Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe

Makes about 60 cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lard or solid shortening
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, unsifted
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • About 60 whole blanched almonds
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp water

    • Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, cream lard and both sugars until fluffy.
    2. Add egg and almond extract; beat until well blended.
    3. Sift flour with salt and baking powder.
    4. Add to creamed mixture; mix well.
    5. To shape each cookie, roll 1 tbsp of dough into a ball.
    6. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
    7. Gently down on each ball, making a 2-inch round.
    8. Press an almond in center of each round.
    9. In a small bowl, beat egg yolk with water; brush mixture over top of each cookie.
    10. Bake in a 350 oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
    11. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.
    12. Store in an airtight container.