Ever tried a wonton that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? Maybe it’s the creamy, tangy surprise tucked inside that thin, golden wrapper—crunchy on the outside, and oh-so-soft within. I stumbled upon these crispy cream cheese wontons after a late-night craving, and now they’re a must-make for every gathering, big or small, even if it’s just a party for one.
Steps
- Mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Use a hand mixer or spatula for best results.
- Lay out four wonton wrappers at a time, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying. Place ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wrapper.
- Use a whisked egg mixed with water as an egg wash, and fold each wrapper into a triangle, sealing the edges without air bubbles.
- Fold the longest side of the triangle towards you, then fold the sides over each other to secure the filling. Repeat with all wrappers.
- For frying, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to just below 350°F. Fry 4-5 wontons at a time for 45-60 seconds until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F and heat a sprayed baking sheet for 5 minutes. Place wontons on the sheet, spray lightly, and bake for 10-12 minutes, checking after 5 minutes.
- For air frying, brush wontons with oil and cook at 370°F for 7-8 minutes until crispy. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz. wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, whisked with a splash of water for egg wash
- Approximately 48 oz. canola oil (enough to fill a dutch oven or fryer with about 3 inches of oil)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 552kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2.2mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare cream cheese wontons in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them in advance. You can fill and fold the wontons, then flash freeze them for about 15 minutes. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be fried directly from frozen. For baking, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
- What are some filling ideas for sweet cream cheese wontons?
- There are various filling combinations you can try, including cream cheese with Nutella, diced pineapple, strawberry or blueberry jelly, or a savory option like cream cheese with garlic and onion powder plus cheddar cheese.
- What is the best way to store leftover wontons?
- Store cooked wontons in the fridge. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- What dipping sauces pair well with cream cheese wontons?
- Sweet and sour sauce is a popular choice for dipping. Soy sauce is great for savory fillings, and a mixture of hoisin sauce with honey and soy sauce also makes a tasty option.
- How should I fold the wontons to ensure they are properly sealed?
- To fold wontons, place a small amount of filling in the center of the wrapper, fold it diagonally to form a triangle, and seal the edges. Ensure there is no air inside and that the edges are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
Tips
- Preheat the Baking Sheet: When baking wontons, preheating the baking sheet for about 5 minutes ensures that the bottoms of the wontons become crispy, providing a perfect texture.
- Freeze Wontons Before Storing: To prevent uncooked wontons from sticking together, flash freeze them on a tray for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. This allows you to fry them directly from the freezer or let them sit at room temperature before baking.
- Test Oil Temperature with a Wonton Wrapper: If frying, use an extra wonton wrapper to test the oil temperature. This helps you adjust the heat to ensure the wontons cook evenly without burning.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Enhance your wonton experience by trying different dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce for sweet fillings, or a combination of hoisin, honey, and soy sauce for savory options.
Equipment
- Deep Fryer – For those who prefer the frying method.
- Oil Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Air Fryer – For those who prefer the air frying method.