Almond Ginger Cookies

Name: Almond Ginger Cookies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup shortening; 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Think outside the box this season and enjoy these traditional Chinese cookies, each one topped with an almond slice. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream shortening, 1/2 cup sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in ginger.
Shape into 1-in. balls. Roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Press an almond slice into center of each cookie.
Bake until edges are lightly browned, 9-11 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.