Scandinavian Almond Bars

This is another recipe that we've started baking in the past few years. I like almost anything with almonds, so these are a favorite of mine. My husband prefers them without the glaze, because he says it makes the cookies too sweet.

Scandinavian Almond Bars

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• milk
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
• Almond Icing

Stir together flour and baking powder. In a large mixer bowl, beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and almond extract; beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until well-mixed.

Divide dough into fourths. Form each into a 12-inch roll. Place two rolls, 4 to 5 inches apart, on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten until 3 inches wide. Repeat with remaining rolls.

Brush flattened rolls with milk and sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 325F for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. While cookies are still warm, cut them crosswise at a diagonal into 1-inch strips. Cool. Drizzle with almond icing.

Almond Icing: Stir together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. almond extract, and enough milk (3 to 4 tsp.) to make icing of drizzling consistency.

Adapted from Cookies for Christmas (Better Homes and Gardens)