Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the flaky, buttery delight of an almond croissant with the simplicity of a cookie bar, then you’re in for a real treat with this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe. This dessert brings all the rich almond flavor and tender crumb you love from a croissant into a chewy, easy-to-make bar that’s entirely plant-based. Perfect for any time you want a comforting, indulgent bite without any dairy or eggs, it’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things vegan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients lays the foundation for these irresistibly tasty bars. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the nutty almond flour to the subtle warmth of vanilla and almond extracts.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the classic cookie crumb.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: Adds a tender, nutty richness that echoes traditional croissants.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars without overpowering the almond notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bars a light rise and slight fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted: Replaces butter with healthy fats, adding moisture and richness.
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk): Brings moisture and helps bind the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the signature almond aroma and taste.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping): Gives a delightful crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
- For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze elegantly.
- 1 tablespoon almond milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor in the glaze for a luscious finish.
How to Make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars lift out easily once baked. This simple step makes clean-up effortless and helps you get perfectly shaped bars.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry components thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution and the right crumb texture for your Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything comes together into a smooth, pliable dough. This is where the magic happens, as the almond and vanilla extracts promise that signature croissant aroma.
Step 4: Press Dough into Pan and Add Almond Topping
Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan and press it firmly down, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even baking. Generously sprinkle sliced almonds on top, adding a crunchy texture that balances the soft, chewy base beautifully.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bars turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aromas that fill your kitchen at this stage are absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the bars bake, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract to create a smooth glaze. This glaze adds just the right hint of sweetness and extra almond goodness that ties the entire recipe together.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, allow the bars to cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan to set up a bit. Then, drizzle the almond glaze generously over the top. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to keep the bars intact and let the glaze set perfectly.
How to Serve Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars even further, consider dusting a little powdered sugar or adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds on top just before serving. These small touches bring an elegant finish and enhance the almond flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a matcha latte, or your favorite herbal tea, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream is also heavenly if you want to turn this into a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gifting, cut the bars into neat squares and place them in a decorative box or wrap with parchment tied with twine. They also shine beautifully plated alongside fresh berries and a drizzle of agave or maple syrup for an inviting dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh but if you want them softer, a brief warm-up helps revive the tender texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them an excellent make-ahead snack or dessert option.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat the bars in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. They taste just as wonderful when slightly warm, allowing the almond glaze to melt ever so slightly into the bars.
FAQs
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?
Absolutely! You can use vegan butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola, but keep in mind coconut oil adds a subtle richness that complements the almonds beautifully.
Is almond flour necessary in this recipe?
Almond flour is key to getting the tender crumb and that authentic almond flavor in these bars, but if you need to, you can try finely ground cashew flour or oat flour as a substitute, though the texture might vary slightly.
Can I use other nut milks instead of almond milk?
Yes! Any plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or cashew milk works just fine. Almond milk pairs best with almond extract, but feel free to use your favorite.
How do I make sure my bars don’t turn out too dry?
Mixing the dough just until combined and not overbaking will help keep them moist and tender. Also, the coconut oil and almond milk provide needed moisture – don’t skip or reduce these.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
For nut allergies, this recipe is trickier since almond flour and extract are essential flavor notes. However, you could experiment with oat flour and a vanilla glaze, just know it won’t have the classic almond taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about the fusion of croissant-inspired flavor and cookie bar convenience in this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe. Easy to whip up, delightfully almond-rich, and charmingly versatile, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these bars as much as I do!
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Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of tender, almond-flavored cookie dough topped with sliced almonds and a sweet almond glaze. Perfectly golden and easy to prepare, these bars offer the rich taste of almond croissants in a convenient, vegan-friendly bar form.
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 make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry mixture. Mix well until a uniform dough forms.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands, smoothing the surface.
- Add Almond Topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the dough to add crunch and enhance almond flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Glaze: After baking, allow the bars to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. Then drizzle the almond glaze evenly over the warm bars.
- Final Cooling and Serve: Let the bars cool completely to set the glaze before slicing into 12 servings and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk if preferred.
- Ensure the coconut oil is fully melted for easier mixing.
- For extra almond flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
