

Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Sesame balls, or jian dui, are deep-fried, hollow pastry balls covered in sesame seeds and often filled with a sweet red bean or lotus paste. The deep-frying process and the sweet filling contribute to a much higher calorie count. A single sesame ball typically ranges from 130 to 170 calories, with most of the energy coming from carbohydrates and fat.

Chinese Walnut Cookies (Hetau Su)

Chinese walnut cookies, or hetao su, are another popular treat, known for their rich, nutty flavor and a delicate, sandy texture. The inclusion of walnuts adds healthy fats, but also increases the overall calorie content. A single walnut cookie can contain between 140 and 170 calories, depending on the size and specific recipe.

Factors Influencing Chinese Cookie Calories

Several factors can cause a Chinese cookie's calorie count to fluctuate, even within the same type. These include:

Size and Weight: Larger cookies obviously contain more calories. The weight of a single fortune cookie is negligible compared to a dense almond or walnut cookie.
Ingredients: The type of fat used (e.g., lard, butter, or vegetable oil), the amount of sugar, and the addition of nuts or sweet pastes all change the caloric density.
Preparation Method: Deep-fried cookies like sesame balls absorb a considerable amount of oil, drastically increasing their calorie count compared to baked versions like almond cookies.
Recipe Variations: Homemade and store-bought cookies can have different nutritional profiles based on the specific recipe and portioning.

Comparison Table: Calories in Popular Chinese Cookies

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for a single serving of some common Chinese cookies:


Cookie Type	Calories per Serving	Key Calorie Sources
Fortune Cookie	20-30 calories	Primarily sugar and simple carbohydrates
Chinese Almond Cookie	109-181 calories	Fats from butter/oil, sugar, and almond meal
Chinese Sesame Ball	130-170 calories	Fats from deep-frying and sweet filling
Chinese Walnut Cookie	141-171 calories	Fats from walnuts and butter/oil, sugar

Conclusion

Determining how many calories does a Chinese cookie have is not a straightforward task, as the term encompasses a diverse group of treats. The answer ranges from a low of 20-30 calories for a fortune cookie to over 130-170 calories for a sesame ball. The most significant factors are the type of cookie, its core ingredients, and the preparation method. For those seeking a lower-calorie option, the small and crispy fortune cookie is the best choice. For a richer, more substantial dessert, almond, walnut, or sesame balls offer a more indulgent, calorie-dense experience. Always consider the specific cookie and its preparation method to make an informed nutritional choice.

For more detailed nutritional information on many food items, consider exploring a database like the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fortune cookies are considered one of the healthiest and lowest-calorie Chinese desserts due to their small size and simple ingredients. They contain only about 20-30 calories per cookie.

Chinese almond cookies have a higher calorie count, typically between 109 and 181 calories, primarily because of the fat from ingredients like butter, oil, and the almonds themselves, along with a higher sugar content.

A single deep-fried sesame ball, or jian dui, contains between 130 and 170 calories. This is largely due to the deep-frying process and the sweet filling, which significantly increases the fat and sugar content.

No, there is no single 'standard' Chinese cookie. The term encompasses a wide variety of baked and fried goods, meaning there is no consistent calorie count across all types.

The calories can differ based on the specific recipe, ingredient substitutions (like using butter instead of lard), and portion sizes. Homemade versions offer more control over the final nutritional content.

Yes, other low-calorie Chinese dessert options include fruit-based desserts like almond tofu with fruit cocktail, or refreshing jellies like osmanthus and goji agar agar.

Chinese walnut cookies, or hetao su, are fairly high in calories, typically ranging from 140 to 170 calories each. This is due to the caloric density of both the walnuts and the buttery, sugary dough.