Almond Croissant Cookie Bars: A Fusion of Pastry and Cookie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the rich flavors of almond and butter, offering the crispy exterior of a croissant and the soft, chewy center of a cookie. The addition of almond paste or almond extract gives these bars a unique, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist. Not only do they taste incredible, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy your own sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup almond paste, crumbled (or 1/4 cup almond flour for a slightly different flavor)

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, for topping

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.

6. Gently fold in the crumbled almond paste (or almond flour) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the batter.

9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 squares

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Different Nuts: Swap the sliced almonds for other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts, or walnuts to create a new twist.

• Fruit Filling: Add a thin layer of raspberry jam or fruit preserves to the center of the batter for a burst of flavor.

• Chocolate: Incorporate a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for an added richness that pairs perfectly with the almond flavor.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and ensure the almond paste is dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use almond flour instead of almond paste?

Yes, almond flour can be used as a substitute, though almond paste provides a richer almond flavor and denser texture. If using almond flour, consider adding a bit more butter for moisture.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for several days, making them ideal for preparing in advance.

3. Can I freeze these almond croissant cookie bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To defrost, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

4. Can I use store-bought almond paste?

Yes, store-bought almond paste works perfectly in this recipe. Just crumble it into the dough as instructed.

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

6. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Yes, mini chocolate chips or chunks would be a great addition. Add them to the dough before spreading it into the baking pan for a chocolatey twist.

7. How do I store leftover bars?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

8. Can I use a different extract instead of almond extract?

Yes, you could try using vanilla extract or hazelnut extract, but almond extract will give the bars their signature flavor.

9. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

10. Can I add fruit to the batter?

Yes, small diced fruit such as apples or pears can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are a delectable combination of two favorites, offering the best of both worlds in a single, easy-to-make treat. With the delicious flavor of almond and the flaky, buttery texture of a croissant, these bars are sure to become a new favorite for breakfast or dessert. Whether you make them for yourself or serve them at a gathering, these bars will leave everyone craving more!