Subscribe to My Newsletter
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I don’t send any spam email ever!
Easy Chinese Almond Cookie
Lunar New Year sweets
The Chinese Almond Cookie is a mild cookie with an almond in the center. The shape of the cookie symbolizes coins. It is a popular treat during Lunar New Year because it is said to bring good fortune. There is even a National Chinese Almond Cookie Day which is celebrated on April 9th.
You Will Need...
- All Purpose Flour, 2 3/4 Cups
- Baking Soda, 3/4 tsp
- Salt, 3/4 tsp
- Butter, unsalted, 3/4 Cup
- Sugar, 2/3 Cup
- Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup
- Eggs, 2 (keep each separate)
- Almond Extract, 1 T
- Water, 2 T
- Almonds (either whole or sliced).
Method:
First, sift the flour and baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until light and creamy.
Next, add one egg and the almond extract into the bowl. Mix until combined.
Then, add the flour mixture in gradually, gently mixing just until combined. Mixture will be crumbly and a little dry looking.
Turn the dough out onto the counter. Divide into two or three separate balls of dough. Using parchment paper to assist, roll each ball into a cylinder shape. Place in the freezer overnight.
When it is time to bake, remove the frozen dough from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the dough into 1/4″ thick disks.
Place the disks on the parchment lined baking sheets. Mix the second egg with the water and use to egg wash the tops of each dough disk. Gently press one almond into the center of each disk.
Finally, bake the cookies in the oven for about 20 minutes at 275 degrees F. Then, raise the temperature to 325 degrees F and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are a golden-brown color.
*NOTE: If you prefer them crispier like shortbread, bake them a few minutes longer. If you want them a bit chewier, bake for a few minutes less.