The 12 Days of Cookies: Bonus Recipe!

My family is gathering at my uncle’s house tomorrow to celebrate Christmas, so it’s the last day of holiday baking for me. And I have a lot of cookies I still want to make! First up will be a pan of these delicious Almond Bars. Lisa Severson, a co-worker at the Argus Leader, shared these at our cookie swap earlier this week. They are insanely delicious. I know my family - my sister especially - will love these. That is, if I don’t eat them all myself today. :-)

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Almond Bars

For the crust:

1 cup butter

2 cups flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Mix and press in 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

For the filling:

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon almond extract

Mix and pour over hot base. Return to oven. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool before frosting.

For the frosting:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon almond extract

Cream together all ingredients. Spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle with sliced almonds (optional).