Moon cakes with salted egg yolk center offer a rich, sweet-savory contrast. A traditional family Mid-Autumn Festival delicacy with luxurious filling.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix golden syrup, vegetable oil, water, and baking soda until well blended. Gradually add sifted all-purpose flour to form a dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse salted egg yolks to remove excess white and dry them gently. Divide lotus seed paste into 8 equal portions; flatten each and wrap a salted egg yolk inside, sealing completely.
Divide rested dough into 8 portions. Flatten each dough piece and gently wrap it around the lotus paste and egg yolk filling, pinching to seal. Place seam side down.
Lightly dust mooncake molds with flour and gently press each filled dough ball in to shape and form a pattern. Place formed mooncakes onto baking sheet.
Bake mooncakes for 7 minutes, then remove to cool for 10 minutes. Brush lightly with beaten egg wash. Bake again for 13–15 minutes more until golden brown.
Cool mooncakes completely on a wire rack. Let rest in a sealed container for 1–2 days to allow the flavors and texture to mature before serving.