Holiday Almond Bars

Holiday Almond Bars are a festive and delightful treat that combine the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with a sweet, buttery base. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special indulgence throughout the season, these bars are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The almond-flavored shortbread base is topped with a luscious layer of almond glaze, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will impress your family and friends. With a touch of vanilla and a sprinkle of sliced almonds, these bars offer a beautiful, elegant addition to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients:

• For the Bars:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ cup finely chopped almonds (optional)
• For the Almond Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Bar Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped almonds if using.
3. Bake the Bars: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Make the Almond Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
5. Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the almond glaze evenly over the top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds, if desired. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares.

These Holiday Almond Bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite with their delicate almond flavor and sweet, creamy glaze. They make a perfect gift or a lovely addition to any holiday spread. Enjoy!