Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe

These Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are like the elegant cousin to everyone’s favorite bakery treat: golden, buttery, and temptingly packed with that sweet almond aroma you can’t resist. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll transform a classic French pastry flavor into portable cookie bars with all the crispy edges, chewy centers, and nutty satisfaction of a true almond croissant. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want a special afternoon snack, this delightful recipe delivers Parisian café vibes in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get the perfect Almond Croissant Cookie Bars, all you need are a handful of key ingredients—each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or a special touch of richness. Reach for quality basics and a couple of almond must-haves, and you’re halfway to bakery-style cookie bliss at home!

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with that gorgeous golden top.
• Packed brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel undertone—you’ll notice it.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough for chewiness and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the flavor and rounds out the almond notes.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): The secret to unforgettable almond flavor—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of your bars, giving them just the right density.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a little lift and tender crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Makes every sweet or nutty flavor pop.
• Almond flour (1/2 cup): An extra hit of almond flavor and a soft, delicate texture.
• Sliced almonds (1/2 cup): For that classic croissant-like crunch and bakery finish.
• Almond paste (1/2 cup, crumbled): The star of the show for sweet, rich almond depth in every bite.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for dusting): The finishing flourish that mimics bakery bars—and makes them so inviting.
• Milk or cream (1 tablespoon, optional): Softens the almond paste if it’s a little too crumbly; use if needed.

How to Make Almond Croissant Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start off by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides for easy lifting later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are—getting the temperature just right will help the bars turn golden and set perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and paler in color. This step is key to those heavenly, tender cookie bar edges and the irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. These additions not only bind everything but also infuse the bars with that unmistakable almond bakery allure.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening evenly, ensuring your Almond Croissant Cookie Bars bake up with just the right lift.

Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. You’ll notice how the almond flour gives the dough a subtle, nutty aroma—signaling something special is in the works.

Step 6: Create the Layers

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan; use your fingers or the back of a spoon. Crumble the almond paste over the dough layer, adding a splash of milk or cream if it feels a bit dry so it spreads evenly. Scatter the sliced almonds across, then finish by crumbling the remaining dough on top and gently pressing it all together.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set. The almonds will toast, sugars will caramelize, and an irresistible aroma will fill your kitchen—resist the urge to dig in right away!

Step 8: Cool, Dust, and Slice

Allow the pan to cool completely before lifting out the bars—this prevents them from falling apart. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic patisserie effect. Slice into 12 bars and get ready to impress everyone lucky enough to share them.

How to Serve Almond Croissant Cookie Bars

Garnishes

These bars are already stunning with their almond-studded tops and powdered sugar dusting, but you can gild the lily by adding a few extra toasted sliced almonds or a drizzle of melted chocolate. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a delightful finish for contrast if you love a sweet-salty bite.

Side Dishes

Enjoy Almond Croissant Cookie Bars alongside an afternoon coffee, a shot of espresso, or a fragrant mug of tea—let those buttery almond flavors really sing. They pair perfectly with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert lovers looking to level up their treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into small diamond shapes for elegant party platters, or wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie them with bakery twine for the sweetest food gifts. For a festive occasion, serve on a tiered cake stand, scattered with extra sliced almonds and fresh flowers to make your spread irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Almond Croissant Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for tucking into lunchboxes or enjoying all week long. Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Freezing

For longer storage, simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour when that almond craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love your Almond Croissant Cookie Bars slightly warm (who wouldn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives the aroma and soft crumb, making them taste bakery-fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?

Almond paste and marzipan are similar, but marzipan is sweeter and firmer. If using marzipan, reduce the sugar a bit and crumble it in small pieces for even distribution.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time—you may need a few extra minutes to ensure the bars are set.

What’s the best way to toast sliced almonds?

Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Let cool before using on your Almond Croissant Cookie Bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they aren’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious results. Make sure your almond paste is gluten-free, too.

Can I make these bars vegan?

While the classic recipe uses butter and egg, you can try swapping in a plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a solid vegan version. Double-check that your almond paste and sugar are vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of baking up bakery-style treats at home, these Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are your golden ticket. Each bite offers a lovely blend of crispy, chewy, and rich almond decadence—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Give this delicious recipe a try and bring a little French-inspired magic right to your kitchen!

Print