A classic layered bar cookie with a tender, buttery shortbread crust and a chewy, cinnamon-spiced nut topping made with beaten egg white. A delightful treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Author

Unknown


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
For the Crust:
½ CupButter or Margarine, softened
¼ CupPacked Brown Sugar
1Egg Yolk
1 ¼ CupsFlour
1 tspVanilla
⅛ tspSalt
For the Topping:
1Egg White
¼ CupPacked Brown Sugar
1 CupChopped Nuts, fine
½ tspCinnamon
OptionalConfectioners Sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8x2 inch pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter, ¼ cup of brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolk and beat well.
  4. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
  5. Using floured fingertips, press the dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Bake on the lowest rack of the oven for 10 minutes.
  7. Prepare the Topping: While the crust is baking, beat the egg white and the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  8. Stir in the finely chopped nuts and cinnamon.
  9. Final Bake: Remove the pan from the oven. With a small spatula, spread the nut topping over the hot crust to cover it completely.
  10. Return the pan to the middle rack of the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is firm to the touch.
  11. Let the pan cool on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares or 32 bars while still warm.
  12. Once completely cool, you can sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if desired.