Chinese Almond Cookies

Buttery and sweet with almond flour for a unique, nutty flavor, these cookies are a must for Chinese New Year!

By
Garrett McCord
Garrett McCord
Garrett McCord
Garrett has been writing about food and sharing recipes for 15 years. He is the author of Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated November 15, 2023
Garrett McCord
Almond cookies stacked and scattered on a plate.
Michelle Becker

Chinese almond cookies are a trademark in Chinese-American cooking. Often relegated as a second string sweet to the more entertaining fortune cookie these don't get the respect they deserve!

Sure, they don't tell you what a charming personality you have or offer a string of lotto numbers, but they do have a crisp bite and delightfully sandy texture.

Ingredients in Chinese Almond Cookies

Almond flour, almond extract, and slivered almonds ensure that you get an intense flavor that will eclipse any paper-filled treat.

Set out a plate of these for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Almond cookies symbolize coins and will be sure to bring you good fortune. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Almond cookies scattered on a rimmed plate.
Michelle Becker

What Are Chinese Almond Cookies?

Chinese almond cookies are a Chinese American treat. They aren't authentically Chinese — as recipe creator Garret says in the comments below, "You won't find these in Hunan, but you will find them in the U.S., England, and Hong Kong." Their round shape symbolizes coins and good luck.

While the history of the cookie can't be definitely traced back to a specific point, it's generally believed they were the creation of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. sometime before 1900. They're now traditionally served for Chinese New Year, an important Chinese holiday that's tied to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Tips for Success

These cookies aren't difficult to make, but these tips will help ensure success the first time you make them.

  • Make sure the butter is cold.
  • Use almond flour, not almond meal. They are different products.
  • Do not skip refrigerating the dough for the full 2 hours.
  • If you leave the dough in the fridge for more than 2 hours, make sure you allow the dough to warm enough to work with. It should be warm enough so when you make a ball in your hands, the ball stays together.
  • This is not a recipe that can take substitutions well. Use the ingredients as stated.

How to Store Chinese Almond Cookies

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 weeks. Freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe zipper bag for up to 4 months.

More Chinese Recipes to Make!

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Chinese Almond Cookies

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Dough chilling 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 35 mins
Servings 60 servings

Cook time is for each batch of cookies. If you're baking one sheet of cookies at a time, it will take you an hour to get through all the dough.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cups almond flour, lightly packed

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

  • Pinch kosher salt

  • 2 large eggs, divided

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • Thinly sliced almonds, for decoration

Method

  1. Beat the almond flour, salt, and butter:

    Place the almond flour, salt, and butter into an electric mixer with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. The mixture will become coarse and chunky looking.

    Creaming ingredients in a bowl to make an almond cookie recipe.
    Michelle Becker
  2. Add one of the eggs and the almond extract:

    Mix them in on low speed until just incorporated.

  3. Add the flour, sugar, and baking soda:

    Sift the flour, sugar, and baking soda and add to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.

    Making an almond cookie recipe in a stand mixer.
    Michelle Becker
    Making an almond cookie recipe in a stand mixer.
    Michelle Becker
  4. Chill the dough:

    Take the dough and flatten it into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for two hours to chill.

    Wrapping almond cookie dough in plastic wrap.
    Michelle Becker
  5. Preheat the oven and prep the baking sheet:

    Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  6. Beat the remaining egg:

    In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg.

  7. Flatten the balls of dough onto the cookie sheet:

    Take pieces of dough and roll them into balls about 3/4 inch wide. Place them on the sheet about an inch apart and then press them down slightly with your palm to make a coin shape.

    Balls of dough set on a parchment covered baking sheet to make a Chinese almond cookie recipe.
    Michelle Becker
    Flattened dough balls on a baking sheet for a Chinese almond cookie recipe.
    Michelle Becker
  8. Press the slivered almonds into place, and paint the cookies with the egg:

    Press one silvered almond into the center of each cookie. Then, using a pastry brush or your finger, paint each cookie with the egg. (This will give the cookie a lacquered appearance once it bakes).

    Brushing the almond topped cookies with a pastry brush.
    Michelle Becker
  9. Bake:

    Bake at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes, until the edges just begin to tan. Cool on the sheet on a wire rack.

    Overhead view of almond cookies on a cooling tray.
    Michelle Becker
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
74 Calories
5g Fat
7g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 60
Amount per serving
Calories 74
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 15mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 29mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.