These delightful Scandinavian Almond Bars are a traditional Nordic treat featuring the perfect balance of buttery cookie base and aromatic almond flavor. Originating from Sweden and Norway, these elegant bars combine the simplicity of a shortbread-like texture with the rich complexity of almond, creating a treat that’s both rustic and sophisticated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These bars offer a perfect combination of soft interior and slightly crisp edges
• The almond flavor is pronounced but not overwhelming, making them appealing to almost everyone
• They’re impressive looking but surprisingly simple to make
• The recipe yields many servings from a single batch, making it perfect for gatherings
• These cookies actually improve with time, tasting even better the next day

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of these cookies, providing structure and that classic shortbread-like texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the bars from being too dense while maintaining their distinctive flat shape.
• Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the almond flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best texture and flavor development. The butter should be soft enough to cream but not melting.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar provides the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate almond flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the dough and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best incorporation.
• Almond Extract: The star flavoring that gives these bars their distinctive Scandinavian character. Pure almond extract is recommended for the best flavor.
• Milk: Helps to bring the dough together and provides moisture. It’s also used to help the almonds stick to the surface before baking.
• Sliced Almonds: These add wonderful texture, visual appeal, and amplify the almond flavor. Feel free to be generous with these if you’re an almond lover.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet icing that sets beautifully on the cooled bars.

Variations

Cardamom Almond Bars

Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough for an authentic Scandinavian flavor profile. Cardamom pairs beautifully with almond and gives these bars a more complex, aromatic quality that’s very traditional in Nordic baking.

Chocolate-Dipped Almond Bars

Instead of the almond icing, dip one end of each baked and cooled bar into melted dark or white chocolate. While cooling, sprinkle with additional crushed almonds for an elegant finishing touch that transforms these humble cookies into a more decadent treat.

Lemon Almond Bars

Add the zest of one lemon to the dough and substitute lemon extract for some of the almond extract in both the dough and icing. This bright, citrusy variation is especially refreshing during spring and summer months.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and almond extract until fully combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will appear somewhat crumbly at first but will come together as you work with it.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare the Bars

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a 12-inch long roll. Place two rolls on each parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 4-5 inches between them as they will spread during baking. Flatten each roll until it’s about 3 inches wide, creating a rectangular log. Brush each flattened log with milk, then generously sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top, pressing them lightly to adhere.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just barely turning golden brown. Be careful not to overbake—these bars should remain tender. While the bars are still warm and soft, cut each log diagonally into 1-inch wide strips. Use a sharp knife and clean cuts for the most attractive presentation. Carefully transfer the cut bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with the almond icing, allowing it to set before storing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted, for the ideal cookie texture
• The dough may seem crumbly at first, but continue working with it and it will come together
• Space the logs adequately on your baking sheet as they will spread during baking
• Cut the bars while they’re still warm – once they cool, they may crack when cut
• For the most attractive presentation, cut at a consistent diagonal angle
• When making the icing, add milk gradually until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency
• Allow the icing to fully set before storing the cookies to prevent sticking

How to Serve

These Scandinavian Almond Bars are traditionally served with coffee or tea in the afternoon, making them perfect for fika, the Swedish coffee break tradition. They pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. For special occasions, consider serving them alongside fresh berries and whipped cream, or as part of a holiday cookie platter. The elegant appearance and sophisticated flavor make them appropriate for both casual family gatherings and more formal entertaining.

Make Ahead

These almond bars are perfect for making ahead since they actually improve with time as the flavors meld and develop. You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. The finished bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, with the flavor peaking after the first day. You can also freeze the baked, uniced bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature and add the almond icing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the almond flavor will still shine through. Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture results.

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

Excessive spreading usually happens when the butter is too warm or when the dough hasn’t been properly chilled. If you’re baking in a warm kitchen, consider chilling the shaped logs for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.

Can I use almond flour in this recipe?

While you can’t substitute all the flour for almond flour, you can replace up to 1/4 of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for additional almond flavor and a more tender texture. Be aware that this may change the spreading characteristics of the cookies slightly.

How can I make the almond flavor stronger?

For more pronounced almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract by 1/4 teaspoon in both the dough and icing. Additionally, consider adding 1/4 cup of finely ground almonds to the dough, or toasting the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion

These Scandinavian Almond Bars are a beautiful representation of Nordic baking traditions—simple, elegant, and focused on quality ingredients rather than elaborate techniques. With their distinctive appearance and rich almond flavor that improves with time, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re exploring your Scandinavian heritage or simply looking for a unique cookie to add to your collection, these almond bars deliver wonderful flavor with minimal fuss.

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