Chinese New Year Almond Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 tablespoon five-spice powder
1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, cream of tartar, salt and baking soda.
Cream together the butter and sugar with a hand mixer. Blend in the beaten egg and almond extract. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until the dough takes on a flaky, moist consistency. Gather the crumbly mixture together using your hands or a spatula.
To make the topping, chop up the almonds (most easily done by hitting a few times with a mallet) and combine in a small bowl with the five-spice powder and brown sugar.
To form the cookies, roll dough into 1 1/2-inch diameter balls between the palms of your hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten to about 1/2-inch thickness, lightly brush top with the egg wash and generously sprinkle with the topping. Bake for 11-12 minutes.