Chinese Islamic Style Almond Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the Finnish Korppu is transformed into Chinese Islamic Style Almond Cookies by incorporating flavors and spices commonly found in Chinese Islamic cuisine. The original recipe's simplicity is enhanced with the addition of aromatic almonds, cardamom, and cinnamon, which are commonly used in Chinese Islamic desserts. These cookies are also shaped differently, taking inspiration from traditional Chinese cookie shapes. We alse have the original recipe for Korppu, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Whole almonds, for decoration Whole almonds, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 9g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Gently press a whole almond onto the top of each cookie.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Use blanched almonds for both the ground almonds and whole almonds for decoration. If blanched almonds are not available, you can blanch them at home by boiling them for a few minutes and then removing the skins.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced almond flavor, toast the ground almonds before adding them to the dough.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cardamom and cinnamon according to your taste.
• To achieve a crumbly texture, make sure not to overmix the dough.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve these Chinese Islamic Style Almond Cookies with a cup of Chinese green tea or a glass of warm milk for a delightful snack or dessert.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or in a traditional Chinese cookie tin for an elegant presentation. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.