Mongolian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

In this Mongolian adaptation of Macau Almond Cookies, we incorporate Mongolian spices such as cumin and chili powder to add a savory twist to the traditional sweet recipe. The cookies are also made slightly thicker and have a crispier texture compared to the original version. We alse have the original recipe for Macau Almond Cookies, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) butter, softened 1 cup (200g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Almond slices, for garnish Almond slices, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

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 mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Garnish each cookie with almond slices.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges 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...

• Almonds — Use freshly ground almonds for the best flavor and texture.
• Cumin powder — Toast the cumin seeds lightly before grinding them to enhance their aroma.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter version, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cinnamon to add more depth to the flavor.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve Mongolian Almond Cookies as a delightful snack with a cup of Mongolian milk tea or as a sweet ending to a Mongolian-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a small bowl of ground almonds for dipping.