Orange Almond Cookie Bars

Orange Almond Cookie Bars

These soft, tender cookie bars are part orange cookie, part shortbread and part almond filled cookie. The collision of flavors and textures is just excellent. They would make great lunchbox cookies or a great take-along treat to a summer picnic. Either way, they are sure to be a hit.

These also freeze quite well, making them ideal for Holiday baking too.

In a food processor pulse together until well combined and small pieces of butter are still visible:

• 2 2/3 cups flour
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups cold butter

Whisk together:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add to the flour and butter mixture and pulse until a dough forms. Press half of the dough into a well greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Roll the remaining dough into approximately a 9x13 inch rectangle and set aside.

Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• zest of one large orange, finely minced
• 1 beaten egg

Mix together well and spread evenly over the bottom crust. Place the second layer of pastry over the filling and using a small juice glass, roll the dough gently until it fits into the corners and completely covers the filling. Press whole almonds into the center of where the bars will be cut for garnish if desired.

Bake 325 degrees F for approximately 40 - 45 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.