It is said, in Chinese lore, that almond cookies bring good luck, and if you have read Counterfeit then you know that our main characters need all the luck they can get.

These cookies are super delicious, and honestly way easier to make than I thought.

Chinese Almond Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cups almond flour

• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• Almond silvers

Egg wash:

• 1 egg

Method:

1. Sift all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sugar. Set aside.

2. Add the almond flour, salt, and butter into an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. The mixture will become coarse and chunky looking.

3. Add egg and the almond extract, and mix on low speed until just incorporated.

4. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Mixing on low, gradually add the flour mixture until incorporated.

5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or overnight.

6. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Roll pieces of dough into balls about 3/4 inch wide. Place them on the sheet about an inch apart and then press them down slightly with your palm to make a coin shape. Be sure to leave space between the cookies, they will spread.

8. Add one or two almond slivers on each cookie.

9. Using a fork or whisk, lightly beat one egg in a bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush on the egg wash, remembering to get the sides.

10. Place the cookies in the oven for 13-15 minutes.

11. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to completely cool.

Makes 18-20 cookies.