There’s something incredibly satisfying about the first bite of a warm Chinese Almond Cookie — a delightful crunch that gives way to a tender, nutty center. The aroma of toasting almonds filling the kitchen always reminds me of my family’s holiday gatherings, where the cookie tray would empty faster than I could plate them!
I discovered this recipe during one of those moments when I wanted to break free from the monotony of takeout. This cookie is not only easy to whip up but also brings a sophisticated charm that makes you feel like a pro in your own kitchen. Made with simple ingredients like flour, raw almonds, and just a touch of icing sugar, these cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed with tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack anytime.
So let’s gather our ingredients and indulge in making these delightful treats that promise to add a warm, homemade touch to any occasion!
Why are Chinese Almond Cookies so irresistible?
Crunchy, Golden Perfection: Each cookie delivers a lovely crisp that you’ll crave over and over.
Nutty Goodness: The toasted almond flavor shines through, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, homemade cookies are within anyone’s reach!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s tea time, a holiday gathering, or a treat for yourself, these cookies fit the bill.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves them – watch your guests return for seconds!
For a delicious pairing, try serving them alongside a cup of chai tea to enhance their nutty flavor.
Chinese Almond Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Plain flour – 300 g for a sturdy base that holds everything together.
• Raw almond – 200 g provide that essential nutty crunch and flavor.
• Icing sugar – 80 g adds a touch of sweetness and a delicate texture.
• Salt – 1 tsp enhances the flavors, making every bite satisfying.
• Baking soda – 1 tsp helps the cookies rise for a delightful, chewy center.
• Cooking oil – 150 mL keeps the cookies moist and adds richness.
Optional Topping
• Almond – One per cookie for a decorative, nutty touch on top; it’s a guaranteed eye-catcher!
Get ready to savor the heavenly taste of Chinese Almond Cookies that will elevate your homemade baking experience!
How to Make Chinese Almond Cookies
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Sift and Combine: In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking soda, salt, and icing sugar. This mix ensures all dry ingredients are well incorporated for even flavor throughout your cookies.
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Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 170°C (340°F). Preheating is crucial to achieve that perfect golden color and texture in your cookies.
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Toast the Almonds: On low heat, toast the raw almonds in a pan for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely, then blitz in a food processor until sandy or crush in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin.
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Mix Ingredients: In your bowl, combine the toasted almonds with the sifted dry ingredients and add the cooking oil. Knead gently until the mixture forms a smooth dough that holds together nicely.
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Shape the Cookies: Take roughly 1.5 tablespoons of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Flatten it gently between your palms to about 0.8 cm (0.3″) thick, then use your thumb to press lightly in the center, creating a small dent.
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Add an Almond (Optional): Press a toasted almond into the dent of each cookie for an appealing touch and additional nutty flavor.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on a baking tray and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and your kitchen fills with a lovely aroma.
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Serve Warm: Once done, serve your warm Chinese Almond Cookies right out of the oven to enjoy their delectable crunch!
Optional: Dust with a touch of icing sugar for an elegant finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Chinese Almond Cookies
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Use Fresh Almonds: Always opt for fresh raw almonds for the best flavor and crunch. Stale nuts can ruin the taste of your cookies.
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Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting the almonds is crucial! It enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth, making your Chinese Almond Cookies irresistibly tasty.
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Knead Gently: When mixing the dough, be careful not to over-knead. A gentle touch keeps the cookies tender while still giving them structure.
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Perfect Shaping: Ensure each cookie is evenly sized for consistent baking. A cookie scoop can help you achieve uniformity in size and shape.
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Monitor Baking Time: Ovens vary; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Aim for that perfect golden brown, as underbaking can lead to a chewy texture rather than the desired crunch.
Enjoy making these delightful Chinese Almond Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Chinese Almond Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the initial steps of sifting, mixing, and kneading the ingredients, then shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, all you need to do is preheat the oven and bake them straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two for cooking time if necessary. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies that are just as delicious, with minimal effort on your busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Chinese Almond Cookies?
Elevate your cookie experience with delightful pairings that complement their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai beautifully balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing perfect for tea time.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich almond flavor.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a side of vanilla ice cream for a luscious, creamy texture that melts beautifully with each bite of the cookie.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the cookies and adds a touch of floral flavor.
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Matcha Latte: The earthy notes of matcha perfectly complement the nuttiness of the cookies, making for an elegant and soothing beverage choice.
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Coconut Macaroons: Pair with chewy coconut macaroons for a delightful cookie platter, each bite offering unique textures and flavors.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate sauce makes a wonderful dip to elevate your cookie experience even more.
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Almond Milk: Serve with a glass of almond milk to enhance the almond flavor while adding a creamy, smooth finish.
Indulge in these pairings to make your Chinese Almond Cookies even more memorable!
Chinese Almond Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Chinese Almond Cookies to suit your taste or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend for a flourless alternative that everyone can enjoy. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of almonds to create a nut-free version; these make for an equally tasty treat that’s safe for those with allergies.
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Sweetener Swap: Instead of icing sugar, try coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetening twist that complements the almond flavor beautifully.
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Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips into the dough for a decadent chocolate-almond combo that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
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Spiced Up: For a flavor boost, stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom with your dry ingredients. This brings a warm, inviting aroma to your cookies.
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Add Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough to infuse your cookies with a refreshing citrus note, elevating their flavor profile.
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Coconut Delight: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds both texture and flavor, making each bite delightfully chewy and distinctive.
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Heat Level: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the dough for those who love a bit of heat. This unexpected kick will surprise and delight!
Embrace the joy of baking by experimenting with these variations, and discover your unique twist on these charming cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Chinese Almond Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Chinese Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep your cookies in the fridge. They can last up to 7 days, but be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Freezer: Freeze your Chinese Almond Cookies in a sealed, freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, reheat the cookies in a 170°C (340°F) oven for 5-10 minutes, allowing their delightful crunch to return!
Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right almonds for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting almonds, choose raw, fresh ones without any dark spots or blemishes. Fresh almonds enhance the flavor of your cookies significantly. If you have the opportunity, try to find ones in the bulk section since they often have a better turnover and are fresher than pre-packaged options.
What is the best way to store Chinese Almond Cookies?
To maintain their delightful crunch, store your Chinese Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid moisture absorbing into the cookies!
Can I freeze Chinese Almond Cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Chinese Almond Cookies! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container. To prevent them from sticking together, insert sheets of parchment paper between the layers if stacking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in a 170°C (340°F) oven for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If you find your dough is too dry and crumbly, don’t worry! Add a little more cooking oil, one teaspoon at a time, kneading it in gently until the dough reaches a smooth, pliable consistency. Alternatively, a splash of water can help, but be cautious not to make it too sticky!
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, these Chinese Almond Cookies contain nuts and are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. However, if you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, you could try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute, but the flavor will differ significantly from the original recipe.
How can I make Chinese Almond Cookies healthier?
Very! To make these cookies a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of icing sugar slightly and add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid content to ensure the dough stays cohesive.
Delicious Chinese Almond Cookies That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift together the plain flour, baking soda, salt, and icing sugar in a large bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Toast the raw almonds on low heat for about 10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool and blitz in a food processor.
- Combine the toasted almonds with sifted dry ingredients and add cooking oil. Knead gently to form a smooth dough.
- Take 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten to about 0.8 cm thick, press lightly in the center.
- Press a toasted almond into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm to enjoy the delightful crunch!