Macau Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) ground almonds 1 cup (120g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• Whole almonds, for garnish Whole almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, flour, softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
3. 3.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
4. 4.
   Brush the top of each cookie with the beaten egg yolk and gently press a whole almond onto the center of each cookie.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
6. 6.
   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.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, store the Macau Almond Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve a smooth texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before using to ensure easy mixing with the other ingredients.
• Egg yolk — Lightly beat the egg yolk before brushing it onto the cookies for a golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the cookies before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to maintain their crispness.
• These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Serving advice

Serve these Macau Almond Cookies alongside a cup of Chinese tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They are also perfect for serving at parties or as a sweet ending to a Chinese-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Macau Almond Cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden color. You can also place a few whole almonds around the cookies for an elegant touch.