A recipe for Orange Almond Cookie Bars! Spiced with orange zest, cardamom, and almond, these cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list.
I first came across the idea for these Orange Almond Cookie Bars over on Little Life of Mine (and they got it from Better Homes & Gardens) and it continues to be a favorite for us, especially during the holidays.
A basic cookie dough is flavored with orange zest and almond extract, formed into flatted logs, topped with sliced almonds, and baked until just set and golden. After cutting on the diagonal into bars and cooling completely, the cookies are topped with an orange almond glaze for even more flavor.
I also added a bit of cardamom to the dough. This is optional, but it compliments the orange and almond so well.
I love the style of these Orange Almond Cookie Bars, but the texture is fantastic too.The edges are crisp along with the sliced almonds and give way to a slightly chewy interior.
A Few Tips
Mix the flour into the egg mixture just until a smooth dough comes together. If even after mixing it is still a little dry and crumbly, add a small splash of milk. If too wet and sticky to handle, add just a little more flour.
Sprinkle plenty of sliced almonds (not toasted- it will toast in the oven) over the tops of the cookie bars. The dough will spread as it bakes.
Bake the cookies just until set and golden around the edges. This should take about 20 minutes in a 325˚F (163˚C) oven. Cut into slightly diagonal slices while still warm.
Wait until the cookies have cooled to room temperature before adding the glaze. If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add a little more orange juice. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Once the glaze has set, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Separate the layers of the Orange Almond Cookie Bars with parchment.
Looking for more orange-based recipes?
Try my:
Orange Almond Cookie Bars Recipe
Adapted from Little Life of Mine, from Better Homes and Gardens
Orange Almond Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch salt
Topping:
- Milk
- Sliced Almonds
Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325˚F (163˚C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to evenly mix, followed by the orange zest and almond extract.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt until just combined and a smooth dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into an 8 inch (20 centimeters) rope. Place the ropes about 5 inches (13 centimeters) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten the ropes until they are each about 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake in preheated oven until the cookies spread and are lightly browned on the bottom, 20-22 minutes.
- Cut the warm cookies into 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide bars slightly on the diagonal. Cool the cut bars on wire racks to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and almond extract. Whisk in the orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the icing on cooled cookie bars.
- Allow to set briefly before serving.
Adriana
Wow, such a beautiful idea! I love the combination of almond and orange with the cardamom perfect treat for any time not only the holidays.