Almond Bar Cookies

Delicious buttery cookie bars made with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds. These rich, tender bars have a wonderful almond flavor throughout and a beautiful golden brown finish.

16 servings
2 hr 1 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup almond paste
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sliced almonds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Pulse almond paste in a food processor until broken up into small bits, then add salt and 1/4 cup sugar and continue to pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute.

    1 min

  2. 2.

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan, then line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides, and butter foil.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Beat together butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a stand mixer (preferably fitted with a paddle attachment) or 6 minutes with a handheld. Add almond mixture, egg yolk, and almond extract and beat until combined well, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low, then add flour and mix until combined. Spread batter evenly in pan with an offset spatula. Lightly beat egg white in a small bowl, then brush some of it over batter and sprinkle evenly with almonds.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Bake until top is golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a rack, about 1 hour.

    100 min

  5. 5.

    *Available at Sweet Celebrations (800-328-6722).