Chinese Almond Cookies

The chewy texture and light almond flavor are just right in these cookies. In Chinese culture, Almond Cookies are a classic treat enjoyed during the Chinese New Year, but also during the holidays. Wondering what to do with the rest of your almond extract? Add a teaspoon to just about any baked good for a hint of holiday flavor.

Makes 36 cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 (2 sticks) cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 36 Imperfect Foods Raw Almonds
• 1 egg white 
• 1 tbsp water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Place nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes, until golden. Nuts can easily burn, so monitor closely. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 
3. Beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and almond extract.
4. Add flour mixture and mix on medium low until the dough forms, about 2 minutes. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
5. Scoop dough by the spoonful (roughly a tablespoon or more if you prefer them larger) and roll into balls. Place onto lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass. 
6. Mix the egg white and water. Brush the cookies lightly with the egg wash and press an almond in the middle of each dough ball. 
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on the pan. Serve at room temperature.     

Recipe Notes and variations

• Be sure to save your leftover egg white! You can make a tiny omelet while you wait for your cookies to bake, whip up a meringue for a different dessert, or incorporate it into your homemade granola recipe to make it extra chunky. 
• Ifyou loved these Chinese Almond Cookies, be sure to check out the rest of the sweet treats in our Cookies From Around the World series like our Chocolate-Dipped Matcha Shortbread Cookies.