Welcome to our blog where we celebrate the flavors and traditions of Chinese cuisine. Today, we are excited to share with you a beloved treat that you’ll often find in Chinese restaurants – almond cookies! These delicate, crumbly cookies with a nutty flavor are the perfect ending to a delicious meal or a delightful snack to enjoy with a cup of tea. So, let’s get ready to delve into the world of Chinese restaurant almond cookies and discover how to recreate these delectable treats in your own kitchen.
The History of Chinese Restaurant Almond Cookies
Chinese almond cookies have a long history that can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. Almonds, which were native to Central Asia, were introduced to China during this time. With their delicate flavor and nutritional value, almonds quickly became a cherished ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is believed that almond cookies originated in Guangdong province, a culinary hotspot in southern China known for its rich and diverse flavors.
Chinese restaurant almond cookies are traditionally made with a combination of almond flour or ground almonds, butter, sugar, and sometimes a hint of vanilla or almond extract. These ingredients come together to create a cookie dough that is shaped into small rounds and topped with a whole almond before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a cookie that is lightly sweet, nutty, and delightfully crumbly.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups almond flour or ground almonds
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whole almonds for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the almond extract and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour or ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Gently press a whole almond onto the center of each cookie.
8. Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that you have the recipe, you can enjoy the delightful taste of Chinese restaurant almond cookies anytime you desire. These cookies not only make a wonderful treat for yourself but also a thoughtful gift for family and friends. So, go ahead and unleash your inner baker, and let the aroma of freshly baked almond cookies fill your kitchen!
