Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are your answer to quick, irresistible treats that check all the boxes—delicious, soft, chewy, and completely gluten-free without sacrificing any classic sugar cookie flavor. Blended with the richness of almond flour and a gentle hint of vanilla, these bars bake up beautifully golden with just enough crisp at the edges and moistness in the center. Whether you dress them up with a frosting and sprinkles or enjoy them bare and buttery, this recipe brings you a sweet bite full of nostalgia and comfort—plus, they’re delightfully easy to prep and share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples are all it takes to create these divine Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor, achieving a tender crumb, or adding that bit of sparkle in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for every ingredient to assure the best results.
- Almond flour: Provides a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and naturally nutty flavor that’s central to this recipe.
- Coconut flour: Helps the bars hold their shape—plus, a little goes a long way to add subtle sweetness.
- Baking powder: Lends just the right lift for light, fluffy cookie bars.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Even a small pinch sharpens all the sweet, nutty flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Room-temperature butter is key for a creamy, smooth dough and rich, classic taste.
- Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: For that signature sugar cookie sweetness—use coconut sugar for a touch of caramel flavor and less refined sweetness.
- Large egg: Adds structure and moisture, holding everything together perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile and brings that sugar cookie cozy warmth.
- Almond extract (optional): A tiny dash elevates the nutty notes for true almond lovers; use sparingly for the best balance.
- Frosting of choice (optional): Anything from a simple glaze to rich buttercream works beautifully for topping.
- Sprinkles for topping (optional): Add festive color and a little crunch—have fun with your favorites!
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—allow the sides to hang over a bit. This clever trick ensures your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars pop out perfectly whole, ready to slice.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking fluffs up the flours, ensuring an even mix so every bar bakes light and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the butter and sugar. You want to beat on medium-high for about 2 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this step gives your bars that classic, soft cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, almond extract. Keep mixing until everything’s thoroughly combined. The mixture might look slightly separated, but it’ll come together once you add the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix! The dough will be thick but should hold together well.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Scoop your dough into the prepared pan, then use a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer, spreading it right to the edges. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is just set. The smell will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool, Frost, and Slice
Let your bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for clean edges. Once cooled, lift the whole slab out using the parchment overhang, slather on your favorite frosting, shower with sprinkles, and slice into neat squares. Your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
The joy of these bars is how customizable they are! Top them with a swirl of vanilla or cream cheese frosting, scatter with colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, or even drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch. Their soft, golden tops are a perfect blank canvas.
Side Dishes
Pair your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, fresh raspberries or strawberries, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside spiced chai, a shot of espresso, or even as part of a dessert board with fruit and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars in a pyramid for a holiday centerpiece, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for sweet party favors, or pack them up with a small container of frosting for a DIY dessert snack box. For a crowd, slice into smaller pieces for cute bite-sized versions perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay perfectly soft and chewy—just layer parchment between them if stacking, especially if they’re frosted.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. If you want to freeze frosted bars, arrange them in a single layer and add parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To gently refresh the texture, warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. For a slightly toasty edge, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If frosted, serve at room temperature for best taste and consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter for the regular butter. The bars will still turn out wonderfully rich and tender.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife. If frosted, dip the knife in warm water and wipe clean between slices for picture-perfect bars.
Do I have to use coconut flour?
Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and gives structure, but if you need an alternative, try oat flour or more almond flour—but the texture and density may change slightly.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch for doneness after 20 minutes, as baking time may vary by a few minutes.
Are Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for kids?
Yes! They’re soft, sweet, and easy for little hands to hold. Plus, you can control the sugar content and decorate them together for a fun family baking activity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something soft, sweet, and shareable, these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars will absolutely hit the spot. They’re easy to throw together, endlessly customizable, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table—gluten-free or not. Give them a try and watch a simple batch of cookie bars become everyone’s new favorite treat!
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Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars that are gluten-free and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They are easy to make and great for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Frosting of choice and sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out by the parchment. Frost and decorate as desired, then slice into bars.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free but can also be made refined sugar-free by using coconut sugar and a low-sugar frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
