Chinese Almond Cookies

Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: China, USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Chinese Almond Cookies are a popular treat enjoyed by many around the world. These delicious cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a subtle almond flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chinese Almond Cookies have a long history dating back to ancient China. Almonds have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, and these cookies were originally made as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Today, Chinese Almond Cookies are enjoyed as a sweet treat for special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

2.5 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
0.13 tsp salt
0.5 tsp baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 tbsp almond extract
0.25 lb (113 g) whole, blanched almonds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, butter, salt, and baking soda until it forms small balls.
Add the eggs and almond extract.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
Cut the dough using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter.
Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet and put an almond in the center of each cookie.
Bake for 25 minutes.

Variations

You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for a different flavor.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use blanched almonds for a smoother texture in the cookies.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Almond Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Chinese Almond Cookies are baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- If you don't have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chinese Almond Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Chinese Almond Cookies can be served on a decorative plate or in a cookie tin for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese Almond Cookies pair well with green tea or jasmine tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Chinese Almond Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Almond Cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese Almond Cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese Almond Cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese Almond Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese Almond Cookies are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health and immune function.

Alergens

Chinese Almond Cookies contain almonds, butter, and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chinese Almond Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats. However, they also provide some essential nutrients like protein and vitamin E.

Summary

Chinese Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their crispy texture and subtle almond flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei in her cozy little kitchen. Mei was a talented cook and she always had the most delicious dishes to share with me.

On that particular day, Mei was busy baking a batch of Chinese Almond Cookies. The aroma of almonds and butter filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as Mei deftly rolled out the dough and shaped it into delicate little rounds before placing them on a baking sheet.

As the cookies baked in the oven, Mei began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who had learned it from a traveling chef many years ago.

Mei shared with me the secret to making the perfect Chinese Almond Cookies – a combination of almond extract, toasted almonds, and a touch of love. She also taught me the importance of patience and precision when it came to baking these delicate treats.

After the cookies had cooled and we had enjoyed a few with cups of hot tea, Mei graciously wrote down the recipe for me on a small scrap of paper. I tucked it away in my purse, knowing that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own collection.

When I returned home that evening, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Chinese Almond Cookies. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, almonds, and almond extract – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I mixed and rolled and shaped the dough, I thought back to my time with Mei and how she had patiently guided me through the process. I could almost hear her voice in my ear, reminding me to take my time and enjoy the experience.

When the cookies emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded. The taste was familiar yet new, a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch that melted in my mouth.

From that day on, Chinese Almond Cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch, or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

But no matter how many variations I may try, the essence of the recipe remains the same – a tribute to the traditions and flavors of generations past. And every time I bake a batch of Chinese Almond Cookies, I am reminded of that warm summer day with Mei and the gift of sharing a beloved recipe with a dear friend.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting aroma of almonds and butter, I can't help but smile at the memory. The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. And for that, I am forever grateful.