Chocolate Almond Bars are a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie platter.
These buttery shortbread cookies are topped with slivered almonds, sandwiched with a subtle layer of fruity jam, and finished with a decadent dark chocolate coating on the ends.
Combining the dough’s crispness with the filling’s sweetness and the almonds’ crunch, these cookies bring together all the flavours and textures that make holiday baking special.
Perfect for sharing or enjoying a warm drink, Chocolate Almond Bars are sure to impress!
Chocolate Almond Bars: the Recipe
I’ve personally tested this recipe, and the photos you see are my own—proof that these Chocolate Almond Bars are just as irresistible as they look!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- A pinch of baking powder
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 15 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
- 1 large egg
- 100 g (7 tbsp) salted butter, softened
For Decoration and Filling:
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 80 g (2/3 cup) slivered almonds
- 80 g (3 oz) dark chocolate
- Blackberry jam (or other jam, such as plum or marmalade)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar.
2. Add the softened butter and egg, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Shape the Bars:
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
5. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
6. Cut the dough into rectangular strips approximately 1.2 x 2.4 inches (3 x 6 cm). Arrange the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
Decorate and Bake:
7. Brush the dough rectangles with egg yolk and sprinkle with slivered almonds. Press the almonds gently to ensure they stick.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
Assemble and Add Chocolate:
10. Once cooled, spread a thin layer of blackberry jam (or your chosen jam) on one rectangle and sandwich it with another.
11. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Dip the ends of each bar into the melted chocolate.
12. Place the bars on parchment paper or a wire rack and allow the chocolate to set.
Store:
13. Store the Chocolate Almond Bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for weeks and are perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Final Words about Chocolate Almond Bars
Chocolate Almond Bars are becoming a favourite in Alsace during the holiday season, where they’re often baked alongside other traditional bredalas (or bredeles).
With their buttery base, fruity jam, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate finish, these cookies are a true celebration of the indulgence and creativity of Christmas baking.
Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a festive treat, they’re sure to bring a delicious touch to your holiday traditions.
Find out more!
Check out all our Christmas recipes on the blog!
Learn more about the traditions of Alsatian Christmas Cookies
Read it in French! More French Christmas traditions and celebrations
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