Cathedral Window Holiday Bars

These Cathedral Window Holiday Bars are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday spread.

A shortbread-like crust, infused with almond extract and crunchy pecans, is topped with a pop of color from red and green M&M’s, creating a stunning and irresistible treat that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup red and green M&M’s or chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Stir in the chopped pecans.

Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish.

If using M&M’s, sprinkle them evenly over the dough.

Top with the remaining dough.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into 8 bars.

Notes

Don’t overwork the dough when mixing in the flour, as this will lead to tough bars.

If using M&M’s, make sure to press them gently into the dough to ensure they stick well.

To ensure the bars cut cleanly, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

If you want a more vibrant color, use only red and green M&M’s; if you prefer a more subtle look, use chopped pecans instead.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 4g