30+ Irresistible Chinese New Year Sweet Soup Recipes For Every Plate

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and sharing joyous moments with family and friends.

Central to these festivities are the delicious foods that not only fill our bellies but also symbolize blessings of good health, prosperity, and longevity.

Among the many traditional dishes, sweet soups (also known as “tián tāng”) hold a special place in the hearts of many.

These desserts are made with a variety of ingredients like beans, fruits, nuts, and herbs, each bringing its own symbolic meaning and a touch of sweetness to the New Year’s table.

In this article, we’ve curated over 30 mouthwatering Chinese New Year sweet soup recipes that are sure to bring warmth, happiness, and prosperity to your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for comforting classics or innovative twists on traditional flavors, these recipes are perfect for creating memorable moments with your loved ones.

From nourishing red bean soups to exotic snow fungus creations, you’re sure to find the perfect dish to suit your taste and make your celebration even more special.

30+ Irresistible Chinese New Year Sweet Soup Recipes For Every Plate

Sweet soups are more than just a dessert in Chinese culture—they are an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebration, symbolizing everything from longevity to abundance.

By preparing and sharing these sweet soups, you not only enjoy a delicious treat but also honor centuries-old traditions and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

With these 30+ recipes, you can easily create a menu of beloved dishes that reflect the warmth, care, and love of the holiday season.

As you gather with family and friends to mark the start of a new year, let these sweet soups be a reminder of the blessings that come with the occasion.

Whether you enjoy them warm or chilled, these soups will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring good luck and joy to everyone at the table.

Eight Treasure Sweet Soup (八宝甜汤)

The Eight Treasure Sweet Soup, or “Bā Bǎo Tián Tāng,” is a classic Chinese dessert soup traditionally enjoyed during festive celebrations. Each ingredient in this soup has a unique meaning, representing prosperity, longevity, health, and happiness. The soup is rich in flavor, combining a medley of grains, nuts, and dried fruits that blend harmoniously into a subtly sweet, nutritious, and satisfying dish. Ideal for welcoming the new year with abundant blessings.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup glutinous rice
• 1/4 cup lotus seeds
• 1/4 cup red beans
• 1/4 cup dried longan
• 1/4 cup Chinese jujubes (red dates)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1/4 cup mung beans
• 1 rock sugar (to taste)
• 8 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Rinse all ingredients under cold water. Soak the red beans, mung beans, lotus seeds, and peanuts for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
2. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add glutinous rice, red beans, lotus seeds, mung beans, and peanuts to the pot. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes or until the ingredients start to soften.
4. Add the jujubes, dried longan, and rock sugar to the pot. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
5. Lastly, add the goji berries and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until all ingredients are tender.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more rock sugar if needed. Serve warm.

Eight Treasure Sweet Soup is a hearty, comforting dessert that brings together flavors and textures with a touch of tradition. This soup, full of good fortune symbols, is the perfect way to share wishes of health, happiness, and wealth with family during Chinese New Year.

Sweet Red Bean and Glutinous Rice Ball Soup (红豆汤圆)

Sweet Red Bean and Glutinous Rice Ball Soup, or “Hóng Dòu Tāng Yuán,” is a beloved Chinese dessert, especially popular during celebrations. Red beans symbolize happiness and prosperity, while the round glutinous rice balls represent unity and togetherness. This soup is lightly sweet, with a creamy red bean base and chewy rice balls, making it an ideal treat for gatherings, bringing warmth and joy to any celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red beans
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup water (for dough)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and soak the red beans in water for at least 3 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and add the red beans and 8 cups of fresh water to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until beans are soft.
3. Once beans are soft, add rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with water to form a soft dough. Roll into small balls (about 1/2 inch in diameter).
5. Gently drop the rice balls into the simmering red bean soup. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the balls float to the surface.
6. Serve the soup warm.

Sweet Red Bean and Glutinous Rice Ball Soup is a heartwarming and comforting dessert that embodies the spirit of reunion and prosperity. Its balance of texture and mild sweetness makes it a beloved treat that both young and old can enjoy, enhancing the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Taro and Coconut Milk Sweet Soup (椰奶芋头甜汤)

Taro and Coconut Milk Sweet Soup, known as “Yē Nǎi Yù Tóu Tián Tāng,” is a creamy, rich dessert with a hint of tropical flavor. This delightful soup is popular in Southern China and Southeast Asia, and its indulgent combination of taro’s starchy texture with sweet coconut milk creates a cozy and satisfying dessert. Taro symbolizes growth and health, making it a thoughtful addition to any Chinese New Year menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups taro, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (optional, for added texture)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the tapioca pearls and soak in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add taro cubes and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
3. Once the taro is soft, add coconut milk, rock sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. If using tapioca pearls, add them to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes until they become translucent.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired. Serve warm.

