Delicate Almond Cookies

Delicately flavored with a hint of almond, these cookies make a satisfying light afternoon snack or finale to a dim sum brunch.

Makes: 35 cookiesHands-on: 20 minutesTotal: 35 minutesDifficulty: Easy

Makes: 35 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. almond extract
  • 35 whole, blanched almonds
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • In a large bowl sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter, shortening, and sugar. Add eggs and almond extract and beat until well blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring.
  • Knead dough into a roll or log. If you find 1 long roll too difficult to work with, split the dough into 2 equal pieces.
  • Cut dough into 30–35 pieces. (If desired, lightly score the dough before cutting to get an idea of the correct size.) Roll each piece into a ball and place on a lightly greased cookie tray, approximately 2" apart. Place an almond in the center of each cookie and press down lightly.
  • Brush each cookie lightly with beaten egg before baking. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and store in a sealed container.