Chinese Almond Cookies

These cookies are well-known in Chinatown or dim sum restaurants. My Vietnamese almond cookies have a delightful flavor and are a special treat with a cup of hot tea.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup toasted sesame, ground
20 almonds
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening, butter or margarine
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbs water
1 tsp almond extract
1 egg
Egg wash,

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine baking powder, baking soda and water. Set aside
Melt butter and beat in sugar. Add egg, almond extract, and baking soda mixture. Beat them together for a few minutes. Add flour until well combined.

Divide dough into 20 portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Place an almond on the center of each ball and press lightly to flatten. Brush with egg wash and bake in oven for 15 minutes.