Jewish almond cookie facts for kids
The Jewish almond cookie, sometimes called a Chinese cookie, is a yummy treat popular in Jewish culture. It's made with almonds and is often found in Jewish delis and bakeries.
Contents
A Sweet History
How It Started
Back in the early 1900s, Chinese restaurants were some of the few places where Jewish people could easily eat out. Also, Chinese cuisine usually doesn't mix milk and meat, which fits with Jewish dietary rules. Because of this, Chinese food became very popular among Jewish communities in America.
It's thought that a similar almond cookie was served in some Chinese restaurants in New York City around that time. Many believe this Chinese cookie inspired the Jewish almond cookie, bringing it into American Jewish cuisine.
Changes Over Time
The Jewish almond cookie was changed to fit Kosher rules and to use ingredients that were easier to find. For example, early Jewish almond cookies used almond paste (also called marzipan) and vegetable shortening. This was different from the almond flour and liquid oil often used in Chinese cookies. These changes made the Jewish almond cookies smoother.
These cookies quickly became very popular. They are "pareve", meaning they don't contain milk or meat. This meant they could be eaten after meals that included meat (called "fleishig" meals). Soon, Jewish almond cookies became a favorite at Jewish delis all over America.
What Is It Like?
A Jewish almond cookie is a small, round cookie. It's made from a dough that includes flour, almond paste or marzipan, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and vegetable shortening. Each cookie is topped with a whole almond right in the middle.
Different Kinds
Jewish almond cookies come in a few different styles.
Israeli Style
You can also find Jewish almond cookies in Israel. There, they are often made with tehina (a paste made from sesame seeds). Instead of an almond on top, they are usually topped with poppy seeds. The fact that these cookies are popular in Israel makes some people wonder if they really came from Chinese cookies, since Chinese cuisine isn't very common in Israel.
Where to Find Them
In the United States
Jewish almond cookies are available at Jewish delis, kosher bakeries, and other Jewish eateries. You can find them across the United States, especially in the Northeastern United States and in Los Angeles.
In Israel
Jewish almond cookies are also sold in Israel. They are commonly found in bakeries there.
