Apricot Bar Cookies
Sweet and nutty apricot bar cookies feature a buttery crust, coconut, pecans, and apricot preserves, making them a delightful treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or with family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine, sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and coconut together.
- Press three-quarters of the mixture into a buttered cookie sheet to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven and spread apricot preserves evenly over the crust.
- Add a heaping tablespoonful of flour to the remaining mixture and crumble it over the preserves.
- Bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Experimenting with different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or peach, can also provide a delightful twist. Ensure your crust is evenly pressed to avoid uneven baking, and let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot bar cookies make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or picnic. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve alongside Alice Lis' Angel Food Apricot Dessert for a delightful combination. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apricot bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Bar Cookies contains roughly 275 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 fresh apricots instead of preserves?
Using fresh apricots is possible, but they will require additional preparation. You’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a thicker filling similar to preserves. Be sure to let the mixture cool before spreading it on the crust.
What can I substitute for coconut if I don't like it?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with an equal amount of rolled oats for added texture. Alternatively, you could use more chopped pecans or a mix of dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates to enhance the flavor and maintain moisture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies vegan by substituting the margarine with a plant-based butter and using a vegan sugar. Additionally, make sure the apricot preserves you choose are free from gelatin, as that is often an animal product.
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).