Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars – Soft, Nutty Bars

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Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars

Craving a treat that’s both soft and nutty? These Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars deliver the perfect combination! Imagine a buttery cookie base topped with a decadent layer of homemade marzipan, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a simple yet elegant dessert. The combination of almond flavors and tender texture creates a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

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For the base and layers:

  • 225 g (≈1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 200 g soft brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 250 g (≈2 cups) all-purpose/plain flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • 250 g marzipan (about half a typical 500 g block)
  • 100 g soft brown sugar (for marzipan topping)
  • 1 large egg (for marzipan topping)
  • 125 g whole or chopped almonds (roughly)
  • (Optional) 1-2 Tbsp milk or cream to brush the base before adding topping
  • (Optional) Icing sugar for dusting

Yield

Makes roughly 16 squares (in a 20 × 20 cm square tin).

Equipment

  • Square baking tin (~20 × 20 cm)
  • Parchment paper / baking paper
  • Mixer (stand or hand) or mixing bowl & whisk/spoon
  • Spatula / offset spatula
  • Sharp knife for cutting

These Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars are surprisingly easy to make, requiring only about 30 minutes of hands-on time and result in a rich and nutty dessert. The star is that creamy home-made marzipan topping, which pairs delightfully with a base of tender, buttery cookie.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat and prepare pan
    Pre-heat your oven to 160 °C (fan) / ~180 °C conventional. Line a 20 cm square tin with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the bars out easily.
  2. Make the base batter
    • In a bowl, beat the softened butter and the 200 g brown sugar until lighter in colour and creamy.
    • Add the egg, vanilla extract and almond extract; beat until well combined.
    • Fold in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. (You may need to use a spoon or your hands if it becomes thick.)
    • Press/spread this dough evenly into the prepared tin. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth it.
  3. Par-bake the base
    • Bake the base for about 15 minutes (in my oven at 160 °C fan) until the edges just start to turn golden.
    • Meanwhile prepare the topping.
  4. Prepare the marzipan-almond topping
    • In a clean bowl, break up the marzipan into small pieces/chunks (if needed) and beat together with the 100 g brown sugar and the single egg until smooth-ish.
    • Chop or roughly break the almonds; reserve half to mix into the marzipan mixture, and the rest to sprinkle on top.
  5. Layer & bake
    • Remove the base from the oven after ~15 minutes.
    • Spread the marzipan-almond topping evenly over the partially baked base. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped almonds on top and gently press in.
    • Return the tin to the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes at the same temperature, until the topping is golden and firm to the touch.
  6. Cool & cut
    • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment overhang, lift the whole slab out onto a cutting board.
    • Use a sharp knife to cut into squares (about 16 pieces) or however large you like. The blog recommends rustic squares.
    • If desired, dust with icing sugar before serving.

What’s not to love about these Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars? The main highlight is undoubtedly the homemade marzipan—soft, nutty, and decadent, it elevates the humble cookie bar to something truly special. Making these at home is not only more affordable than buying pre-made marzipan treats, you can control the ingredients and sweetness to your exact liking. Plus, the nutty almond flavor is perfectly complemented by the buttery cookie base, creating a comforting and satisfying dessert.

If you’re a fan of other almond treats you can explore Amaretti Cookies, but these bars offer a more substantial and crowd-pleasing experience. Ready to impress your friends and family? Then grab those ingredients and whip up a batch of these irresistible bars!

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even better:

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla perfectly complements the nutty almond flavor.
  • Hot Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the comforting flavors of the bars.
  • Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a touch of brightness and acidity.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream creates an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Use High-Quality Almond Paste: This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your marzipan.
  • Don’t Overmix the Cookie Dough: Overmixing can result in a tough cookie base. Mix until just combined.
  • Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Cutting: This will prevent them from crumbling.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marzipan, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
  • Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle the cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
  1. Marzipan is believed to have originated in the Middle East, later making its way to Europe.
  2. Almond paste, the main component of marzipan, is made from ground almonds, sugar, and a binding agent.
  3. These bars are often enjoyed during the holiday season, especially Christmas and Easter.
  4. The recipe can be easily adapted to use other nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for a different flavor profile.
  5. Homemade marzipan is significantly tastier than store-bought versions!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing:

  • Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing:

  • To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating (if desired):

  • While these bars are primarily enjoyed cold, you can choose to place the desired piece in microwave for some hot snack.

Final Thoughts:

These Almond Marzipan Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a weeknight or an elegant addition to a holiday spread, this recipe is sure to impress. With its soft cookie base and creamy almond marzipan topping, every bite is a burst of flavor and texture. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

  • Can I use store-bought marzipan? Yes! While homemade marzipan is preferred, you can certainly use store-bought. Just make sure it’s a good quality brand.
  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie base? Of course! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
  • Do I need a food processor to make the marzipan? No, but the process is much easier. It can also be made by kneading the almond paste in the bowl until soft.
  • How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan? Make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your baking pan before adding the cookie dough. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

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