Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies

🍪 Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies 🍪

History:
The history of Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies is a delightful journey that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of apricots with the comforting goodness of cookies. While the exact origins are unclear, similar recipes with fruit fillings can be traced back to traditional European and Middle Eastern cuisines, where dried fruits like apricots were commonly used in desserts. Over time, these flavors made their way into American kitchens, resulting in the creation of these scrumptious treats.

Components:

1. Cookie Base:

   • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2. Apricot Filling:

   • 1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 cup water
   • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
   • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps to Prepare:

1. Apricot Filling:
   a. In a saucepan, combine chopped dried apricots, granulated sugar, water, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
   b. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the apricots are tender and the mixture thickens.
   c. Allow the apricot filling to cool while you prepare the cookie base.

2. Cookie Base:
   a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
   b. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   c. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
   d. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
   e. Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.

3. Assembling the Bars:
   a. Spread the cooled apricot filling evenly over the cookie base layer.
   b. Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it evenly over the apricot layer. You can also flatten small portions of dough and place them on top.

4. Baking:
   a. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
   b. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.

5. Enjoy:
   a. Once cooled, cut the Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies into your desired serving sizes.
   b. Serve and enjoy your homemade apricot-filled cookie bars!

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 30-40 minutes
• Baking: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Cooling: Allow at least 1 hour for the bars to cool completely

These Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet, fruity, and buttery flavors that make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy making and savoring these delightful cookies! 🍑🍪😊

Nutrition Facts (Approximate) for Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies:

• Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 24 bars per recipe)
• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 2g

Health Information:

• These Apricot Sandwich Bar Cookies are a delicious indulgence but should be consumed in moderation due to their sugar and calorie content.
• The cookies contain a moderate amount of saturated fat, so it’s advisable to balance them with a healthy diet.
• Dried apricots in the filling provide some dietary fiber and natural sweetness.
• To make them slightly healthier, you can use whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar content in the recipe.

Remember that the nutrition facts may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the portion sizes you cut the bars into. Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat and complement them with a well-balanced diet for overall health. 🍪👍😊