Imagine a cookie that transports you straight to the heart of Chinese bakeries with just one delicate bite! These Little Chinese Almond Cookies are not just a treat; they're a delightful culinary experience that combines the rich, nutty essence of almonds with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, these cookies promise to be your new obsession – simple to make, impossible to resist!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk. The mixture should become smooth and pale in color.
- Add the egg and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated and creating a smooth, uniform consistency.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the almond flour, salt, and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each portion into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Optional: Gently press down on each cookie ball with a fork to create a slight criss-cross pattern or flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies appear set but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Uniform Size is Key: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookies that bake evenly.
- Watch Closely: Almond cookies can quickly go from golden to overdone, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Storage Hack: To maintain freshness, store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft.
- Customize: Feel free to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a whole almond on top for extra flair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
