If you are craving a dessert that’s both comforting and unique, you’re going to adore this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the flaky, tender texture of a croissant combined with the satisfying chewiness of cookie bars, all wrapped up in a delightful almond flavor that feels like a special treat. These bars are surprisingly simple to make, yet they deliver on flavor and texture with every bite. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to dairy, or simply looking for a fresh twist on a classic, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites for quick desserts or snack time indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: flours create the perfect crumb, coconut oil adds moisture and a subtle richness, while almond extracts bring that unmistakable nutty aroma that ties everything together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a classic cookie bar base.
- Almond flour: Adds a delicate nuttiness and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning for that golden finish.
- Baking powder: Gives a light lift to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Coconut oil (melted): Offers a plant-based fat that enriches the dough and adds moisture.
- Almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and maintains the almond profile.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Almond extract: The star ingredient that intensifies the almond essence.
- Sliced almonds: For a crunchy, toasted topping.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and provides a smooth finish.
How to Make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your cookie bars come out cleanly without sticking. This simple step will save you kitchen headaches later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures an even distribution of leavening and seasoning, which helps your bars bake uniformly with perfect texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir the mixture gently until a soft dough forms. This dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together nicely, indicating perfectly balanced moisture for tender bars.
Step 4: Press Into Pan and Add Toppings
Transfer the dough into your lined pan and press it down evenly with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top. These almonds will toast in the oven, adding a beautiful crunch and nutty aroma that complements the soft dough beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the bars turn a lovely golden brown. Use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean. Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep a close eye toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract in a small bowl. This quick glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish with a concentrated almond flavor that really elevates the final presentation.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, allow your bars to cool for 10 to 15 minutes so they can firm up slightly. Then drizzle the glaze evenly over the top while the bars are still warm to help it settle in beautifully. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to keep clean edges and perfect texture.
How to Serve Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy, elegant touch that’s visually appealing. You can also add a few whole roasted almonds or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, extra flavor boost that complements the almond glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, almond milk latte, or your favorite herbal tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to contrast the slightly crisp edges with creamy softness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, slice the bars into bite-sized squares and thread them onto skewers with fresh berries or mint leaves for a charming dessert display. You can also layer them in a dessert trifle with dairy-free custard and almond slivers for a show-stopping almond croissant-inspired treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp edges and soft centers without becoming soggy or dry.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later on, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and the edges regain a slight crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture true to that fresh-baked croissant-cookie bar combo.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
Yes, you can use oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer. Keep in mind that almond flour adds moisture and a nutty flavor that’s key to this recipe, so substitutions might slightly change the texture and taste.
Is coconut oil necessary?
Coconut oil provides a rich flavor and the right consistency, but you can swap it for vegan butter or another neutral oil if you need to. Just be sure to use a liquid fat to keep the dough moist.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. For longer keeping, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.
Can I make gluten-free versions?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. This will keep the bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Are these bars safe for nut allergies?
This recipe heavily features almonds, both in flour and extract, so it is not suitable for those with nut allergies. Consider substituting with seed flours and seed extracts, though it will alter the classic almond flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that promises to impress anyone fortunate enough to try it. Its combination of buttery softness, almond richness, and just the right amount of sweetness makes it an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll have a new favorite for everything from afternoon snacks to dessert trays. Give it a go, and enjoy every almond-scented bite!
Print
Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars capture the delicious, flaky essence of classic almond croissants in an easy-to-make, vegan-friendly bar form. Featuring a tender almond-infused dough topped with sliced almonds and a sweet almond glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly into place using a spatula or your hands, smoothing the surface.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the dough to add a crunchy texture and enhance the almond flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then drizzle the almond glaze evenly over the top.
- Final Cooling and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 12 servings to ensure clean cuts and the glaze sets properly. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and to avoid sticking.
- Almond milk can be substituted with any other non-dairy milk for variety.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more almond milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- For extra flavor, toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling on top.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
