Chinese Almond Cookies

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Cookies
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 36 cookies
 

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup margarine
1 large egg
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon almond extract
36 pieces almonds
1 large egg yolks
 

Preparation:

1. Place in large bowl the flour sifted with sugar, salt and baking powder. Use a pastry blender to cut in margarine (or butter) until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. 2. Beat egg with 2 tablespoons water and almond extract. Add to flour mixture and mix with fork until dough leaves side of bowl. 3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour. 4. Form dough into balls 1-inch in diameter and place 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using palm of hand, flatten each ball to 1/4-inch thick. Keep dough in a circle shape. Press whole almond in center of cookie. 5. Combine egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush onto each cookie. 6. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.