Best 8 Holiday Almond Bars Recipes

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'Tis the season to indulge in delectable holiday treats, and the classic almond bar takes center stage as a festive and flavorsome delight. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply seeking a special treat to warm your heart, embarking on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for holiday almond bars is an adventure worth taking. With a crispy crust, chewy interior, and an irresistible topping of sweet almond filling, these treats embody the spirit of the holidays, bringing joy and cheer to all who partake in their deliciousness.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ALMOND BARS



Almond Bars image

Almond Bars are tender, lightly sweetened shortbread-like bars that are so good, you'll find yourself doubling the recipe every single time you make them.

Provided by Mary Younkin

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour *
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tbsp milk
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract
1-2 tbsp milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. Cream together the butter and the sugar. Add the egg and the almond extract and then mix until light and fluffy. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
  • Press the dough into the bottom of a well-greased 9x13 pan. Press with your fingers or a pastry roller to smooth the top of the dough. Using a pastry brush, brush a tiny bit of milk across the top of the dough. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and very lightly press them into the top of the dough.
  • Bake for 18-20 min, or until just barely beginning to brown around the edges. Do not let the bars brown at all. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then cut into bars. If they are too soft to cut, let them cool for a few more minutes. Carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  • To make the icing: Add just a tiny bit of milk at a time to the powdered sugar. If the consistency is too thick, it won't drizzle nicely over the bars. If it is too thin, the icing will just melt into the bars. If you are unsure, test a bit of it on the edge of one bar before drizzling the icing over the entire batch.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Sodium 82 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 18 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ALMOND BARS



Almond Bars image

I make these every Christmas for the cookie tray that I always have well stocked for our family's annual Christmas party. This is such a simple recipe with a few common ingredients that most people always have on hand in their kitchen pantry. And it produces such a wonderful bar cookie with a delectible almond taste. It's the perfect treat for any cookie exchange or potluck gathering.

Provided by Northwestgal

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 45m

Yield 36 cookies, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, melted (no substitutes)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup cups sliced almonds (increase or decrease as desired)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (optional)

Steps:

  • Beat together the eggs and sugar until lemon-colored. Add the butter, flour, and almond extract; mix well.
  • Spread the batter in an even layer on a buttered 13x9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the top of the batter with sliced amonds if you wish; otherwise leave the top as is.
  • Bake at 325° for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove pan from the oven and dust the top with a light sprinkling of confectioner's sugar, if you wish. Leave cookies in the pan to cool completely.
  • When cooled, cut into bars. (I usually cut 9 vertical rows and 4 horizontal rows, to get 36 bar cookies.).

HOLIDAY ALMOND BARS



Holiday Almond Bars image

This fast, delicious dessert always makes an appearance during our Christmas celebrations.-Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 4-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup almond paste
2-1/4 cups sugar, divided
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, almond paste and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Gradually add flour just until moistened., Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining sugar; top with almonds. , Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 27mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

ALMOND BARS



Almond Bars image

"This is one of my favorite recipes for last-minute school bake sales," writes Sandy Kerrison from her home in Lockport, New York. "The cake-like snacks are the first items to go...that is, if they're not grabbed by a teacher first. I also include them in Christmas cookie gift baskets."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons almond extract
Confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until lemon-colored. Beat in butter and extract; gradually stir in the four and mix well. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. , Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 88mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

ALMOND BARS



Almond Bars image

I have been baking these cookies for about 15 years now; I get so many requests for them during the holidays I can hardly keep up with the demand! I like to make the rolls bigger than the recommended 12x3-inch; this way I get bigger cookies, but you can do whatever you like. Make sure to use plenty of almonds to top them off.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 40m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Milk, for brushing
1/2 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped (or as many as you need)
1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a mixer beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and almond extract and beat well. Slowly add flour mixture and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Turn the dough onto a clean work surface, and, with a sharp knife, divide the dough into 4 even pieces. Roll each piece into a 12 by 3-inch roll (or whatever size you like).
  • Place 2 rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet, 4 inches apart. Repeat with remaining rolls. Brush rolls with milk and sprinkle with almonds. Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking. While cookies are still warm cut them crosswise at a diagonal into 1-inch strips. Cool on a wire rack.
  • For the glaze:
  • In a small bowl, mix the sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over almond cookies. Let sit until glaze is set, about 15 minutes.

SCANDINAVIAN ALMOND BARS



Scandinavian Almond Bars image

These cookies are my family's favorite cookie. They are simple to make, unique and pretty. A wonderful recipe to make for a cookie exchange. Take your recipe along, everyone will want a copy!

Provided by Marji Stark

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 30m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
¼ teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and almond extract; mix until fluffy. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt; mix well.
  • Divide dough into 4 pieces, and roll each one into a log about 12 inches long. Place 2 logs per cookie sheet 4 to 5 inches apart. Flatten each roll by hand until it is about 3 inches wide. Brush flattened roll with milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
  • Bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. While the cookies are still warm, cut them crosswise at a diagonal, into slices about 1 inch wide. When cool, drizzle with almond icing.
  • Almond icing: In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.7 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 9.1 mg, Fat 2.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 48.1 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

BERRY ALMOND BARS



Berry Almond Bars image

Delicious bar cookie that uses white or vanilla chips in the batter. You can use any flavor of berry jam you'd like.

Provided by CONNIE

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Almond Dessert Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

½ cup butter
1 cup vanilla baking chips
2 eggs
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup any flavor of berry jam
1 cup vanilla baking chips
¼ cup sliced almonds

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Remove from heat and add 1 cup vanilla chips, but do not stir.
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Gradually mix in the sugar. Stir together the softened chips and butter, and blend into the egg mixture along with the almond extract. Combine the flour and salt; stir into the batter until just mixed. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. In a small saucepan, over low heat, warm the jam to make it more liquid. Spread the jam over the warm crust. Stir the remaining cup of vanilla chips into the batter, then drop the rest of the batter by teaspoonfuls over the jam. Sprinkle with almonds.
  • Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center, comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.6 calories, Carbohydrate 38.7 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 189.4 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

ALMOND FRUIT BARS



Almond Fruit Bars image

Crumbly, buttery almond bars are the perfect treat for snacks or school lunches. Layer in any variety of jam that you like. We used cherry.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Time 45m

Yield Makes 16 to 18

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup fruit jam, such as cherry, plum, or raspberry

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on high speed until light and fluffy; beat in egg yolk. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in almonds.
  • In a small bowl, whisk jam to loosen. (Stirring the jam with a fork or a whisk will enable it to spread smoothly over the dough.) Gently press half of dough into bottom of prepared dish. With the back of a spoon, gently spread jam over dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border so the jam doesn't stick to the sides of the pan. Sprinkle remaining dough over top all the way to the edges; press gently to form top layer.
  • Bake until top is golden, 25 to 30 minutes; cool completely in dish. Cut into bars with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 g, Fat 8 g, Protein 2 g

Tips:

  • Soften butter properly: Ensure the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture when mixing with sugar.
  • Cream butter and sugar thoroughly: This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
  • Use quality almond paste: Opt for high-quality almond paste to enhance the almond flavor and richness of the bars.
  • Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and results in a firmer, more defined bar.
  • Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the bars.
  • Bake until golden brown: Keep a close watch on the baking time to ensure the bars are perfectly golden brown and cooked through.

Conclusion:

Holiday almond bars are a delectable treat that combines the flavors of almonds, chocolate, and cherries. With careful attention to the tips and techniques mentioned above, you can create these irresistible bars that will be a hit at any gathering. Don't forget to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your preferences. Happy baking and enjoy the deliciousness!

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