If you’re craving a soft, buttery treat that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutty goodness, this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These bars have the perfect balance of tender crumb and subtle sweetness, and the almond flour base adds a rich flavor that sets them apart from your typical sugar cookies. Whether you bake them plain or add the optional creamy frosting, they’re guaranteed to brighten your snack time or dessert plate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create almond flour sugar cookie bars that are as delicious as they are easy to make. Each component plays a special role, from creating the tender texture to enhancing the rich, buttery flavor.
- Almond flour (2 cups): This finely ground flour is the heart of the bars, providing a moist, tender crumb with a wonderful nutty aroma.
- Coconut flour (1/4 cup): Adds structure and a subtle sweetness that balances the almond flour perfectly.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness shine.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and moisture that creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar or coconut sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the bars without overpowering them and adds a subtle caramel note when baked.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together and gives the bars that classic cookie chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars will bake evenly and release effortlessly from the pan once done, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly, creating a balanced base for your cookie bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration is key to giving your cookie bars that soft, tender crumb we all love.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly. These ingredients add moisture and that classic vanilla cookie flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to ensure consistent thickness and even baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color and the center is set but still soft. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to maintain their shape and texture.
Step 7: Optional Frosting
For an extra touch of sweetness, whip up a simple frosting by beating 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Spread this over the cooled bars and sprinkle with colorful decorations if you like!
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of festive rainbow sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar can instantly elevate these bars, making them perfect for celebrations or sweet daily treats. Fresh berries or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate also complement their nutty flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for an indulgent dessert worth savoring. A warm cup of tea or rich coffee also perfectly balances the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into neat squares for easy dessert platters, or stack them with parchment paper between layers to gift to friends and family. You can also use cookie cutters on the cooled, unfrosted bars for charming shapes that are great for themed parties or holiday treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your almond flour sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat throughout the week.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, freeze the bars in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. When frozen, they’ll last for up to 3 months and thaw quickly to refresh their soft texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookie bars warm, pop individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked coziness and makes the optional frosting delightfully melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. Almond flour offers a moist crumb and subtle nuttiness that’s hard to replicate. Hazelnut or cashew flour could work, but you might need to adjust the moisture slightly.
Is coconut flour necessary in this recipe?
Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and adds structure, preventing the bars from being too crumbly. If you skip it, you may need to add a bit more almond flour or an extra egg for the right consistency.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk for the frosting. The bars will still be delicious and moist.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set center that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can dry them out, so check them around the 15-minute mark.
Can I omit the frosting?
Definitely! The bars are lovely on their own with a tender texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. Frosting is an optional step to add extra indulgence but not necessary for a delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with you feels like handing over a little slice of cozy happiness. They’re straightforward to make, full of comforting flavors, and easy to customize with frosting or garnishes. Whether you’re new to baking with almond flour or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to become a go-to whenever you want a comforting sweet treat that feels just a bit special.
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Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, a gluten-free treat that combines the rich nuttiness of almond flour with the soft, sweet texture of classic sugar cookies. Perfectly baked to a golden edge and optionally topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and sprinkles, these bars make a deliciously easy dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2 cups almond flour (finely ground)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth wet base.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan with your hands or a spatula for an even thickness and smooth surface.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set, indicating the cookie bars are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely inside the pan to firm up for easier slicing.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix in the vanilla extract. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk gradually to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with optional sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative in the frosting.
- You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener option.
- Ensure almond flour is finely ground to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
