Mooncake Skin

1. Mix baking soda and water together in a small bowl 
2. Combine flour, golden syrup, vegetable oil and baking soda mixture together in a mixing bowl
3. Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms, then knead with your hands to form a dough
4. Form the dough into a rough ball and cover with cling wrap
5. Allow the dough to rest for 1 hour

Filling

1. Meanwhile prepare the filling
2. Using a scale portion out each mooncake's filling with two egg yolks and your choice of filling- the total weight should be approximately 75g 
3. Enclose the egg yolks in the filling and roll into a ball
4. Continue with the remaining filling and form 8 portions of filling, set aside until use

Assembly + Egg wash

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/355F
2. Uncover the rested mooncake skin dough and portion into 8 x 50g portions, roll into balls
3. Place one portion between two pieces of cling wrap and roll into a circle that will enclose the filling
4. Remove the rolled dough from the cling wrap and carefully cover the portioned filling, bringing the edges together and shaping to close gaps
5. Place the mooncake ball on a baking tray lined with baking paper, smooth side up
6. Lightly oil the mooncake mould (I used a 100g mould) and use it to press the ball into a mooncake shape 
7. Remove the mould and repeat with the remaining filling
8. Bake the mooncakes for 6 minutes
9. Remove from the oven and lightly spray with water, prepare the egg wash as they cool 
10. Combine all egg wash ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until combined
11. Using a small food-safe brush lightly brush the mooncakes with the egg wash
12. Bake for another 6 minutes
13. Remove the mooncakes from the oven and brush with another layer of egg wash
14. Increase the oven to 200C/390F and bake the mooncakes for 10 minutes, until golden brown
15. Remove from the oven and cool completely before placing in an airtight container
16. Allow the mooncakes to sit at room temperature for 2-3 days for the skin to soften and soak up oils from the filling, the colour will deepen and the skin will become glossy
17. Store at room temperature for up to a week and enjoy!