Scandinavian Almond Bars- Easy and delicious.

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These cookies are so good and fast to make- ready in 30 to 40 minutes. They are simple to make, unique and pretty.We make them all year long but love them during the holidays.
   Makes 4 dozen 

Dough
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp of almond extract
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Topping
1/2 tsp sliced almonds
2 TBS milk

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract
3-4 TBS milk

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• In a small bowl sift or stir together the flour, baking powder and the salt. Set aside.
• In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, until light and fluffy.
  

• Add the egg and almond extract and beat until light and fluffy.
• Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder and salt; mixing just until combined.

• Divide dough into 4 pieces, and roll each one into a log about 12 inches long. Place 2 logs onto each well greased or preferably parchment lined cookie sheet-  4 to 5 inches apart. 
• Flatten each roll by hand until it is about 3 inches wide. The dough is sticky so you may need to flour your hands a bit. They don't have to be perfect, once their cut you can't tell if they weren't totally even. I love that about this recipe!
  

• Brush flattened roll with milk and   sprinkle with sliced almonds.
•  Place both sheets into preheated oven.
  

Bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Rotate trays half way through.

While the cookies are still warm,  cut them crosswise at a diagonal, into slices about 1 inch wide.

• Make the Glaze: 
• In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.

• Place glaze into a small zip lock bag and snip a small corner off. 
• Drizzle the glaze, out of the corner hole, over the completely cooled cookies.

   Store in a sealed container. These freeze really well.