Scandinavian Almond Bars

Almond bar recipe by Cindy DiZio

Many cultures have revered the almond as a source of good health and fortune, including the ever-venturesome Vikings. Whether trading, settling or marauding, they voyaged east to Russia and Asia Minor, west to North America, north to the Artic, and south through much of Europe to North Africa, making a lasting impression wherever they went. In fact the French region of Normandy takes its name from those ‘Men of the North’ who preferred to “visit” in summer so that they could winter back home. They left no cookbooks, but the Vikings did pass down an affinity for almond cakes and pastries to their Scandinavian descendants, and with Cindy’s cookie recipe, the world is richer for it.

Ingredients for the Almond Bar Cookies

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar

Scandinavian Almond Bar Recipe Directions

Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract and beat well. Add reserved flour mixture and beat until mixed thoroughly.

Divide dough into fourths. Form each quarter into a 12-inch roll. Place two rolls 4 to 5 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten until 3 inches wide. Repeat with remaining rolls. Brush flattened rolls with milk and press sliced almonds into top of dough. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Makes 48 almond cookies.

Ingredients for the Almond Bar Icing

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

¼ teaspoon almond extract

3-4 teaspoons Milk

Almond bar icing Directions

Stir together sugar, the almond extract, and milk to make icing of drizzling consistency. While cookies are still warm, cut diagonally into 1-inch strips. Drizzle with almond icing. 

If you enjoyed our recipe for scandinavian almond bars, check out our new cookbook!