If you have a soft spot for buttery, flaky croissants but want a plant-based twist, you are going to adore this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the irresistible nutty flavor of almond with a tender, buttery crumb that’s moist and perfectly sweetened. Think of them as the best parts of a croissant and your favorite almond cookie merged into one sliceable, shareable treat. They’re super easy to make, packed with simple pantry ingredients, and topped with a delicate almond glaze and crunchy slivered almonds that make each bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe is a breeze because each component plays a crucial role. From the flours that give the bars their crumb to the almond extracts that deepen the flavor, every element is simple yet essential in creating that croissant-inspired magic.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and ensures a tender crumb that isn’t too dense.
- Almond flour: Adds natural nuttiness and a moist texture that complements the all-purpose flour.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars just enough to balance the almond flavors.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly for a light, soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Coconut oil, melted: Gives the bars a buttery richness with a subtle tropical hint.
- Almond milk (or any non-dairy milk): Keeps the dough moist and adds a mild, nutty undertone.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and amplifies sweetness naturally.
- Almond extract: The star flavor that turns these bars into a dreamy almond croissant experience.
- Sliced almonds (for topping): Adds buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bars.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet coating that finishes the bars perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars bake evenly and come out effortlessly once they’re done.
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 the leavening and seasonings get distributed evenly throughout the bars for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir everything with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. This mixture is moist but holds together firmly, ready to be pressed into the pan.
Step 4: Press and Top
Transfer your dough to the lined pan and press it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top gently so the bars bake with a uniform thickness. Then sprinkle sliced almonds generously over the surface for a toasty, crunchy topping that bakes right into the bars.
Step 5: Bake and Prepare Glaze
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While they’re baking, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract to create a silky glaze that will boost the almond flavor and add a lovely sheen.
Step 6: Cool and Drizzle
Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm bars, allowing it to soak in slightly. Let everything cool completely before slicing to get perfectly cut bars that hold their shape.
How to Serve Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and add extra indulgence, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar over the bars after glazing. A few whole toasted almonds or a light dusting of cinnamon can also make them look boutique bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These bars shine alongside a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or your favorite tea. For a brunch spread, serve them with fresh berries or a bowl of dairy-free yogurt topped with fruit to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for parties or afternoon snacks. You can even layer them with some vegan whipped cream and sliced fruit for an easy, show-stopping dessert parfait that highlights the almond flavor beautifully.
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 the bars moist but still slightly crisp on top, just like fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm again, pop them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave a single piece for 15-20 seconds. The glaze will soften and the almond aroma will come back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour?
You can replace almond flour with oat flour or finely ground cashews for a similar texture and flavor, but keep in mind the distinct almond aroma might be less pronounced in your Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe.
Is coconut oil essential or can I use another fat?
Coconut oil adds a unique subtle flavor while keeping the bars moist. You can swap in vegan butter or any neutral oil, but coconut oil is highly recommended for the best texture and richness.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Since almonds are the star here, making this nut-free isn’t ideal if you want the classic almond croissant vibe. However, you could experiment by swapping almond flour and extract with seeds like sunflower flour and vanilla extract.
What non-dairy milks work best for the glaze?
Almond milk enhances the almond flavor, but oat or soy milk make excellent substitutes for the glaze if you prefer or have allergies. Just keep the quantity the same to achieve that perfect drizzle consistency.
How thick should I press the dough in the baking pan?
Press the dough to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch in the pan so the bars bake evenly and achieve a delicate balance between crunchy edges and soft centers.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again to delight friends, family, or simply treat yourself. It nails that bakery-style almond croissant flavor with straightforward ingredients and minimal fuss, giving you a lush, satisfying bar any time you need a little cozy indulgence. Give it a try—you won’t believe something so simple can taste this amazing!
Print
Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars that combine the rich flavors of almond and vanilla with a tender, buttery texture. Perfectly topped with sliced almonds and a sweet almond glaze, these bars are a scrumptious dairy-free treat ideal for any occasion.
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
For the glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir well until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Press dough into pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it down gently with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Add almond topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the surface of the dough, pressing lightly so they stick.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then drizzle the almond glaze over the top evenly.
- Final cooling and serving: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut oil with vegan butter for a different flavor and texture.
- Ensure the coconut oil is fully melted before mixing for easier incorporation.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the almond milk slightly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before topping.
