Print

Festive Coconut Shortbread Squares

Crispy vegetable pizza bites with red and green peppers on a white square plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These festive shortbread squares are fabulous Christmas treats. The buttery shortbread crust is topped with a mixture of almonds, coconut, candied cherries, and sweetened condensed milk.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon almond extract (divided use)
  • 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped or sliced green and red candied cherries
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan or spray it lightly with baking spray.
  2. Toast the Almonds: Put the almonds in a dry skillet and place them over medium heat. Cook the almonds until they are lightly browned and aromatic, turning and stirring them constantly. Remove to a plate to cool completely.
  3. Make and Bake the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the almond extract; beat just until the mixture begins to clump together. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
    Bake the crust mixture for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes.
  4. Combine Topping Ingredients: Combine the toasted almonds with the coconut and candied cherries. Toss with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract; sprinkle over the cooled crust.
  5. Add the Topping and Finish Baking: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the coconut and almond mixture. Return to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Chill in the refrigerator before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://classic-recipes.com/festive-coconut-shortbread-squares/