Sweet, soft, and irresistibly easy, Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are about to become your go-to treat for any festive gathering or cozy night in. Imagine the nostalgic flavor of sugar cookies, but with a wholesome, melt-in-your-mouth twist—this recipe uses almond flour for a tender crumb and naturally gluten-free bite. Whether you dress them up with sprinkles or keep it simple, these bars are loved by kids and adults alike, offering wholesome ingredients without sacrificing any of that classic cookie taste you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering up the right ingredients makes all the difference, especially for Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars. Each component brings its unique magic, creating bars that are soft, just sweet enough, and perfectly golden every time.
- Almond flour: The star of the show, providing a tender and slightly nutty texture that’s naturally gluten-free.
- Coconut flour: Just a touch helps the bars set up while adding a subtle hint of tropical sweetness.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookie bars a gentle lift, keeping them soft and light.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Coconut oil or unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing, this fat ensures the bars stay moist and rich—choose coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens without overpowering, and pairs beautifully with almond flour.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and helps achieve that perfect cookie-bar texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars with classic sugar-cookie aroma and flavor.
- Optional: natural sprinkles or frosting: These are your finishing touches for extra flair or a burst of festive color.
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges for easy lifting later. This step is key: it keeps the Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure the leavener and salt are evenly dispersed, so every bite of your cookie bars is baked to perfection.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil or butter with the maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and silky—it should just take a few seconds. This creates a luscious base for your sugar cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir everything together until a thick but scoopable dough forms. Don’t overmix—you want the Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars to be tender, so just light stirring is enough once the dough comes together.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Scrape the dough into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your fingertips to press it evenly into every corner. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center appears set. The aroma at this stage is like a cozy hug from the oven!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before slicing; this lets the bars firm up and makes for clean, neat pieces. For an extra-firm texture that’s perfect for decorating, pop the cooled Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Step 7: Add Your Toppings
If you love a little pizzazz, top your bars with your favorite natural sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a swoosh of frosting. Now you’re ready to wow everyone with your homemade cookie-bar bliss!
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are delightful on their own, but a little garnish goes a long way. Try dusting them with powdered sugar, swirling on a touch of vanilla frosting, or adding a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds. For special occasions, a scatter of colorful natural sprinkles turns each bar into a celebration.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a tall glass of almond milk, a cozy mug of tea, or fresh berries on the side. Their mild sweetness makes them ideal for serving alongside fruit salads or even a tangy lemon sorbet for a summer treat. They’re also perfect with a scoop of your favorite vanilla or dairy-free ice cream for a dessert that feels extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a cookie bar platter by slicing them into triangles or bite-sized squares for a party-ready presentation. Stack them up and tie with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift. For a holiday touch, use a small cookie cutter to shape the bars after baking—just press gently and enjoy playful hearts, stars, or flowers. However you serve them, Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars turn any snack table into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars have cooled and been cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, keep them in the fridge for extra freshness and a delightfully firm texture that’s still tender when you bite in.
Freezing
Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can even freeze them frosted—just layer parchment between slices to prevent sticking.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a bit warm, simply place a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crisp edge, reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked aroma and makes the chocolate or frosting (if using) gently melt.
FAQs
Can I make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use coconut oil. Choose maple syrup as your sweetener for a 100 percent plant-based treat.
Why did my bars turn out crumbly?
This is usually due to overbaking or adding too much coconut flour. Be sure to measure the flours by spooning them into your cups and leveling off, and check for doneness at the earlier end of the baking range.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts before pressing the dough into the pan. It adds extra texture and a fun twist to your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars.
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Since almond flour is the main ingredient, Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are not nut-free. For a nut-free option, you’ll want to try a different recipe that uses oat flour or a seed-based alternative.
How do I make thicker or thinner bars?
For thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan like a 7×7-inch and bake for a few extra minutes. For thinner bars, spread the dough in a 9×9-inch pan and reduce the baking time slightly. Adjustments are easy, so go with your preference!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly magical about sharing a batch of Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars—especially knowing they’re both delightful and a little healthier. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a school treat, or a late-night sweet tooth, give these bars a try and get ready to fall in love with their chewy, tender texture and perfect sweetness. Go ahead, whip up a pan, and share the joy!
Print
Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful gluten-free treat that is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of almond flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert any time of day!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour (finely ground)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Natural sprinkles or frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
- Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Top with frosting or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the baked bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with coconut oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
