You have to try this easy almond shortbread cookie recipe stuffed with Almond Paste! This is absolutely to die for! This is one recipe you will want to try if you love almond!
If you are ever in the Amsterdam or anywhere else in the Netherlands you will come across a lot almond pastries. This recipe was inspired by the rondo’s and kano’s almond cookies.
I first had them 15 years ago in the airport of all places. They are the most delicious almond cookies ever! I could not remember the name of these cookies to save my life. During my search online I came across gevulde koeken cookies, which are very similar, a pastry type dough that is stuffed with almond paste and baked.
I don’t know if I would call these true gevulde koeken or rondo’s or kano’s cookies. I made a close rendition, basically I made an almond shortbread place a thick layer of almond paste on top, and then put another layer of almond shortbread on top. Then baked it. The results are amazing! Here is the almond shortbread recipe, I hope you enjoy!
Almond Shortbread Bars (Gevulde Koeken, Rondo's and Kano's)
Almond Shortbread (1 1/2 times recipe for a rectangular baking pan or just 1 for a square baking pan)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cup flour
- 1 cup almond
- 2 stick butter
- 1 tsp salt
Almond Cream (1 1/2 times recipe for a rectangular baking pan or just 1 for a square baking pan)
- 6 tbsp butter ((room temp.))
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tsp flour
- 1 large egg (plus 1 egg white)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
For the Almond Cream
-
I normally like to double this recipe which gives me extra lying around so I can make other baked items with it, but you don't have to for this recipe
Place almond meal and sugar in a food processor and puree for 30 seconds. Then while the machine is running add the butter a tbsp. at a time. Once all the butter is in add the eggs again while the machine is running.
You can stop to scrape the sides if there are any clumps but once the eggs have been added you should have a really smooth and creamy almond cream. Finish with both the vanilla and almond extract.
For the Almond Bars
-
Preheat oven to 350.
Place butter, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer and cream together for 2 minutes. Add flours in three parts to the mixer until the mixture just comes together. Take half the shortbread dough and roll out and press into a rectangular baking pan (should be 1/4 inch thick or less.
Then add all of the almond cream on top of the shortbread dough. Take the second half of the almond shortbread dough, roll out and place on top of the almond cream. Place almonds on top and place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until just golden brown.
Let stand for a few minutes and then cut into squares. Set aside until ready to serve.
