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Chinese Almond Cookies: A Crispy, Buttery Treat for Every Celebration


  • Author: Alice Barry
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 60 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chinese Almond Cookies are buttery, crisp, and nutty treats traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year. Their coin-like shape symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Made with almond flour and extract, these cookies offer a rich, aromatic flavor and a delicate sandy texture that melts in your mouth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/3 cups almond flour (lightly packed)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Thinly sliced almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place almond flour, salt, and butter in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until coarse and crumbly.
  2. Add one egg and almond extract, mixing on low speed until combined.
  3. Sift together flour, sugar, and baking soda, then add to the mixer. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll dough into 3/4-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on the sheet. Flatten slightly into coin shapes.
  7. Press one sliced almond into the center of each cookie and brush tops with beaten egg.
  8. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • Use almond flour, not almond meal, for a fine texture.
  • Chill dough for at least 2 hours to maintain cookie shape.
  • Ensure butter is cold to create a crisp texture.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 4 months.
  • For a festive twist, add a pinch of five-spice powder or orange zest.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 74
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 14mg

Keywords: Chinese Almond Cookies, almond cookie recipe, Chinese New Year cookies, nutty butter cookies, traditional almond desserts, crispy almond cookies, easy Chinese cookies