Chinese Almond Sugar Cookies(Mom'S Recipe)
Delicious Chinese Almond Sugar Cookies feature a tender crumb, subtle almond flavor, and a sweet sugar coating—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar well.
- Add egg to mixture; beat well.
- Add almond extract; mix well.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Chill the dough.
- Flour hands and form small balls about the size of doughnut centers.
- Roll balls in sugar and flatten slightly with thumb.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet in a 375°F oven until edges are slightly browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a nuttier taste, consider adding finely chopped almonds to the dough. Remember to chill the dough adequately, as this helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These almond sugar cookies make a delightful treat for tea time or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of green tea or your favorite coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside other Chinese recipes during celebrations or gatherings, creating a diverse dessert platter that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Almond Sugar Cookies(Mom'S Recipe) contains roughly 182 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 17g 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 shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor and may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit crispier. If you prefer a softer cookie, consider using a mix of butter and shortening.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try adding a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. It's important not to add too much flour at once, as this can affect the final texture of the cookies. Chilling the dough can also help reduce stickiness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free almond sugar cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure of regular flour. This will help maintain the cookies' texture and ensure they bake properly.
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).