Ingredients
1 cup butter, a high-quality European brand, like Kerry, room temperature, but not runny
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 65 grams
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, 280 grams
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and prepare the 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Cut two pieces of parchment 8×12 inches and crisscross them so that the bottom and the sides are covered, and the ends hang over the sides.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, then add the almond extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients and slowly add them to the bowl, mixing a little at a time. Do not over-mix; when it starts to come together, turn it out into the dish.
- Press the batter into the corners and try to even out – it will look like a hot mess, but when you have it mostly even, turn the parchment paper inward and smooth the top with a measuring cup. You want to iron it out, if you will.
- Score the batter with a fork to have the batter bake evenly. Then bake for 35-45 minutes; the corners will start to brown slightly.
- Let it cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then cut into bars
