Name: Almond Croissant Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup white sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

These Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of two beloved treats: flaky almond croissants and chewy cookie bars. They offer the best of both worlds with their buttery texture and subtle almond flavor, making them the perfect dessert or snack. I love how simple yet impressive they are to make, and the almond glaze adds a touch of elegance to each bite.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the cookie filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup sliced almonds

For the almond glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

To make the crust, combine the flour, powdered sugar, almond extract, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

For the cookie filling, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.

Stir in the slivered almonds and sliced almonds. Pour the cookie batter over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.

Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie bars are golden and set. Let them cool completely in the pan.

While the bars are cooling, make the almond glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 9 squares

Storage/Reheating

To store these Almond Croissant Cookie Bars, I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When reheating, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave will restore the soft and chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust and filling?

I would recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

To make the bars gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The almond glaze can also be drizzled right before serving.

Can I add other nuts to the filling?

If you like, you can substitute or add other nuts like walnuts or pecans. I love using a mix of slivered and sliced almonds for added texture, but feel free to experiment.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze really well! I like to freeze them in individual portions by wrapping each square in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

These Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are the perfect fusion of two beloved treats, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack, a dessert, or something to share with friends, these bars are a sure crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as I do!

Recipe: