Desserts > Cookies > Chinese Cookies

Chinese Date and Almond Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Chinese dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped Chinese dates and slivered almonds.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 40mg
Sugar: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted with hazelnut flour or coconut flour.
- Chinese dates can be substituted with regular dates or dried figs.
- Slivered almonds can be substituted with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor.
- Use different types of nuts or dried fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the dough, as it can result in tough cookies.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped almonds or Chinese dates for added texture.

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with fresh fruit or a cheese platter.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are spreading too much, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough to moisten it.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to pit the Chinese dates before chopping them to avoid any choking hazards.

Food history:
Chinese date is a fruit that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have many health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, with a chewy texture from the Chinese dates.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack with tea or coffee.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Chewy