Pin These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars bring together the best of both worlds - the nostalgic comfort of classic sugar cookies with the nutritional benefits of almond flour. The result is a soft, chewy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things gluten-free. I love how these bars maintain that perfect balance between dense and light, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth beneath a layer of silky cream cheese frosting.
Pin Growing up, sugar cookies were always a special treat in my household, but traditional recipes often left me feeling sluggish from all the refined flour and sugar. These almond flour bars maintain that comforting, familiar taste while using ingredients that nourish your body. The monk fruit sweetener provides the perfect level of sweetness without the sugar crash, while the almond flour adds a subtle nutty dimension that elevates the entire dessert.
- 2 cups almond flour (preferably organic)
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
- 4 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 30 g protein powder (optional, for a high-protein version)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 15 g protein powder (optional, for frosting)
- Monk fruit sweetener, to taste (for frosting)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened almond milk (or as needed for consistency)
- Prepare the baking dish
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, salt, and protein powder (if using).
- Add wet ingredients
- Add the eggs, softened coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- Transfer to baking dish
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the bars
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and edges are golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the frosting
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, protein powder (if using), vanilla, and almond milk. Adjust almond milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Sweeten to taste with monk fruit.
- Frost and chill
- Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the surface.
- Chill and serve
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 16 squares. Serve cold or at room temperature.
The key to successful almond flour sugar cookie bars lies in the cooling process. Don't rush to frost them while they're still warm, or your frosting will melt and become runny. For the best texture, make sure to use finely ground almond flour rather than almond meal, which has a coarser texture. If your almond flour has been in the pantry for a while, give it a quick sift to remove any clumps before measuring.
These versatile bars can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Lemon lovers can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the frosting. For a chocolate variation, mix in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips (sugar-free if preferred) to the batter before baking.
These almond flour sugar cookie bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on a decorative platter with fresh berries for a beautiful dessert presentation. For an indulgent treat, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. They also make excellent additions to lunchboxes or afternoon tea spreads. During the holidays, add naturally colored sprinkles to the frosting for a festive touch that's still gluten-free.
Pin These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars have become a staple in my baking repertoire, especially when I need to accommodate friends with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor. There's something magical about watching people's faces light up when they discover these bars are both delicious and made with better-for-you ingredients. Whether you're following a gluten-free lifestyle or simply looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense options into your desserts, these cookie bars deliver satisfaction in every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → What gives these bars their soft texture?
The combination of almond flour, Greek yogurt, and coconut oil creates a moist and tender base that results in a soft, chewy texture.
- → Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes, substituting Greek yogurt and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives works well to keep the bars dairy-free.
- → What sweetener is used in these bars?
Monk fruit sweetener provides natural sweetness without added sugars, complementing the almond flour base beautifully.
- → How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can protein powder be added to these bars?
Yes, adding protein powder to the base and frosting is optional to boost the protein content without compromising flavor.
- → Is it possible to add almond extract for more flavor?
Absolutely, a pinch of almond extract enhances the nutty flavor and complements the almond flour perfectly.