Chinese Almond Cookies (杏仁酥)

5 from 6 votes

Chinese Almond Cookies (杏仁酥)

Learn the quick and simple method for making Chinese almond cookies, a delicious treat loved for their crumbly texture and nutty flavor.

Prep Time20

Cook Time18

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Chinese

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: cookies

Author: Wei Guo

Ingredients

2 cup all-purpose flour
1⅓ cup almond flour see note 1
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup neutral cooking oil see note 2 & 3
40 piece almonds toasted
1 egg yolk skip for the vegan version

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the dough

Add all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl. Use a fork to mix them well.
Pour in the oil and mix with the fork until no dry flour remains.
Combine and press all the lumps together. It’s okay if the dough falls apart easily, as long as it has a uniform texture (see note 2).

Shape the cookies

With the aid of a kitchen scale, divide the dough into 40 portions, with each weighing about ½ oz (15 g).
With gentle pressure, shape a piece of dough into a ball. Place it on the palm of your hand. Press one almond halfway into the dough.
Repeat to make all the cookies, then put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space in between.
Optional step: Mix egg yolk with ½ teaspoon of water. Brush it over the cookies.

Bake the cookies

Put the baking sheet on the middle rack of an oven preheated to 350ºF/180ºC, or 320ºF/160ºC if fan-assisted.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cookies brown nicely. Cool them completely on a wire rack before storing them in air-tight containers.

Video

Notes

1. Almond flour can be replaced with almond meal, which includes the almond skin and usually has a coarser texture. In this case, the dough tends to be more crumbly, thus requiring gentler handling.

2. Since the brand and accuracy of the measurement affect how the flour absorbs moisture, you may need to slightly adjust the amount of cooking oil. If the dough appears overly dry, add a little more oil.

3. Unsalted butter (melted) can be used as a substitute for cooking oil, but you will need to use 2 additional tablespoons beyond the suggested amount.

Nutrition