Taro and Coconut Milk Sweet Soup offers a creamy, luscious dessert with subtle sweetness that’s perfect for ending a festive meal. Its comforting texture and flavor make it a wonderful dessert to bring family and friends together, creating cherished moments to start the new year with warmth and joy.

Tangyuan Sweet Soup with Osmanthus Syrup (桂花糖汤圆)

Tangyuan, or glutinous rice balls, are a traditional Chinese dessert, often enjoyed during festive occasions like the Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year. These round rice balls symbolize togetherness and unity, making them perfect for family gatherings. This version, flavored with fragrant osmanthus syrup, adds a delicate floral note to the soup, enhancing its sweetness and aroma. Each spoonful embodies warmth, joy, and the spirit of family unity.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup water (for dough)
• 4 cups water (for soup)
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon dried osmanthus flowers (or 1 teaspoon osmanthus syrup)
• Optional: sesame or peanut filling for tangyuan

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough and roll into small balls (around 1/2 inch in diameter). If desired, add a small amount of sesame or peanut filling to the center of each ball.
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add rock sugar and dried osmanthus flowers, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Gently add the rice balls to the boiling water and cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
4. Serve the tangyuan in the osmanthus-flavored soup.

Tangyuan with Osmanthus Syrup is a delicate and aromatic dessert that combines soft, chewy rice balls with a subtly floral broth. This comforting sweet soup brings warmth to any family gathering, making it an ideal dessert for celebrating Chinese New Year with loved ones.

Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup (番薯姜汤)

Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup is a nourishing dessert that’s simple yet incredibly comforting, especially during cooler weather. The combination of sweet potato and ginger creates a natural sweetness with a warm, spicy kick. Ginger is traditionally considered to be “yang” in Chinese medicine, adding a sense of warmth and balance to the body, which makes this dessert soup ideal for bringing comfort, health, and vitality in the new year.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 5-6 slices of fresh ginger
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 pandan leaves (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add ginger slices and pandan leaves, if using, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the water.
2. Add the sweet potato cubes to the pot and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
4. Serve the soup warm, optionally garnished with a few extra slices of ginger.

Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup is a heartwarming dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of spice. Its simplicity and nourishing qualities make it a perfect choice for cold weather, adding warmth and healthful energy to the Chinese New Year celebration, and sharing comfort with family.

Black Sesame and Glutinous Rice Soup (黑芝麻糊)

Black Sesame Soup is a creamy and aromatic dessert that’s popular in Chinese cuisine. Known as “Hēi Zhī Ma Hú,” this smooth and rich dessert is made from ground black sesame seeds, which are considered highly nutritious and symbolic of longevity. The unique roasted nutty flavor combined with the smooth texture of glutinous rice makes this sweet soup an indulgent yet healthy treat to start the new year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted
• 1/4 cup glutinous rice flour
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder.
2. In a small bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry.
3. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the ground black sesame powder and stir well.
4. Slowly add the glutinous rice slurry to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring until the soup thickens.
5. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
6. Serve the soup warm.

Black Sesame and Glutinous Rice Soup is a smooth, luxurious dessert with a distinct nutty flavor that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s an ideal choice for a sweet yet healthful treat, bringing an auspicious start to the new year by symbolizing strength, vitality, and longevity.

Snow Fungus and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup (雪耳莲子甜汤)

Snow Fungus and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup, also known as “Xuě Ěr Lián Zǐ Tián Tāng,” is a classic Chinese dessert soup cherished for its health benefits and refreshing qualities. Snow fungus is prized for its collagen-boosting properties and symbolizes longevity, while lotus seeds are associated with purity and harmony. This light, subtly sweet soup is both nourishing and satisfying, making it a perfect dessert for a prosperous start to the New Year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried snow fungus
• 1/4 cup lotus seeds
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1 rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 5-6 cups water
• Optional: red dates (jujubes) for extra sweetness and depth

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried snow fungus and soak in warm water for 30 minutes, or until softened. Trim off the tough parts and tear the fungus into smaller pieces.
2. Rinse the lotus seeds and soak for at least an hour to soften.
3. In a pot, bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil. Add the lotus seeds and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Add the snow fungus, rock sugar, and red dates if using. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, until the ingredients are tender and flavors meld together.
5. Add the goji berries in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Adjust sweetness with rock sugar if needed.
6. Serve warm or chilled, as desired.

