Chinese Almond Cookies

Cookies to have anytime . I made them for a Luau. One make ahead dessert.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 72
• Yields: 6 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 3  cups flour
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 cups shortening
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 72  sliced almonds, or whole

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Sift flour with sugar, soda salt and cinnamon into a large bowl or food processor by pulsing 3-4 times. Mix in shortening and knead thoroughly (8 to 10 minutes by hand 60 second to 1 minute with food processor).
3. Combine egg and almond extract; stir into flour mixture. Mix well.
4. Shape into balls using 1 tablespoon of dough.
5. Place on ungreased baking sheets and make a depression in the top with the thumb. Press a blanched whole or sliced almond into the center of each cookie.
6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
7. Makes six dozen.