Chinese Almond Cookies

Ingredients

Chinese Aristocrat Almond Cookies draw inspiration from the Italian Amaretti but are adapted to suit the refined flavors of Chinese aristocrat cuisine. While the original Amaretti uses bitter almonds, this recipe replaces them with sweet almonds to cater to the Chinese preference for milder flavors. Additionally, the Chinese version incorporates almond extract to intensify the almond aroma, creating a more fragrant and luxurious cookie. We alse have the original recipe for Amaretti (Molise), so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 20 whole almonds, for decoration 20 whole almonds, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 0.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, almond extract, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the frothy egg whites to the almond flour mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
5. 5.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Gently press a whole almond onto the top of each cookie.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the cookies.
• Almond extract — Use high-quality almond extract to enhance the almond flavor in the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the dough in addition to the recommended amount.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Chinese Aristocrat Almond Cookies alongside a cup of fragrant Chinese tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They are also perfect as a sweet ending to a Chinese aristocrat-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, allowing their golden color to shine. Consider adding a few whole almonds or almond blossoms as garnish to enhance the visual appeal.