Almond Cookies

Desserts are not common in Chinese culture, at least not the elaborate desserts that we are used to in the U.S.  I thought about making Fortune Cookies and writing my own love notes, but that would be more fun on a “real” date! So I went with one of my favorites, Almond Cookies…..

Cassi wanted me to make Caramel Apple Slices, and that was the plan…..until I realized that they are fried!  I mistakenly thought that she would not want something deep fried…..I was wrong…..ooops!  Maybe next time. 😉

I used to love getting Chinese take-out when I was growing up, those pink spareribs were my favorite!!  One of my other favorite parts, was to get an Almond Cookie out of the glass jar on the counter.  I have not seen Almond Cookies since I left California, so naturally I decided to make my own!

How to make Almond Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and sugars until fluffy.

Add the egg and almond extract, and beat until well blended.

Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together and add to the mixture. Blend well.

Roll one Tablespoon of dough into a ball, or use a small cookie scoop. Place balls 2 inches apart on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Press down to for a 2-inch round cookie. Flatten with the back of a glass or measuring cup…..

Press one almond into the center of each cookie.

Whisk egg yolk and water together in a small bowl. Brush mixture over top of each cookie.

Bake until lightly browned, 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container.

I seem to remember the Almond Cookies from my early days being orange?  Does anyone else remember that?  Oh well, these are quite delicious…..orange or not!

My night would not be complete without one more look at my imaginary date Ian…..

These cookies are dessert for our Sagittarius meal which consists of:  Lychee Martini, Paper Wrapped Chicken, and Chicken Chow Mein.  Next up, Egg Foo Young.

Enjoy!!

Almond Cookies

These traditional Chinese Almond Cookies are just like the ones you find in a Chinese restaurant. They are light and flaky with a subtle almond flavor!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: cookies, recipe, almond

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 24 Servings

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lard or Crisco shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/8 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/16 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 24 whole blanched almonds
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and sugars until fluffy.
• Add the egg and almond extract, and beat until well blended
• Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together and add to the mixture. Blend well.
• Roll one Tablespoon of dough into a ball, or use a small cookie scoop. Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheet.
• Press down to for a 2-inch round cookie.
• Press one almond into the center of each cookie.
• Whisk egg yolk and water together in a small bowl. Brush mixture over top of each cookie.
• Bake until lightly browned, 10 - 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
• Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 31mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1.2% | Vitamin C: 0.3% | Calcium: 1.4% | Iron: 2.1%