Chinese Almond Cookies blend buttery richness, subtle almond sweetness, and a satisfying crunch from the almond garnish. They’re perfect with tea or coffee and have a timeless appeal for festive celebrations like the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and sharing delicious food with loved ones. Among the many festive treats, Chinese Almond Cookies hold a special place. These golden, crisp, buttery cookies are not only delicious but also symbolize good luck and prosperity—making them a perfect addition to your celebrations.
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Table of Contents
- What are Chinese Almond Cookies?
- Here’s Why You Will Love Chinese Almond Cookies
- Equipment and Tools to Make Chinese Almond Cookies
- Ingredients
- How to Make Chinese Almond Cookies
- Chinese Almond Cookies Options and Substitutions
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Make Ahead Options
- Recipe Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hungry for More Lunar New Year Recipes?
What are Chinese Almond Cookies?
Chinese Almond Cookies are a classic Chinese dessert traditionally enjoyed during festivals and special occasions like the Lunar New Year. Characterized by their nutty almond flavour, crisp texture, and a whole almond pressed into the center, they represent unity and good fortune in Chinese culture. These cookies are often gifted to friends and family, packaged in decorative tins, and shared to spread joy.
Here’s Why You Will Love Chinese Almond Cookies
- Flavourful and Nutty: With a delicate almond taste and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are great for almond lovers.
- Simple to Make: No advanced baking skills required—just mix, roll, bake, and enjoy.
- Festive Appeal: The golden hue and almond topping make them perfect for Lunar New Year or any celebration because they look like gold coins.
Equipment and Tools to Make Chinese Almond Cookies
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (or a whisk for a workout!)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or wooden spoon
Small brush for egg wash
Ingredients
Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…
Salted butter: For a rich, buttery base. Lard is normally used for this cookie but it isn’t readily available where I live.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
Egg: Adds moisture and acts as a binder.
Almond extract: Enhance the nutty flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough.
Almond flour: For extra almond flavor.
Baking soda and powder: A touch for leavening.
Sliced blanched almonds: The signature topping.
How to Make Chinese Almond Cookies
Let’s make these cookies!
Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the egg and almond extract.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, almond flour, baking powder and baking soda, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325F (165°C).
Shape the Cookies: Roll into 12 balls, lightly flatten, and top with a whole almond.
Egg Wash and Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake until golden, about 20-22 minutes. Oven times may vary. Let cool before serving.
Chinese Almond Cookies Options and Substitutions
Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…
- Butter Alternatives: Use lard, margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Nut-Free Variation: Replace almond flour with additional all-purpose flour and use a decorative sugar topping instead of almonds.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed or aquafaba.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh their crispness.
Make Ahead Options
Dough Prep: Prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 3 days in advance.
Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Recipe Tips
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it ensures the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
Use high-quality almond extract for the best flavour.
Press the almond gently into the dough to prevent it from dislodging during baking.
Ensure butter is softened but not melted for a perfect creamy consistency.
Use parchment paper or silicone sheet to avoid sticking and ensure even baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Chinese Almond Cookies taste like? Chinese Almond Cookies are buttery, crumbly treats with a delicate nutty flavour from almond extract and almond flour. Lightly sweetened with a crisp exterior, they’re topped with an almond slice for an added crunch and a subtle roasted nuttiness. Perfectly balanced, they pair well with tea or coffee and are a festive treat for Lunar New Year.
What goes well with Chinese Almond Cookies? Display the cookies on a platter with other Lunar New Year desserts, such as sesame balls, nian gao, or pineapple tarts. Serve with Chinese tea.
Can I make the cookies smaller or larger? Absolutely. Adjust the baking time—smaller cookies may take 10-12 minutes, while larger ones might need 18-20 minutes.
Why did my cookies spread too much? Ensure the dough is properly chilled. Chilling solidifies the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract? Yes, substitute it with vanilla extract, though the flavour will differ slightly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch? Absolutely! Just ensure your mixing bowl and baking sheets can handle the volume.
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Lastly, if you make my Chinese Almond Cookies be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.
Chinese Almond Cookies
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or silicone baking mats
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 95 g butter ½ cup, salted, room temp
- 45 g sugar ¼ cup
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 100 g all-purpose flour ¾ cup
- 100 g almond flour ¾ cup
- 2 g baking powder ½ tsp
- 2 g baking soda ½ tsp
- 12 almond skin on
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the egg and almond extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, almond flour, baking powder and baking soda, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325F.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll into 12 balls, lightly flatten, and top with a whole almond.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake at 325°F (165°C) until golden, about 20-22 minutes. Oven times may vary. Let cool before serving.
I made these almond biscuits and my dad keeps eating them!
Lol, sounds like you need to make another batch for yourself!