Indulge in the delightful world of Chinese almond cookies, a culinary treasure that has captured the hearts of cookie enthusiasts worldwide. These delectable treats, also known as Chinese almond biscuits or xing ren bing, are a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors, encased in a delicate, crumbly pastry. Originating from the Guangdong province of China, these cookies have become a symbol of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Our comprehensive guide features three irresistible recipes for Chinese almond cookies, catering to various dietary preferences and skill levels. Dive into the classic recipe, which yields tender and flavorful cookies with a hint of almond extract. Explore the gluten-free adaptation, a delightful alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. And for a unique twist, try the chocolate-dipped almond cookies, a delightful combination of rich chocolate and nutty goodness. Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring a successful baking experience. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create these exquisite Chinese almond cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special treat.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
Each Christmas, my mother baked these Chinese almond cookies and stored them in clean coffee cans. When she passed away, I started giving our kids a can of these sentimental sweets. (Traditional Chinese almond cookies typically use lard, but butter is a great substitute if you don't have lard on hand.) -Jane Garing, Talladega, Alabama
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a fork. Sprinkle with almonds, pressing to adhere as needed. In a small bowl, beat egg white and water. Brush over cookies. , Bake until edges and bottoms are lightly browned, 14-16 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 67mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
CHINESE RESTAURANT ALMOND COOKIES
It's been said that the lard is what produces the traditional taste. However, if desired, butter or margarine may be substituted for very satisfactory results.
Provided by Rosina
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 55m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Sift flour, sugar, baking soda and salt together into a bowl. Cut in the lard until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add egg and almond extract. Mix well.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Set them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place an almond on top of each cookie and press down to flatten slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.4 calories, Carbohydrate 9.9 g, Cholesterol 7.9 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 38.9 mg, Sugar 4.2 g
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
Steps:
- Add one of the eggs and the almond extract: Mix them in on low speed until just incorporated.
- Preheat the oven and prep the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the remaining egg: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 74 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 15 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 5 g, ServingSize Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
FAMOUS CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
This is the recipe my Grandmother has been using for a very long time. She's not sure where it originated. She says the margarine is important-no subs. The original recipe has you cut the ingredients together but she achieves the same results using a mixer. These end up with a soft crumby texture.
Provided by Engrossed
Categories Dessert
Time 25m
Yield 46-48 cookies, 46 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease 2 baking sheets and set aside.
- In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat together margarine, flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until it resembles crumbs.
- Beat in egg and almond extract until a smooth dough is achieved.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Press your thumb in the middle of each dough ball and place 2-3 slivered almonds in the indentations.
- Beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water and brush mixture over the top of the unbaked cookies.
- Bake cookies for 15 minutes.
- Let cool on baking racks or flattened paper bags.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84.8, Fat 4.6, SaturatedFat 0.9, Cholesterol 7.7, Sodium 87.5, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 4.4, Protein 1.1
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
Almond cookies like these are thought to resemble coins, making them particularly popular as a symbol of good fortune during the Chinese New Year. Traditional recipes are made with lard and flavored with almond extract. We used butter and almond flour in these to boost the nutty flavor and create a crumbly texture similar to pecan sandies. Enjoy them year-round, particularly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield 15 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sift the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda and salt together into a large bowl. Whisk any bits of almond flour left in the sifter into the sifted flour mixture.
- Combine the butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the almond extract and 1 egg yolk and beat until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the speed to medium low, add the flour mixture and beat until no streaks of flour remain, about 2 minutes.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk together the remaining egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Scoop the dough by tablespoons (you can use a 1/2-ounce ice cream scoop) and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Roll each scoop into a ball and return it to the baking sheet. Flatten each with your palm into a 2-inch round. Gently press an almond onto each and brush with the egg wash.
- Bake, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the cookies are golden brown on the edges, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
- Store the cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
CHINESE ALMOND COOKIES
This recipe is from a Chinese bakery in Hawaii. Typically served during Chinese New year and now available year round.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 60 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut butter into sifted dry ingredients. Add egg and extract and blend well. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies and press one almond into the center of each.
- Bake 12 to 15 mins at 350°F Turn out on wire screen to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.6, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 11.7, Sodium 52.9, Carbohydrate 7.3, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 3.4, Protein 0.7
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid any scrambling.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: When baking, it's important to use room temperature ingredients. This will help them mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Bake the Cookies Until the Edges are Golden Brown: The cookies are done baking when the edges are golden brown. Don't overbake them, or they will become dry and crumbly.
- Let the Cookies Cool Completely: Before you store or serve the cookies, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them set and prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion:
Famous Chinese Almond Cookies are a delicious and popular treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a formal party. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make these cookies at home. Just follow the tips and tricks provided in this article, and you'll be sure to end up with delicious and impressive Chinese Almond Cookies.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love