Vegan Chinese Almond Cookies

These Vegan Traditional Chinese Almond Cookies are a plant-based twist on the classic treat you often find at Chinese restaurants. They’re perfectly crumbly, lightly sweetened, and infused with the warm, nutty flavor of almond extract. Topped with a whole blanched almond or rolled in crushed almonds these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea or as a nostalgic dessert, they bring a touch of tradition to your kitchen.

Ingredients

2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 tsp Salt

1/2 cup Vegan Butter (softened)

1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

1 tsp Almond Extract

1-2 Tablespoons Plant-Based Milk (as needed)

15–20 Whole Blanched Almonds or Crushed Slivered Almonds

These almond cookies bring back sweet memories of sharing little red tins with my family during Lunar New Year and holidays. They’re buttery, crisp around the edges, and melt in your mouth with a delicate almond flavor.

I gave them a plant-based twist that doesn’t miss a thing. These are the kind of cookies that go perfectly with a cup of tea and good conversation. Make a batch and watch them disappear one by one.

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened vegan butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Stir in the almond extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Add plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, to form a soft but non-sticky dough.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Flatten slightly with your palm, then press a whole almond into the center of each cookie or roll them in crushed almonds and press them down a little.

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.