Chinese New Year Almond Cookies

These buttery, soft and crunchy almond cookies are so fluffy and light. They are easy to make and the perfect sweet treat for your Lunar new year celebrations.

I had these cookies during my first trip to Singapore. I had attended the food expo that happens every 4 years and it was magical. I tried some really cool foods and these cookie were no exception. They were buttery, soft and so good! I thought they were very fancy and elegant only to learn that they are so simple to make – not to mention rooted in tradition in Chinese culture. Getting back home I HAD to try my hand at them and so I did. These cookies were developed almost 10 years ago and now I make them once every year. I use the lunar new year as a an excuse to make it.

What is Chinese almond cookie made of?

They are buttery almond cookies that like shortbread but chewier and more of a bite. They have a better crush and crumble much lesser than a shortbread. It is the perfect cross between a shortbread and biscuit. The almond flavor is not only from the almond flour but also a little almond extract.

Why are almond cookies eaten on Chinese new year?

These cookies are specifically enjoyed during Lunar new year because the almond cookies symbolize coins so people make or buy these cookies for good fortune.

Why is the history of Chinese almond cookies?

Almond cookies were introduced to the US by southern Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. Some say these cookies are a Chinese – American adaptation of the Chinese walnut cookie known as Hup Toh Soh, which was invented in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, accord to Motstreetgirls.

What do almond cookies symbolize in china?

Chinese almond cookies symbolize coins and are supposed to bring you good fortune if you have them during Lunar new year.

What ingredients do you need to make these Chinese almond cookies?

To make these cookies we need butter, an egg in the cookie dough and an egg for the egg wash on top, almond flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, almond extract, white sugar, vanilla and whole almonds for the top. I wouldn’t recommend any substitutes in this recipe as they are traditional.

What equipment do you need to make these Chinese almond cookies?

To make these cookies we need a large mixing bowl and a whisk. You can use a wooden spoon or electric hand beater as well. I like to mix the dough with rubber spatula to make sure it is well combined. The dough is rolled between your palms and baked in an oven. Just before baking they should be brushed with egg wash. once baked they must be cooled on a wire rack.

How to make these Chinese almond cookies?

Start by beating the butter and almond flour until pale and smooth, should take 2-3 minutes. You can do this by hand or an electric beater. Add one egg, vanilla extract, almond extract and beat until mix through. Add the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. Wrap the dough in cling wrap or in a zip lock bag. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 170 deg c, line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside, beat the second egg in a bowl for the egg wash and set aside. Remove the dough from the fridge and portion out 2 tablespoon worth of dough, roll between your palms and transfer to the baking tray. Flatten out the cookie dough balls and brush with egg wash. top each piece with an almond and bake for 11-13 mins. Once golden remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Serving and storing these Chinese almond cookies?

I love having them with tea but you can serve them with coffee or on their own. The cookie dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month, when ready to bake, defrost the dough, portion and shape as suggested. The leftover cookies can be stored at room temperature in an air tight container or zip lock bag for up to 1 week.

Looking for more Chinese recipes for Lunar new year?

Now that we have covered how to make these Chinese almond cookies, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.