Macau Almond Cookies: The Authentic Recipe for a Traditional Delight
Recipe by eva@becomingsolo.com
Course: DessertCuisine: Macau
Servings
20
cookiesPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
80
kcalTotal time
35
minutesIngredients
- Dry Ingredients:
1 cup (120g) almond flour (finely ground)
1 cup (120g) mung bean flour (or substitute with cornstarch if unavailable)
1⁄2 cup ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
- Wet Ingredients:
1⁄4 cup (60ml) melted butter or lard
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1⁄4 cup (60ml) water (adjust as needed)
- **Optional Topping:
1⁄4 cup toasted almond slices for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Dry Mixture
- Toast the almond flour: In a dry pan over medium-low heat, toast the almond flour for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Let it cool.
- Sift the mung bean flour to remove lumps, then mix it with the toasted almond flour.
- Add powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder to the dry mixture and whisk well.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter (or lard), vegetable oil, almond extract, and water.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring. The dough should hold its shape when pressed together. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Shape the Cookies
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch (1 cm) thick.
- Use a cookie mold or round cutter to shape the cookies. Press an almond slice on top if desired.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the cookies with space in between.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden but the top remains pale.
- Cool & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve with tea or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
Pro Tips:
Traditional Touch: If you have a moon cake press, use it for authentic shapes!
Texture Tip: The cookies should be dry yet crumbly—not chewy!
Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a week or freeze for up to 3 months.