Chinese Almond Cookies

By
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/13/22
Chinese almond cookies recipe

 The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 30 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
121 Calories
8g Fat
12g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 30
Amount per serving
Calories 121
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 70mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 25mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Nutty almond cookies—along with sesame cookies and walnut cookies—are a popular treat at Chinese bakeries, but it's also possible to make these classic Chinese treats at home. One of the most absolutely delicious ways to end a Chinese or Chinese-American meat, these subtle, nutty cookies aren't overly sweet, but offer a delightful crunch. They also represent good look and are a customary inclusion in a Chinese New Year dessert menu.

The dough comes together easily and variations can be made if you need to make these gluten free. Just be sure to steer clear if you have any nut allergies!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 cup shortening

  • 1/2 cup butter

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

  • 2 large eggs, divided, one lightly beaten

  • 30 whole almonds, blanched

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Chinese almond cookie ingredients
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  2. Preheat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
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  3. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together butter, shortening, and sugar.

    Electric mixer beating together the butter and shortening, and sugar
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  4. Add egg and almond extract and beat until well blended.

    Egg and almond extract added
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  5. Add to flour mixture and mix well. Note: Dough will be crumbly at this point.

    Flour added to mixture
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  6. Use fingers to form mixture into a dough, and then form dough into 2 rolls or logs that are 10 to 12 inches long.

    Dough in bowl
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  7. Wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (this will make it easier to shape dough into circles).

    Dough in rolls wrapped in plastic
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  8. Take a log and lightly score dough at 3/4-inch intervals so that you have 15 pieces and cut dough.

    Dough rolls scored
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  9. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a lightly-greased cookie tray, approximately 1 1/2-inches apart.

    Chinese almond cookie dough on tray
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  10. Add an almond in the center of each cookie and press down lightly. Repeat with remaining dough.

  11. Brush each cookie lightly with a beaten egg.

    Cookies being brushed with egg
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  12. Bake for 15 minutes to 18 minutes, until golden brown.

    Baked Chinese almond cookies on rack
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  13. Cool and enjoy or store in a sealed container.

    Chinese almond cookies in bowl
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