If you’ve been searching for a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome, you are in for a real delight with this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars capture the best qualities of classic sugar cookies—soft, buttery, and sweet—while bringing in the rich, nutty flavor of almond flour that adds a tender crumb and subtle aroma. Perfectly balancing simple, natural ingredients with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars are an enthusiast’s dream to bake and share. Whether you’re after a cozy dessert, a snack to impress friends, or just want to enjoy something homemade and wholesome, this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe will quickly become one of your cherished favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your sugar cookie bars both delicious and wonderfully textured. Each element plays a crucial role—from the nutty base of almond flour to the natural sweetness of maple syrup—that ensures every bite is just right.
- Almond flour (2 cups): Provides a tender, moist crumb with a subtle nutty flavor that’s the star of this recipe.
- Coconut flour (¼ cup): Adds a delicate structure that helps create the perfect balance between cakey and chewy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures lightness by helping the bars rise gently.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Coconut oil or unsalted butter (â…“ cup, melted): Brings richness and moisture, with coconut oil offering a dairy-free option.
- Maple syrup or honey (½ cup): Natural sweeteners that add depth and subtle complexity to the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the bars their perfect texture.
- Optional frosting: Softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, natural food coloring, and sprinkles—add a playful, sweet finishing touch if desired.
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple foundation ensures your bars bake evenly and come out clean for easy slicing and serving.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. This blend creates the dry base that will give the bars their structure and hearty nutty flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk melted coconut oil or butter with your chosen sweetener—maple syrup or honey—then stir in vanilla extract and the large egg until the mixture is smooth and inviting.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until you get a thick dough. It should be slightly sticky but hold together nicely—a sign that your bars will have the perfect tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the edges start turning a lovely golden hue and the center is set. The aroma while baking is absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Frost and Finish (Optional)
Once cooled, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, vanilla extract, and natural food coloring if you desire, until it’s fluffy and smooth. Spread this luscious frosting over the bars and sprinkle on some festive sprinkles for a cheerful look.
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can turn these bars into a showstopper. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, or opt for colorful sprinkles and edible glitter to make them party-ready. Fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add extra layers of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a small bowl of mixed berries. For a cozy fika moment, enjoy them alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte to complement the almond flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can elevate your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe beautifully. Serve them stacked on a tiered dessert stand for a gathering, cut into bite-sized squares for a charming finger food option, or wrap individual bars as sweet gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your bars fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve frosted them, refrigeration is best to keep the frosting stable, and they should be brought to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for stocking up your freezer and having a ready-made treat anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bring them to room temperature. For that fresh-baked feel, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, especially if frosted, to soften and refresh their texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While you can substitute all-purpose flour, the texture and flavor will change significantly. Almond flour gives these bars their tender, moist crumb and that distinct nutty taste you can’t replicate with regular flour.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! By using coconut oil instead of butter and opting for a dairy-free frosting or skipping frosting entirely, you can make this recipe completely dairy-free without compromising on flavor.
How sweet are these bars?
The bars have a gentle sweetness thanks to natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. You can adjust the sweetness by choosing either or altering the amount slightly to suit your preference.
Can I make the frosting vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative, and replace powdered sugar with a vegan version if needed. This keeps the frosting creamy and delicious while maintaining your dietary choices.
Are these bars suitable for someone on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond and coconut flours instead of wheat flour, making it a fantastic option for those who avoid gluten.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those wonderful bakes that feels like a warm hug in edible form. From the ease of the ingredients to the delightful texture and flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion or just a sweet moment for yourself. Share it, enjoy it, and let it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
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: Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously soft and naturally gluten-free Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for a wholesome treat. These bars blend almond and coconut flours with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with a creamy, customizable frosting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (blanched and finely ground)
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Optional Frosting
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Natural food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined for an even texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and the egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Form Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms, making sure all components are fully incorporated.
- Spread Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up and make frosting application easier if desired.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until fluffy to create a smooth frosting. Add natural food coloring if desired.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars and top with sprinkles if using for a festive touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into 12 bars and enjoy your delicious, gluten-free cookie bars.
Notes
- These bars are naturally gluten-free and a great option for those avoiding gluten.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free frosting alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness by choosing honey or maple syrup based on personal preference.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
