Cherry Almond Cookie Bars

 Originally posted on https://thegourmetlarder.com/brownies-and-bars/cherry-almond-cookie-bars/

Ingredients

• 1/2 batch of cherry pie filling (https://theladieskitchensite.blogspot.com/2026/07/cherry-pie-filling.html)
• 2 tsps almond extract 
• 130 g butter (at room temperature)
• 100 g sugar
• 50 g light brown sugar
• 1 medium egg
• 230 g flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 20 g flaked or sliced almonds
• 40 g powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Mix almond extract into cherry pie filling (pie filling can be made earlier in the week)
• Preheat your oven to 375°F, line or grease 8 inch square pan
• In a medium bowl, cream the butter, and both the sugars together until light and fluffy
• Add the egg and mix until combined
• Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into the bowl and mix together to create a smooth dough.
• Take 2/3 of the dough (more or less) and press into the bottom of the pan. It helps to drop pieces relatively evenly across the bottom before spreading into an even layer
• Pour the cold cherry filling over the top of the cookie base. Pinch off or spoon teaspoons of the remaining dough over the top. Scatter over the flaked almonds.
• Place the pan in the centre of the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top has turned golden brown. Cool completely in the pan placed on top of a wire rack.
• In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar, almond extract and enough milk or cream until you reach a thick and pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bars.