Cantonese Almond Cookies

Ingredients

While the original Maltese Kwareżimal is a dense and chewy pastry made with ingredients like honey, spices, and dried fruits, the Cantonese Almond Cookies have a lighter and crumbly texture. The Cantonese version focuses on the nutty flavor of almonds and incorporates traditional Cantonese spices, resulting in a unique twist on the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Kwareżimal, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ½ cups) almond flour 200g (1 ½ cups) almond flour
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• ½ teaspoon almond extract ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 6g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the beaten egg and almond extract to the butter mixture, and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the 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, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Gently press a sliced almond onto the top of each cookie.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool 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.
• Sliced almonds — Toast the sliced almonds lightly before garnishing the cookies to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can add a handful of crushed toasted almonds to the cookie dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cookies after they have cooled.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these Cantonese Almond Cookies as a delightful treat alongside a cup of hot jasmine tea or as a sweet ending to a Cantonese meal. They also make a lovely gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin, allowing their golden-brown color and almond garnish to shine. Consider adding a small note or label describing the cookies for an elegant touch.