Chinese almond cookies, also called almond biscuits or almond cakes, are made from almond flour with an almond in the middle on top of the cookies. Commonly found in Chinese bakeries in Hong Kong, Macau and China, as well as in Chinese bakeries or even Asian groceries stores all over the world. It is believed that Chinese almond cookies are an adaptation from Chinese walnut cookies. These almond cookies are typically relished during Chinese New Year or given as gifts to family and friends celebrating the festive seasons as they are supposed to bring good luck. For my gluten free recipe, I am using almond meal, desiccated coconut and Chinese dried almonds for the almond cookies. This recipe is gluten free, paleo, vegan, refined sugar free, dairy free, egg free, corn free and soy free.
The health benefits of almond has been well recognised for many centuries, in traditional Chinese medicine, almonds are used as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Almonds are an excellent source of biotin (vitamin B7 or vitamin H), L-carnitine and vitamin E. They are also a good source of manganese, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), phosphorus, magnesium, fiber and molybdenum (a key mineral nutrient).
Possible health benefits related to consumption of almonds comprise of lowering of bad cholesterol, may reduce the risk of colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases, may help build strong teeth and bones, may aid in weight loss, help lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin levels after each meal and may promote a healthy central nervous system and may prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Ingredients
- 21 Chinese dried almonds or blanched almonds
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups 200g/7oz almond meal (also called almond flour)
- 30 g 1oz desiccated coconut
- â…“ cup 30g/1oz coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Paleo Friendly Baking Powder:
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix and combine the baking soda and cream of tartar and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine and mix all the wet ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients and the paleo friendly baking powder together.
- Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Preheat fan-forced oven to 160C or 320F. Position the oven rack in the lower third of your oven.
- Using your hands squeeze some dough together and form a 1 inch ball, repeat until you have used up all the dough.
- Place each cookie dough 2 inches apart, onto baking trays lined with baking paper.
- Press each Chinese dry almond or blanched almond gently onto the center of each cookie dough.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking trays for 5 to 10 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, store in an air-tight container.
Notes
they’re so cute! nice photographs.
Thank you for stopping by and for your nice comments 🙂
These sound delicious. They would be a tasty alternative to the traditional Chrismas pudding or fruit cake in my household.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments. Yes, these cookies are indeed a healthier alternative to all the traditional Christmas desserts. Enjoy 🙂