Easy Cherry Almond Cookie Bars Recipe for Holiday Baking
The holiday season is a perfect time to delve into the art of baking, particularly with festive treats like Festive Cherry Almond Cookie Bars. These delightful treats combine the sweet tang of cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds—a pairing made popular in numerous holiday desserts. Cherries and almonds have a storied history in culinary traditions, often featured in festive recipes that grace many holiday tables.
Learn more about cherries and benefits of almonds to understand their importance in baking and health benefits.
Ingredients and Preparation
Creating Festive Cherry Almond Cookie Bars requires a collection of simple ingredients that work together to produce a complex flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: The base of the cookie bars, providing richness.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Infuse the bars with a deep, aromatic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the bars.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Cherry Pie Filling: The star ingredient that adds the festive cherry flavor.
- Slivered Almonds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
Preparation involves several key steps:
- Creaming the Butter and Sugar: This process aerates the mixture, making the bars light and fluffy.
- Incorporating Eggs and Extracts: Each egg is beaten in one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: Slowly blend the flour and salt into the wet mix to create a smooth batter.
Baking Process
Properly baking Festive Cherry Almond Cookie Bars is crucial to achieving their perfect texture and flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), a standard temperature for baking which ensures that the bars cook evenly without burning.
Baking Steps:
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring both the bottom and sides are covered. This helps in easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Layering the Dough: Spread a uniform layer of the batter into the prepared pan. This base layer should be smooth and even.
- Adding the Filling: Pour the cherry pie filling over the first layer of dough, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Final Touches: Dot the remaining batter over the cherry layer and sprinkle with slivered almonds for added crunch and flavor.
The bars should bake for about 30-35 minutes, until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
Discover baking techniques that can help enhance your baking skills.
Serving and Presentation For Almond Cherry Bars
Once your Festive Cherry Almond Cookie Bars are baked and cooled, the next step is cutting and serving them in a manner that highlights their festive appeal. Here are some tips for presentation:
- Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to ensure clean lines.
- Plating: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter or individual plates garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of almond glaze for an extra festive touch.
For those looking to add an extra flair to their holiday table:
- Garnishes: Add sprigs of mint or a sprinkle of edible glitter to make the bars visually striking.
When serving, consider pairing the cookie bars with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine to complement the sweet and nutty flavors.
Check out festive serving ideas to enhance your holiday table presentation.
Cherry Almond Squares Recipe Pairing and Storage Tips
Pairing Suggestions:
- Festive Cherry Almond Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with beverages that complement their rich and sweet profile. For a cozy evening, consider a hot chocolate or a robust coffee. For adult gatherings, a glass of almond liqueur or a dessert wine makes a sophisticated match.
Storage Tips:
- To keep the cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them, well-wrapped, for up to three months. This ensures the flavors are preserved and the bars remain moist.
Cherry Almond Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Cherry Almond Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat combining the sweet tang of cherry pie filling and the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. These bars are easy to make and perfect for festive occasions, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the creamed mixture.
- Spread 3 cups of batter in a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over batter.
- Drop remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over filling.
- Sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, sift the flour before adding it to the mixture.
- If desired, substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry or apricot jam for a twist on the original recipe.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
