Homemade Crispy Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour 1 cup (120g) almond flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Whole almonds, for garnish Whole almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 5g
• Protein: 2g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the almond extract and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand and press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
8. 8.
   Brush the cookies with the beaten egg wash for a glossy finish.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure that you use finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter and make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
• Almond extract — Use high-quality almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor of the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the cookies before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar after they have cooled.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve these homemade crispy almond cookies alongside a cup of Chinese tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter or gift box.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown cookies on a decorative plate or in a traditional Chinese cookie tin for an elegant presentation. Consider adding a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of visual appeal.