scandinavian almond bars

I found this recipe in December 2004 when I was looking to make some Christmas cookies. After pulling many recipes from Taste of Home, my mom, in her baking expertise, selected some that seemed more feasible or scrumptious. These were a true winner and have become a staple in our family.

When I make these cookies for an event, people often refer to them as biscotti. While they are long cookies cut diagonally, like biscotti, I would contend that they are not biscotti. Just a cookie that pairs nicely with coffee and tea.


SCANDINAVIAN ALMOND BARS (makes 4 dozen cookies)

½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
½ tsp almond extract
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 Tbsp milk
½ cup sliced almonds, chopped

glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp almond extract
1-2 Tbsp milk

CREAM butter and sugar in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and extract. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and mix well.

DIVIDE dough into fourths; form into 12in x 3 inch parallelograms. Place 5 inches apart on greased baking sheets (or lined with parchment paper). Brush with milk; sprinkle with almonds.

BAKE at 325°F for 18 - 20 minutes or until firm to the touch and edges are lightly browned. Cool on pans for 5 minutes, then cut diagonally into 1 inch slices. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over bars.