If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and true comfort in every bite, the Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is just what you need. These bars are soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, naturally gluten-free, and wonderfully nutty thanks to almond flour’s rich flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or preparing a dessert that everyone will love, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and tender texture in a convenient bar form that’s easy to share and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe boasts a few simple ingredients that each play an important role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. From the nutty almond flour base to the creamy butter that brings richness, each component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the final result.
- 2 cups almond flour: Blanched and finely ground for a smooth, tender crumb with a natural nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup coconut flour: Adds structure and a slight hint of tropical sweetness while keeping these bars grain-free.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars to rise gently, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it provides richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens naturally and caramelizes slightly during baking for golden edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie bars’ flavor.
- Optional frosting: Made with softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and sprinkles to add a festive finishing touch.
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the cookie bars will bake evenly and come out cleanly from the pan without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these first makes sure baking soda is evenly dispersed for a consistent rise, and it helps avoid clumps in the final dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender texture, as it incorporates air into the batter and melts sugar granules for a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The egg not only acts as a binder but also adds richness that elevates the flavor profile of these bars.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough, just enough to hold together securely.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. This even thickness ensures uniform baking. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and a set center—these are the signs that your cookie bars are perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Frost (Optional)
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding any frosting. For a luscious finish, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla until smooth, then spread evenly over the cooled bars. Decorate with sprinkles if desired for a playful touch.
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the optional frosting and sprinkles add a lovely pop of color and sweetness, these bars are just as delightful plain to appreciate the nutty almond flour base. You can also dust them lightly with cinnamon or powdered sugar for a subtle extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bars alongside a warm cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing. For a more indulgent treat, try them with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the buttery cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into small squares or even fun shapes using cookie cutters for special occasions. Layer them in a dessert tray with other gluten-free goodies for a buffet, or wrap individually as charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness for up to three days. Keeping them sealed properly prevents them from drying out while preserving the buttery texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars to enjoy later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when cravings strike.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookie bars slightly warm, reheat them gently in a microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This restores that just-baked feel and brings out the comforting almond aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour with regular flour?
Since this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe relies heavily on the almond flour’s texture and flavor, swapping it out with regular flour will change the taste and consistency, resulting in a less tender and nutty bar. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if almond flour is unavailable.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Absolutely! Using vegan butter and dairy-free milk for the frosting allows this recipe to become completely dairy-free while retaining its delightful flavor and texture.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, coconut sugar is a fantastic alternative and adds a subtle caramel note. You can also try other natural sweeteners, but be mindful that they may affect the texture and sweetness level slightly.
Do these cookie bars freeze well without frosting?
Yes, freezing unfrosted bars is ideal because frosting can sometimes become grainy or separate after thawing. Add frosting after thawing for the best taste and texture.
How thick should I press the dough into the baking pan?
Aim for an even thickness close to 1/2 inch. This ensures the bars bake through properly while achieving that perfect balance between chewy and crisp.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that making the Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe has been one of my favorite baking adventures because it’s simple, wholesome, and delicious every single time. These bars bring together the best of a classic sugar cookie with the wholesome goodness of almond flour — perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free dessert that feels like a warm hug. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing it as much as I do!
Print
Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, a gluten-free twist on classic sugar cookies made with almond and coconut flours. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, these bars are perfect for dessert or a snack, with an optional creamy vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles to elevate the treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (blanched and finely ground)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Frosting
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to ensure the right texture and rise.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated (or coconut) sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Press dough into pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly across the base for uniform thickness and even baking.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is set. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare optional frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust milk quantity to get the desired consistency.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles if desired to add fun color and texture.
- Serve: Cut into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious gluten-free almond flour sugar cookie bars!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter and dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative to granulated sugar.
- Ensure almond flour is finely ground for best texture.
