Chinese Almond Biscuit Cookies
Delicious Chinese Almond Biscuit Cookies feature a buttery, sweet flavor with a crunchy texture, topped with blanched almonds—perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- Cream margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and almond extract.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Form the dough into balls about an inch in diameter and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Place half an almond on top of each cookie for decoration.
- Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with almond butter. If you prefer a crunchier texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Ensure your oven is properly preheated to guarantee even baking. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top along with the almonds.
Serving Suggestions
These almond biscuit cookies are perfect for tea time, paired with a cup of green tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert spread, serve alongside other Chinese recipes like Chinese Chocolettes or Paprika Dumplings. Garnish with fresh fruits or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Almond Biscuit Cookies contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor to the cookies. Just ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugar.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free almond biscuits, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, try hazelnut extract for a nutty twist that complements the almonds used for decoration.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).