Chinese Almond Cookies

bluemoon downunder's Note:

Adapted from a recipe I found in Rodale's 'All Occasion Cookies: 100 Fast and Fabulous Treats', and which I have posted for the 2005 Zaar World Tour. I deliberated for some time over whether or not to post this recipe - there are a handful of similar recipes already posted - but so often it's the small differences between recipes, be it in the ingredients or in the instructions, that make the end results very different. Serve after a Chinese meal, as part of a Chinese New Year Banquet or at any time as a dessert or snack.

• Total Time: 43 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 13 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 48 cookies

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, finely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 48 whole blanched almonds
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and mix the first four ingredients - the flour, baking powder, salt and chopped slivered almonds - in a medium-sized bowl.
2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy; add the egg and almond extract and beat until the ingredients are all well-combined.
3. Reduce the electric mixer speed to low and blend in the flour mixture.
4. Roll the dough into 11/4-inch balls, and place the balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly and press an almond into the centre of each cookie.
5. Whisk the egg yolk and water together in a cup and lightly brush over the cookies.
6. Bake the cookies for 11-15 minutes, until just set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Notes: If you prefer, in step four, use several slivered almonds instead of the blanched whole almonds.

Reviews

[Chris Reynolds]

Great cookie! Thanks for sharing.

[Lighthouse Rita]

I made this recipe as posted except for a little extra almond extract. Next time I think I will double the almond extract and add more of the chopped almonds. Thanks for sharing.

[Chef #491816]

We thought these were great! Great flavor. I did use egg white instead of yolk because I was worried about scrambled eggs on top of my cookies and white seemed more sensible.