Delight your taste buds with the Danish holiday tradition of Mandelstang Almond Bars. These sweet and crunchy almond bars are a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. The combination of almond and warm spices will fill your home with festive aromas, making it feel like the holidays have truly arrived. So, put on your apron and let’s bake up some Scandinavian cheer with this delicious recipe for Mandelstang Almond Bars.
### Mandelstang Almond Bars
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup of whole almonds, blanched
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 1 egg, beaten
– Sliced almonds for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse the whole blanched almonds until finely ground but not into a paste. Transfer the ground almonds to a bowl and add the powdered sugar. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the almond extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour into the butter mixture, stirring until a crumbly dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a long log around 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) wide and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush the tops of the logs with the beaten egg, then gently press sliced almonds on top for a decorative finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the almond bars cool for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a cutting board.
9. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch (2.5 cm) bars. You can leave them as straight bars or cut on a slight angle for a traditional look.
10. Allow the Mandelstang Almond Bars to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container. These bars can be enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat after a festive meal.
These Mandelstang Almond Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The nutty aroma and crisp texture make them a favorite for both adults and kids alike. Plus, they make a lovely homemade gift when placed in a decorative tin or wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon.
So, this holiday season, bring a taste of Denmark into your home with these delicious almond bars. May your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet scent of freshly baked treats. Happy baking, and enjoy the simple joys of the season!