Snow Fungus and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup is a delicate, nourishing dessert that perfectly balances flavor and health benefits. Its refreshing taste and symbolic ingredients make it a meaningful dish to serve during Chinese New Year, bringing wishes of longevity, health, and happiness to loved ones.

Peanut and Black Rice Sweet Soup (花生黑米甜汤)

Peanut and Black Rice Sweet Soup, or “Huā Shēng Hēi Mǐ Tián Tāng,” is a hearty and flavorful dessert soup popular in Southern China. Black rice, known as the “forbidden rice,” symbolizes wealth and nobility, while peanuts are associated with long life and fertility. This wholesome soup combines the nutty flavor of black rice with the richness of peanuts, creating a comforting and earthy dessert perfect for celebrating the new year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black rice, rinsed and soaked for 2 hours
• 1/4 cup raw peanuts, soaked overnight
• 5-6 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the soaked black rice and peanuts. In a pot, bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the black rice and peanuts to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the rice and peanuts are tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
4. For extra richness, add coconut milk and stir to combine.
5. Serve warm.

Peanut and Black Rice Sweet Soup is a comforting, rich dessert that highlights traditional flavors and nourishing ingredients. This sweet soup offers a taste of prosperity and longevity, making it a wonderful dish for sharing with family and friends during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Sweet Green Bean Soup with Seaweed (海带绿豆甜汤)

Sweet Green Bean Soup with Seaweed, or “Hǎi Dài Lǜ Dòu Tián Tāng,” is a unique and refreshing dessert from Southern China. Green beans (mung beans) are known for their cooling properties and are believed to bring good health and detoxification, while seaweed adds a touch of savory depth and balance. This lightly sweetened, wholesome soup is a surprising and revitalizing treat, perfect for cleansing and starting the new year with vitality.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green (mung) beans
• 1/4 cup dried kelp or seaweed, rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and soak the green beans for at least 1 hour.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked green beans and cook for 30 minutes, or until the beans are soft.
3. Add the soaked seaweed and rock sugar, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
5. Serve warm or chilled.

Sweet Green Bean Soup with Seaweed is an innovative and refreshing dessert that combines the health benefits of green beans with the unique flavor of seaweed. Its light, balanced flavor makes it a rejuvenating treat for Chinese New Year, symbolizing vitality and well-being, and perfect for sharing with family as a refreshing end to a meal.

Purple Yam and Coconut Sweet Soup (紫薯椰奶甜汤)

Purple Yam and Coconut Sweet Soup, or “Zǐ Shǔ Yē Nǎi Tián Tāng,” is a vibrant, creamy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of purple yam with the richness of coconut milk. Purple yam is packed with antioxidants, symbolizing strength and longevity, while coconut milk adds a tropical touch to this dessert. This colorful, creamy soup is perfect for brightening up your Chinese New Year celebration, bringing a touch of sweetness and healthful energy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups purple yam, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: tapioca pearls for added texture

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the purple yam cubes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add coconut milk, rock sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
3. If using, add soaked tapioca pearls and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they turn translucent.
4. Adjust sweetness if desired, and serve the soup warm or chilled.

Purple Yam and Coconut Sweet Soup is a visually striking and flavorful dessert that brings a sense of vitality and joy to any gathering. Its creamy, rich texture and hint of tropical flavor make it a delightful way to celebrate Chinese New Year, spreading warmth and good wishes among loved ones.

Longan and Red Date Sweet Soup (龙眼红枣甜汤)

Longan and Red Date Sweet Soup, or “Lóng Yǎn Hóng Zǎo Tián Tāng,” is a beloved dessert in Chinese cuisine, known for its nourishing qualities and traditional significance. Longans are symbolic of good luck, while red dates represent health and prosperity. This sweet, aromatic soup is both refreshing and soothing, ideal for enjoying during the festive season as it promotes a sense of harmony, warmth, and well-being.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried longan
• 1/4 cup red dates (jujubes), pitted
• 5 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: dried goji berries for added texture and color

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried longan and red dates under cold water. In a pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the longan and red dates, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the ingredients are tender and the soup is fragrant.
3. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
4. If using, add goji berries in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve the soup warm.

Longan and Red Date Sweet Soup is a simple, comforting dessert that’s rich in traditional symbolism and health benefits. Its gentle sweetness and warmth make it a perfect treat for Chinese New Year, allowing you to share wishes of prosperity and health with family and friends.

