Almond Cookies Recipe: Easy Italian & Chinese New Year Treats posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Ready to bake up a storm? I’ve got the perfect cookie recipe for you – almond cookies! These wonderful treats are not only scrumptious, they also hold cultural significance in Italian and Chinese traditions. Whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year or simply wanting an excuse to bake, these almond cookies will surely hit the spot. And the best part? They can be made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So, let’s get into this almond cookie recipe! A Brief History of Almond Cookies Almond cookies, known as Pasticcini di Mandorla in Italy and as traditional Chinese almond cookies in China, are a favorite treat in both cultures. In Italy, these little almond cookies are often enjoyed at Christmas time, served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. In Chinese culture, these mouth almond cookies are considered a symbol of good fortune, often served during the Chinese New Year celebrations. They are also commonly found in Chinese restaurants as a sweet finish to a meal. Almond Cookies: The Main Ingredients Both Italian and Chinese almond cookies are characterized by their lots of almond flavor, which comes from the use of almond meal and almond extract. Whole almonds, ground almonds, and sliced almonds are often used for decoration and additional flavor. Other main ingredients include egg whites (for Italian cookies) and egg yolks (for Chinese cookies), purpose flour, brown sugar or maple syrup, and unsalted butter or coconut sugar. The dough is often rolled in powdered sugar before baking to give the cookies a sweet, crispy exterior. For the Italian version, lemon zest or orange zest is also added for an extra zing, while the Chinese version sometimes includes a maraschino cherry on top for a pop of color. Making Your Own Almond Flour While you can easily buy almond meal or Bob’s Red Mill almond flour, making your own almond flour can be a fun and rewarding process. Simply take whole almonds (blanched or unblanched, it’s up to you), and process them into a fine powder using a food processor. Be careful not to over-process, though, or you’ll end up with almond butter instead! This homemade flour can be used in a variety of homemade cookie recipes, including these delicious almond cookies. Mixing the Dough for Almond Cookies For the best results, start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate medium bowl or stand mixer, cream together the wet ingredients until light and fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. The finished product should be a soft, pliable almond cookie dough that’s easy to shape. Shaping and Baking the Almond Cookies Using a cookie scoop or a measuring cup, scoop small balls of dough and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re making Chinese almond cookies, you can flatten the balls slightly with the bottom of a glass. Italian almond cookies, on the other hand, are often piped using a piping bag. The cookies are then baked until golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before enjoying. Enjoying Your Homemade Almond Cookies These almond cookies are delicious as is, but there are several ways you can spruce them up. For a festive touch, you can top your cookies with an almond glaze, almond flakes, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair your homemade cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these delicious treats, you’ll find it hard to resist making them again next time. In Conclusion: Almond Cookies for Every Occasion Whether you’re an almond lover looking for new recipes to try, or you’re simply in the mood for some baking, this almond cookie recipe is a winner. It’s an easy cookie recipe that delivers on flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a piece of Italian or Chinese traditions into your home, no matter the time of year. So, why not give these almond cookies a go? Trust me, you won’t regret it!