April 9th is National Chinese Almond Cookie Day #ChineseAlmondCookieDay. If Charlie had still been homeschooling then we would have studied China. Then in his #Homeschool Cooking Class we would have made Almon Cookies but thank the LORD Charlie has graduated.
Which doesn’t mean learning should stop. Since I’m not sure if we’ve ever tried Chinese Almond Cookies and David is home today I think we will make the Cookies for dessert. Would you want to help us? We can make Almond Cookies for your family as well.
Did you know Almonds are good luck and the perfect way to celebrate National Chinese Almond Cookie Day on April 9th. The golden Almond Cookie, sometimes comes with special designs and, other times, plain, delivers scrumptiousness in its crunch and Almond flavors.
Almond Cookies are also known as Chinese Almond Moon Cakes, the Cookies are traditionally made during Chinese New Year as they are believed to bring good luck to households. Did you know you can get special designs on your Moon Cakes by pressing the dough into a mold.
But not having any designs on your Cookies does not make them any less special or tasty. While it is unclear when exactly Chinese Almond Cookies were brought to the American shores, there are no mentions of it before the 1800s or the 1900s.
Chinese Almond Cookies do not appear to have a set origin date or place. Some sources say that they have been adapted from the Chinese Walnut Cookies, which were invented in the 16th Century during the Ming Dynasty.
At first, the Walnut Cookies were considered a royal dish, however, as the years went by and the recipe was released to the public, the Almond Cookies were so popular and loved by everyone that they became quite common around the area. People adored the Cookie so much that they considered it the National Cookie.
Chinese Almond Cookies, which are native to Southern- and Southeastern China, were introduced in the U.S. after the first wave of Chinese immigrants came to the Country. Thus, like fortune Cookies and other popular Chinese dishes, Chinese Almond Cookies also became much desired by the masses. The Almond Cookie is made with a mixture of Almond and Mung powder. Chinese Almond Cookies also has an Almond Sliver in the middle of the Cookie, and it is believed that good luck comes from this sliver of Almond.
Today, said Chinese Almond Cookies can be found in many Chinese restaurants and hotels. Due to its plain and subtly sweet taste, Chinese Almond Cookies is served as a palate cleanser after a meal of rich spices and flavors.
The Chinese Almond Cookies can be found being sold in food stalls in Macao and Hong Kong. There are also several flavors of Almond Cookies, some with cultural twists. The Chinese Almond Cookie has a Turkish Cousin called ‘acıbadem kurabiyesi,’ meaning bitter Almond Cookie. No matter the type, Chinese Almond Cookies are enjoyed by many all over the world. Although, I don’t know about you but I will pass on any Cookies that is bitter.
How To Celebrate National Chinese Almond Cookie Day
- Today you should dig into the Chinese delicacy and savor its flavors to the fullest! There is not only a treat in it for you, but it also means supporting your local Chinese bakeries and restaurants.
- If you have the means and the opportunity today get into the mix by bringing out your Chef’s hat and apron. The Chinese Almond Cookie recipe is quite simple and easy to follow. You’ll have a chance to brush up on your cooking skills AND you will get to taste the delicious home-made Almond Cookie. Isn’t that a win-win?
- China possesses a rich cultural history and heritage and there are many myths and legends associated with the Country. Thus, it comes as no surprise that something as simple as an Almond Cookie will also have mystical elements attached to it. So, prepare a plate of those Cookies and get started on your history lesson.
Facts About Cookies That Will Blow Your Mind
- Cookies were accidentally invented by Persians in the seventh century when bakers were testing oven temperatures by dropping small amounts of Cake batter into them.
- The word, ‘Cookie,’ is derived from the Dutch’s ‘Koekjes,’ which means ‘little Cakes.’
- Did you know English women used to eat Gingerbread Cookies to find good husbands.
- The Cookie Monster from Sesame Street actually ate Rice Cakes painted like Cookies because using real Cookies would have damaged his plushy mouth.
- Did you know we celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day on July 9th every year?
Why We Love National Chinese Almond Cookie Day
- China is a vast Country with many mystical legends. Its history spans the whole of Asia and the Country’s food items are windows to bygone eras. The Chinese Almond Cookie is just one example and by celebrating National Chinese Almond Cookie Day dedicated to it, we are opening diverse doors to amazing cultures and traditions.
- From the lands of the U.S. of A to Turkish Shores and Middle Eastern Countries, the Almond Cookie has quite an impressive amount of traveling stamps on its recipe passport. The Chinese Almond Cookie has cultural variations from all over the world.
- Thanks to globalization, we are able to enjoy the tastes of other Countries and their respective stories. Coming all the way from China with its culture infused into the recipe, the Almond Cookie has brought joy to people from different Countries and Continents.
Prep
20 mins Bake 35 to 37 mins Total 2 hrs 30 mins Yield 18 cookies
Ingredients
Dough
- 3/4 cup (72g) King Arthur Almond Flour
- 1 cup (120g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or almond emulsion
Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (egg wash)
- 18 whole almonds
Instructions
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until it forms a soft, sticky dough.
To toast the almond flour: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the almond flour and stir constantly until it turns golden and becomes fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the toasted almond flour from the heat and immediately transfer it to a medium bowl (this stops it from burning).
To make the dough: To the bowl with the toasted almond flour, add the all-purpose (or gluten-free) flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk together until well combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on low speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and almond extract until combined; the butter may look slightly curdled at this stage, and that is OK.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
