Description
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious gluten-free dessert option, featuring a soft and chewy texture. Made with almond flour and a simple homemade frosting, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor. They are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and topped with optional sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are well distributed throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Mix until well incorporated to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the almond flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly to the edges with your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the bars hold together when sliced and to prepare for frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a simple, sweet glaze for the bars.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula. Add sprinkles on top if desired for decoration.
- Slice and Serve: Once frosted, cut the dessert into 12 equal squares and serve. Enjoy your soft, gluten-free almond flour sugar cookie bars!
Notes
- Ensure the bars have completely cooled before applying frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free, using almond flour instead of wheat flour, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- The texture of these bars is soft and chewy, perfect for those who prefer a tender cookie bar over a crunchy one.
- Sprinkles are optional and can be omitted or substituted with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for variety.
