Chines Almond Biscuits

Ingredients

• Melted butter, to grease
• 125g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
• 2 tsp finely grated orange rind
• 1/2 tsp almond essence
• 1 egg
• 225g (1 1/2 cups) plain flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 30 blanched almonds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a large baking tray with butter to lightly grease. Line with non-stick baking paper.
2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter, sugar, orange rind and almond essence in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add the egg and beat until just combined.
3. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Use a large metal spoon to stir until combined.
4. Roll 2 teaspoonfuls of the mixture into a ball and place on the prepared tray. Use the palm of your hand to flatten slightly. Place an almond in the centre. Repeat with remaining mixture and almonds to make 30 biscuits. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Set aside on the trays for 5 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.