Get ready to experience all the nostalgia and richness of your favorite French bakery treat, but with a delightful twist! These Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars combine everything you love about a flaky almond croissant into an easy, nutty, and completely plant-based bar. Each bite is an irresistible blend: a buttery shortbread-style base, sweet and creamy almond filling, a crumbly topping, and a flurry of toasted almonds on top. Whether you’re sharing these with friends or sneaking one for a midnight snack, Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are guaranteed to brighten any moment with their bakery-style flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true magic of Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars comes from a handful of simple, elegant ingredients that you likely already have. Every element plays a purpose, from the rich almond flour to the gooey touch of maple syrup—all working together to give you that delicate crust, nutty flavor, and beautiful golden color.
- Almond flour (1 1/2 cups): Adds the signature nutty flavor and a tender, moist texture that sets these bars apart from typical cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure to the bars and helps balance the rich almond flour for the perfect bite.
- Coconut oil, solid but scoopable (1/2 cup): Acts as the perfect plant-based fat for a buttery mouthfeel—make sure it isn’t melted!
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup for dough + 2 tbsp for filling): Natural sweetness that also brings subtle caramel notes—don’t skip!
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Deepens the flavor and adds just a hint of chewy decadence.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch sharpens all the sweet, nutty flavors and keeps the bars from being overly sweet.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with warmth and dessert-like depth.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp): Essential for authentic almond croissant vibes—use a touch more for an extra punch.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup): The crowning finish that brings texture and that classic almond bakery flavor.
- Almond butter (1/4 cup): Makes a luscious, creamy almond layer within each bar.
- Plant-based milk (2 tbsp): Smooths out the filling; any non-dairy milk works great here.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): For that final elegant touch—think bakery-window chic!
How to Make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little step keeps the bars from sticking, plus it makes it so much easier to lift out the perfectly baked batch for clean, beautiful slicing later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Grab a medium mixing bowl and bring together your almond flour, all-purpose flour, coconut oil, the larger portion of maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Use a fork or clean hands to combine everything until you have a soft, cohesive dough that feels almost like shortbread—rich, moist, and a whiff of almond with every motion.
Step 3: Shape the Base
Press about two-thirds of your dough evenly into the base of your prepared baking pan. Be gentle but thorough: this layer becomes the golden crust that gives Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars their foundation. Aim for an even thickness so each bar bakes up just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Almond Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, plant-based milk, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy. This rich filling is what recreates that dreamy almond paste found in classic croissants—it’s both sweet and deeply flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the almond filling gently over the base layer with a spatula, making sure every corner is covered. Next, use your fingers to crumble the remaining dough over the top. Don’t worry about being perfect here—the more rustic and crumbly, the better the final texture will be!
Step 6: Add Almonds and Bake
Shower the entire surface with sliced almonds, pressing them in ever so slightly so they’ll become golden and toasty as the bars bake. Slide the pan into your preheated oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a warm golden color and the bars are set in the center.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience is rewarded with sturdy, beautifully layered bars that slice cleanly. Once cooled, lift them out, cut into nine even squares, and dust with powdered sugar for a bakery finish. Now, treat yourself!
How to Serve Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A flourish of garnishes transforms Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars from simple to stunning. A gentle sprinkle of powdered sugar brings an elegant, snow-dusted finish, while a drizzle of melted dairy-free white chocolate or even a few extra sliced almonds add texture and visual flair. For a Parisian touch, serve each bar on a petite pastry plate with a twist of lemon or orange zest to brighten the nutty flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are glorious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a creamy oat milk latte, a cozy chai, or a tart berry compote on the side. For an afternoon tea spread, try them alongside fresh fruit or a light citrus salad—these additions balance the richness and let the almond notes shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars into an unforgettable dessert platter by slicing them into petite triangles and stacking them artfully on a cake stand. Or, try serving them slightly warm, with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup for a decadent treat. For brunch, arrange them with fresh berries and edible flowers for an eye-catching, joyous display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars keep remarkably well! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days—the center stays tender while the edges keep just the right amount of bite. They’re sturdy enough to take to a picnic, potluck, or tuck into a lunchbox for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to save some cookie bars for future cravings, freezing is a breeze. Lay the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for at least two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours on the countertop.
Reheating
While absolutely delicious right from the fridge, you can gently reheat Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars to bring back the just-baked flavor. Pop a bar in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—the aroma alone will transport you straight to a cozy French café.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bars gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-1 gluten-free baking blend. The almond flour keeps the bars moist and flavorful, while a gluten-free mix ensures they hold together perfectly without compromising taste or texture.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter for a similar melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just make sure it’s cold and cut into pieces before mixing for the best results. Olive oil or neutral oils won’t create the same bakery-style crumb, so stick to vegan butter or coconut oil for classic flavor.
Can these be made nut-free?
This particular recipe is all about the almond, so swapping out nuts can be tricky. However, you could try sunflower seed butter and omit the almond extract and sliced almonds for a version suitable for nut allergies—though the flavor will be different.
How far ahead can I make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars?
You can absolutely make these bars a day or two ahead of a special occasion! They keep their texture and flavor beautifully when stored in the fridge, and you can dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may take an extra 5-10 minutes for the bars to bake through to a golden finish, especially in a larger pan. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting!
Final Thoughts
If you love bakeries, almonds, and easy vegan treats, you owe it to yourself to try these Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars. Each bar is a tiny celebration of nutty, sweet, and buttery goodness—all with the charm and ease of a home-baked dessert. Whip up a batch and share a little almond joy with your friends, family, or just your own sweet tooth!
Print
Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of almond croissants in a convenient cookie bar form. A crunchy almond base topped with a creamy almond filling, these bars are perfect for a sweet vegan indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid but scoopable)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for filling)
Additional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extract. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix almond butter, plant-based milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Spread over the base.
- Add Topping: Crumble the remaining dough on top, press gently, and sprinkle sliced almonds over it.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For extra almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the filling.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
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