Best 7 Holiday Almond Bars Recipes

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Indulge in the spirit of the holidays with our delectable Holiday Almond Bars, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These delightful bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of sweet and tangy raspberry jam, and a crunchy almond topping, all enveloped in a rich chocolate ganache. Each bite is a journey through different textures and flavors, leaving you craving more.

These Holiday Almond Bars are not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant colors and intricate design make them perfect for any праздничный стол. With our easy-to-follow recipes, you can create these stunning bars in the comfort of your own kitchen.

But the Holiday Almond Bars are just the beginning. This article offers a collection of other festive recipes to make your holidays even more special. From classic gingerbread cookies to a decadent Buche de Noel, you'll find something for every taste and occasion.

So gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey filled with joy, warmth, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

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.).

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

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 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.

ALMOND BARS RECIPE



Almond Bars Recipe image

Provided by Janelle

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup sliced almonds
8 ounces cream cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Steps:

  • First Layer: 1. Preheat oven to 350*F 2. Line a 9x13 casserole dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil. 3. Mix butter, flour and powdered sugar together with a hand mixer. 4, Gently press mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Second Layer: 1. Once the hot crust comes out of the oven, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Set aside. 2. Wipe off beaters and bowl with a paper towel and reuse. 3. In the same bowl add cream cheese and eggs. Mix well. 4. Add sugar and almond extract. Mix well. 5. Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust and almonds and gently spread out. 6. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Third Layer (Frosting): 1. Once the crust comes out of the oven, turn the oven off and let the crust cool completely. 2. Once completely cool, make the third layer. 3. Clean out the bowl and use again for frosting. 4. Blend butter and powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, until completely blended. 5. Add milk and extract and mix again. 6. Spread almond frosting over the cooled bars. 7, Top lightly with more slivered almonds if desired. 8, Cut into 1 ½ inch bars to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 51 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 15 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 113 milligrams sodium, Sugar 14 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams unsaturated fat

ALMOND-COCONUT LEMON BARS



Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars image

Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup blanched almonds, toasted
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
FILLING:
3 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a food processor, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar, almonds and lemon zest; cover and process until nuts are finely chopped. Add butter; pulse just until mixture is crumbly. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, coconut, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest and baking powder; pour over the hot crust. Bake until light golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 70mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARS



Chocolate Almond Bars image

Loaded with almond flavor, these chewy bars are one of my husband's favorite sweet treats.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1 egg, beaten
2 cups chopped almonds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon shortening

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack., In a saucepan, combine the milk and 1 cup chocolate chips. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Stir in egg, almonds and extract. Spread over crust. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpicks inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. In a microwave, melt shortening and remaining chips; drizzle over top. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Properly measure ingredients: Using the correct amount of ingredients is crucial for successful baking. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
  • Follow the recipe's instructions precisely: Baking is a science, and following the recipe's steps and timing is essential. Don't rush the process or skip any steps, as this can affect the outcome.
  • Use room-temperature ingredients: Many recipes call for ingredients to be at room temperature. This allows them to blend together more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter or dough.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense baked goods. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined to avoid activating the gluten in the flour excessively.
  • Preheat your oven properly: A properly preheated oven ensures that your baked goods cook evenly and consistently. Always preheat the oven to the specified temperature before starting to bake.
  • Be patient and let your baked goods cool completely: Resist the temptation to cut into your baked goods while they are still hot. Allow them to cool completely to avoid crumbling or falling apart.

Conclusion:

Baking holiday almond bars is a delightful and rewarding experience. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and the use of quality ingredients, you can create delicious and festive treats that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the sweet memories created along the way. Happy Holidays!

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