Papaya and Snow Fungus Sweet Soup (木瓜雪耳甜汤)

Papaya and Snow Fungus Sweet Soup, or “Mù Guā Xuě Ěr Tián Tāng,” is a luxurious dessert often enjoyed for its health benefits and unique flavors. Papaya is considered good for digestion and skin health, while snow fungus is highly prized for its collagen-boosting properties and nourishing qualities. This mildly sweet soup combines tropical fruit with a delicate, jelly-like texture, making it a refreshing and healthful treat to share during Chinese New Year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried snow fungus
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: dried goji berries for color and added nutrients

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried snow fungus in warm water for 30 minutes until softened. Trim the tough parts and tear the fungus into smaller pieces.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the snow fungus and simmer for 20-30 minutes until it softens further.
3. Add the papaya cubes and rock sugar to the pot. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the papaya is tender.
4. If desired, add goji berries in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve the soup warm or chilled.

Papaya and Snow Fungus Sweet Soup is a delightful dessert with a unique blend of textures and flavors. Its healthful ingredients and light sweetness make it a perfect choice for the new year, symbolizing beauty, vitality, and well-being, and bringing wishes of longevity and health to your celebration.

Red Bean and Lotus Root Sweet Soup (红豆莲藕甜汤)

Red Bean and Lotus Root Sweet Soup, or “Hóng Dòu Lián ǒu Tián Tāng,” is a hearty and nourishing dessert with deep traditional roots in Chinese cuisine. Red beans (aduki beans) symbolize good fortune and the removal of negative energy, while lotus root is associated with purity and new beginnings. The combination of these two ingredients creates a rich, soothing dessert perfect for a chilly winter evening. This sweet soup is particularly valued for its ability to boost energy and vitality.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red beans (aduki beans)
• 1 lotus root, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 5-6 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 pieces of dried tangerine peel (optional, for added aroma)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the red beans under cold water and soak them overnight for quicker cooking.
2. In a pot, bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked red beans and simmer for about 40 minutes until the beans begin to soften.
3. Add the sliced lotus root and dried tangerine peel (if using). Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until both the lotus root and beans are tender.
4. Stir in the rock sugar and cook for another 10 minutes, adjusting sweetness as needed.
5. Serve the soup warm, and enjoy the subtle sweetness and soft texture of the ingredients.

Red Bean and Lotus Root Sweet Soup is a nourishing dessert that combines the earthy flavor of red beans with the crisp texture of lotus root. It embodies both tradition and health, making it a great choice for a New Year’s celebration where family members can share wishes of longevity and prosperity.

Tangerine Peel and Sweet Osmanthus Soup (橙皮桂花甜汤)

Tangerine Peel and Sweet Osmanthus Soup, or “Chéng Pí Guì Huā Tián Tāng,” is a fragrant dessert that balances citrus and floral flavors. Tangerine peel, often used in Chinese medicine, is believed to aid digestion and improve circulation, while osmanthus flowers provide a sweet, honey-like fragrance. This soup not only has a lovely, refreshing taste but also offers a feeling of relaxation and well-being, making it an ideal dish to enjoy as you ring in the new year.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 dried tangerine peels
• 1/4 cup dried osmanthus flowers
• 5 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried tangerine peels and soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes.
2. In a pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked tangerine peels and dried osmanthus flowers.
3. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to extract the flavors.
4. Add rock sugar or honey and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
5. Serve the soup warm or chilled, garnished with a few extra osmanthus flowers for added fragrance.

Tangerine Peel and Sweet Osmanthus Soup is a delicate, fragrant dessert with a refreshing citrus twist. Its unique flavor combination brings a sense of calm and sweetness to your celebration, and its digestive benefits make it a wonderful way to end a festive meal with family and friends.

Black Sesame, Almond, and Coconut Sweet Soup (黑芝麻杏仁椰奶甜汤)

Black Sesame, Almond, and Coconut Sweet Soup, or “Hēi Zhī Ma Xìng Rén Yē Nǎi Tián Tāng,” is a rich and indulgent dessert known for its creamy texture and nutrient-packed ingredients. Black sesame is associated with longevity, while almonds symbolize good fortune and abundance. Combined with the richness of coconut milk, this sweet soup offers a luxurious treat that nourishes both the body and the soul, making it an ideal dessert for the auspicious occasion of Chinese New Year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
• 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and finely ground
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup rock sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool, then grind into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the ground black sesame and almond powders, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add the coconut milk and rock sugar (or honey) and stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Serve the soup warm, garnished with a sprinkle of ground almonds or sesame seeds.

Black Sesame, Almond, and Coconut Sweet Soup is a luxurious, rich dessert that combines the deep, nutty flavors of sesame and almonds with the creamy texture of coconut milk. This dessert is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year, symbolizing good fortune, longevity, and prosperity. It offers a comforting, indulgent end to any festive meal.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!