Tunisian Spiced Almond Cookies

Ingredients

While the original Chinese Heong peng is made with a combination of wheat flour and lard, this Tunisian adaptation replaces the wheat flour with ground almonds to give the cookies a rich and nutty flavor. Additionally, the traditional Chinese spices are substituted with Tunisian spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which infuse the cookies with warm and aromatic notes. The use of orange blossom water adds a unique floral essence that is characteristic of Tunisian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Heong peng, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds, for garnish 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 11g
• 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 large bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the vegetable oil and orange blossom water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
5. 5.
   Gently press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie for garnish.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve the desired texture in the cookies.
• Orange blossom water — Use a high-quality orange blossom water to ensure a fragrant and authentic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these Tunisian Spiced Almond Cookies as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of mint tea or Turkish coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet treat during festive occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or a traditional Tunisian serving dish. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish the plate with fresh mint leaves or orange zest to add a pop of color.