Chinese Almond Cookies

These classic Chinese Almond Cookies are crisp, crumbly, and deeply almond-forward—the kind of cookies that practically melt the moment you bite into them. If you’ve ever grabbed one from a Chinese bakery or dim sum spot, you already know the vibe: lightly sweet, sandy in texture, and topped with a whole almond for good luck.

These Chinese Almond Cookies are especially meaningful for Lunar New Year because almonds symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and longevity, making them a fitting treat to welcome a fresh start. Their round shape represents wholeness and unity, while the simple, golden cookies reflect warmth, abundance, and togetherness—everything the New Year is meant to celebrate. Served with tea and shared with family, they’re a quiet but powerful way to usher in luck for the year ahead.

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• about 18 whole almonds for topping
• 1 large egg yolk , lightly beaten for brushing