Elegant Almond Bars (Cookie Mix)

Submitted by Mom2Rose

"Source: Betty Crocker NOTE: Cookie mix used is 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix"

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 55mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 32 bars
• Serves: 16

ingredients

• Cookie Base

• 1 (17 1/2 ounce) package betty crocker sugar cookie mix
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg

• Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) can almond paste, crumbled into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1⁄2 cup sliced almonds

• Topping

• 2 ounces white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped (1/3 cup)
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1⁄4 cup sliced almonds

directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms.
3. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. B.
4. ake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat almond paste, sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter with electric mixer on low speed until blended.
6. Add 2 eggs; beat until well blended (mixture may be slightly lumpy).
7. Spread almond paste mixture over partially baked base.
8. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup almonds.
9. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until filling is set (filling will puff up during baking).
10. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
11. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, melt white chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
12. Pour and spread over cooled bars.
13. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup almonds.
14. Let stand about 30 minutes or until topping is set.
15. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.
16. Store covered at room temperature.