Sugar Cookies with Almond Butter

There’s nothing quite like a sweet, buttery sugar cookie except when it’s topped with a smooth, almond-infused buttercream! These sugar cookie bars are soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and topped with a light, fluffy frosting that makes them absolutely irresistible. When I brought these to my office last week, they disappeared before 10 AM! If you’re looking for an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing, this recipe is for you.

Method

Preheat & Prep

Before starting, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake. Take a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure the edges extend over the sides. This will help you easily lift the bars out once they have baked and cooled. Proper preparation at this stage ensures that your bars won’t stick to the pan, making the whole process smoother.

Mix the Dough

In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar. Begin mixing at low speed, then gradually increase to medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration step is essential, as it helps create the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie bars. Once the butter and sugar are well incorporated, gradually add in the flour, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars denser and less tender.

Press & Bake

Once your dough is ready, transfer it to the lined loaf pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, gently press it down to create an even layer across the pan. Ensure the dough reaches the corners so that the bars bake uniformly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the top appears set and lightly golden. The edges should be firm, but the center should still have a slight softness to it. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it sit at room temperature.

Cool & Slice

Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing is crucial. If you attempt to cut them while they are still warm, they may crumble and fall apart. Let them sit in the pan until they reach room temperature. Once fully cooled, carefully lift the entire sheet of cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into 12 even bars. A clean, firm cut will give you those bakery-style, neat edges.

Make the Buttercream

While the bars are cooling, prepare the almond buttercream. In a mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, milk, almond extract, and powdered sugar. Start whisking on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed to achieve a light and creamy consistency. If the buttercream is too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen it. If it appears too thin, incorporate an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar until you reach the desired texture. Lastly, add the red food coloring to create a soft pink hue. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

Decorate & Serve

Once the cookie bars have been sliced and the buttercream is ready, it’s time to decorate! You can either use a piping bag for a neat, decorative swirl on top of each bar or simply spread the frosting using a spatula for a more rustic finish. If you want to add a bit more visual appeal, sprinkle some crushed almonds, white chocolate shavings, or festive sprinkles on top. These bars are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Necessary Tools

• Electric mixer
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Piping bag (optional but fun for decorating!)

Sugar Cookies with Almond Butter

Recipe by George MendesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

28

minutes

Total time

38

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Bars:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 ¾ cups flour

• For the Almond Buttercream:

• 2 tbsp butter, room temperature

• 1 tbsp cream cheese

• 1 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp natural almond extract

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp red food color (for a pink tint)

Directions

• Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Mix the dough: In an electric mixer, combine butter, powdered sugar, and flour. Mix for a few minutes until the dough becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
• Press & Bake: Transfer the dough into your lined loaf pan and press it down evenly. Bake for 25-28 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool & Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into 12 even pieces. (This step is important for clean cuts!)
• Make the Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, milk, almond extract, powdered sugar, and food coloring. Whisk at high speed until smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
• Decorate & Serve: Pipe or spread the buttercream onto the cooled cookie bars. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container!

Notes

• Mixing the dough: Be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars too dense.
• Cooling Time: Patience is key! Cutting while still warm may cause crumbling.
• Buttercream Texture: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually to get the right consistency. It should be smooth but not runny.
• Food Coloring: A little goes a long way! Add in small amounts to control the pink tint.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat.
• Sprinkle crushed almonds or white chocolate shavings on top for extra flair.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing twist on a classic cookie bar.
• These make an adorable gift, just wrap them up in parchment paper and a ribbon!

Fun Fact

Did you know that almond extract is made from the pits of peaches, cherries, and apricots? It gives an incredible depth of flavor without being overpowering, making it perfect for sweet treats like these sugar cookie bars!

Conclusion

These almond butter sugar cookie bars are an absolute delight, soft, buttery, and topped with a dreamy almond-infused frosting. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit. I promise they won’t last long (mine never do)!