Almond Christmas Bars
Delightful almond Christmas bars feature buttery, powdered sugar-coated treats with a hint of vanilla and cherry, perfect for festive gatherings and almond lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter with powdered sugar until very fluffy.
- Add ground almonds, sifted flour, vanilla, and additional powdered sugar, then mix well.
- Take a teaspoonful of dough and roll it between your hands until it forms a ball.
- Push a cherry into the ball with your thumb and finish rolling to make a perfect ball.
- Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes at 325°F.
- While still hot, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
- Cool on racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the ground almonds before adding them to the dough. If you don't have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a festive treat. They also pair beautifully with Orange Nog (Non-Alcoholic Drink) for a holiday gathering. For added flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled Almond Christmas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Christmas Bars contains roughly 853 calories, with 13g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute ground almonds with ground walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the nut's density and taste preferences.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape into balls. You can also lightly flour your hands while rolling the dough.
How can I make these bars more festive?
To enhance the festive look, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top after rolling them in powdered sugar. You can also use red and green cherries or even mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).