Chinese Almond Biscuits: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Are you looking for a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Chinese almond biscuits! These crispy, nutty cookies are a beloved classic for a reason. This recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats, perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 20-24 biscuits. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and moisture to the biscuits.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your biscuit dough.
- 1 cup almond flour: Adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift and a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- ½ cup sliced almonds: For topping and added visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer. The more air you incorporate at this stage, the lighter your biscuits will be.
2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
4. Gently Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
5. Incorporating Sliced Almonds:
- Fold in the ½ cup of sliced almonds.
6. Shaping and Baking the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter). Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each biscuit.
- Gently flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a slightly criss-cross pattern on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your biscuits will be enhanced by using good quality butter, almonds, and vanilla extract.
- Chill the dough (optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the biscuits from spreading too much.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chinese almond biscuits are delicious on their own, but they are also a wonderful accompaniment to tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. They also make a fantastic addition to gift baskets or cookie platters.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese almond biscuits! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
