Chinese Almond Cookies

Name: Chinese Almond Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 5 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1 large egg white; 1/2 teaspoon water

8 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min./batch

Makes

5 dozen

Updated: Apr. 27, 2022

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

Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 large egg white
1/2 teaspoon water

Directions

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.

Chinese Almond Cookies Tips

Can you use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to make Chinese almond cookies?

Yes! You can substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour using a 1:1 ratio. Just keep in mind you may need an extra binding agent like an egg or xanthan gum, if you are looking for a gluten-free binder.

Can you toast the almonds before putting them on top of these cookies?

Of course! Toasting nuts always adds wonderful flavor. Remember that the almonds will get baked again once they are sprinkled on the cookies, so do not go too dark on the initial toasting. Here's more on how to toast nuts.

How do you store Chinese almond cookies?

Store the cookies in an air-tight container or sealed bag and leave at room temperature in a dry, cool place. If you are not going to eat the Chinese almond cookies now, you can store them sealed in the freezer for up to 6 months. Read more about how to store cookies to keep them fresh.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Associate Food Stylist

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 67 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.