A northern China variation of this cookie uses pine nuts instead of almonds.
1 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose floor
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
5 dozen whole blanched almonds
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons water
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat shortening with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add whole egg and almond extract; beat until well blended. In another bowl, stir together flour, salt, and baking powder; add to creamed mixture, blending thoroughly. To shape each cookie, roll about 1 tablespoon dough into a ball. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, then flatten each slightly to make a 2" round. Gently press an almond into center of each round. Place egg yolk and water in a small bowl; beat together lightly with a fork. Brush mixture over top of each cookie with a pastry brush. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to racks and let cool. Store airtight.
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A cookie baker Mar 3, 2008
Would make this again.
these were ok some of the other recipes are better though
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A Baker in CA Dec 13, 2007
Would make this again.
These are very good cookies and taest great
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Lisa in Agawam, MA Feb 13, 2005
Would make this again.
I've tried many different receipes for this type of cookie. These are by far the easiest. I do recommend using a little more almond extract though. On my last batch I put some in the egg and water mixture and brushed it on, what a difference! Yummy!
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Dieuten in Australia Dec 3, 2003
Would make this again.
They are my angel's type of food! The best!
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Apr 24, 2003
Would not make this again.
They're okay after you eat a few, but I wouldn't recommend them.