National Chinese Almond Cookie Day is celebrated on April 9th each year. These crunchy, buttery cookies are a popular treat in Chinese cuisine and are often served at the end of a meal or as a snack.

Chinese almond cookies, also known as almond biscuits, have a rich history and have been a popular Chinese dessert for over a thousand years. According to legend, almond cookies were first created in the Song Dynasty (960–1279) as a special treat for the royal court. The cookies were made with finely ground almonds, sugar, and eggs, and were shaped into small, round cakes.

During this time, almond trees were introduced to China from the Middle East and quickly became a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking. Almonds were believed to have medicinal properties, and were often used to treat coughs and other ailments. The cookies themselves were traditionally given as gifts during the Chinese New Year, as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), almond cookies were further developed and became a popular delicacy throughout China. During this period, almonds were seen as a symbol of wealth, so these cookies were often given out as a sign of good fortune. Almond cookies also became a popular item at Chinese festivals and celebrations.

In the modern era, Chinese almond cookies are still a staple of Chinese cuisine. They are made with a variety of ingredients, including all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, almond extract, and baking powder. The cookies are usually baked in the shape of a crescent, which is symbolic of bringing luck and prosperity. They are often served with tea and are a popular snack for Chinese New Year.

According to a 2019 report by the National Confectioners Association, Chinese Almond Cookies were the 19th most popular type of cookie in the USA, and the market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars globally.

 

Here are some fun facts about Chinese almond cookies:

• The traditional shape of almond cookies is round with a flat top, and the cookie is often stamped with the image of a Chinese coin for good luck.
• In addition to almond flour and almond extract, some Chinese almond cookie recipes also call for sesame seeds, which add an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Almond cookies are often enjoyed with tea, as the sweetness of the cookie pairs well with the bitterness of the tea.
• The use of almonds in Chinese cooking goes beyond just cookies – almonds are also commonly used in savory dishes, such as stir-fries and meat dishes.
• While Chinese almond cookies are most commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, variations of the cookie can also be found in other Asian countries such as Japan and Korea. In Japan, for example, almond cookies are called “annindofu” and are made with sweetened red bean paste and almond flavoring.

 

The oldest known published recipe for Chinese Almond Cookies is believed to have been published in the 16th century in a Chinese cookbook titled “Yinshan Zhengyao” (飲膳正要).

 

Ingredients:

– 2 cups of almond flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/3 cup vegetable oil

– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, sugar, oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the almond extract and mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are golden brown.
6. Let the cookies cool before serving. Enjoy!

 

Let us know if you have tried Chinese Almond Cookies and how you like them.