Almond Bar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients for Almond Bar Cookies

• 1 cup almond paste (or use recipe below if needed)
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• Egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

How to Make Almond Bar Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to help lift the bars out later. Grease the parchment paper.
3. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup almond paste until finely ground. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and a pinch of salt; pulse for 1 minute until combined.
4. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Add the almond mixture, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Beat for 2 minutes until well incorporated.
6. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
8. Lightly whisk 1 large egg white and brush it over the top of the batter.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
11. Cut into 25 squares and serve.