Macau Almond Cookies, known as "xingren bing" in Chinese, are a famous traditional snack from Macau. They have a long history, with roots in the Portuguese and Chinese culinary traditions that blend together in Macau. The cookies were originally made by local bakers who combined ground almonds with flour and sugar to create a crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth treat. They are particularly popular during the Chinese New Year, but are enjoyed year-round by locals and tourists alike. Today, they are one of Macau's most iconic souvenirs.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Almonds: Raw almonds are ground into a fine powder.
Mixing the Dough: The almond powder is mixed with flour, sugar, and a little butter or oil to form a crumbly dough. Sometimes a small amount of egg is added to help bind the mixture.
Pressing into Molds: The dough is pressed into wooden molds to give the cookies their classic shape and design.
Baking: The cookies are baked in a moderate oven until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
Cooling and Serving: The cookies are left to cool, then removed from the molds and served.
Review and Appreciation
Macau Almond Cookies are loved for their crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture and their rich, nutty flavor. They are not too sweet, making them a perfect snack with tea or coffee.