If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients, look no further than these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re not just your average dessert bars—instead, they boast a gluten-free, low-carb composition that makes them a crowd-pleaser for anyone craving something delicious yet nourishing. Imagine biting into soft, buttery bars with a subtle sweetness, enhanced by a creamy frosting that’s free from refined sugar. Whether you’re planning a cozy get-together, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or simply wanting a delightful snack, these bars feel like a warm hug wrapped up in every bite. I’m so excited to walk you through this fantastic recipe that has quickly become a personal favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars that deliver on taste, texture, and that inviting golden color. Each one plays its own starring role, making sure the final bars are tender, flavorful, and irresistibly moist.
- Almond flour: Using organic almond flour gives these bars a naturally nutty flavor and soft crumb while keeping them gluten-free.
- Monk fruit sweetener: A refined sugar alternative that adds sweetness without the guilt or blood sugar spikes.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light, fluffy texture without feeling cakey.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Coconut oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness, plus it helps bind the ingredients together.
- Greek yogurt: Keeps the bars tender and adds a bit of protein with a slight tang.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla brightens every bite and deepens the overall flavor.
- Protein powder (optional): Perfect if you want to boost nutrition and add a touch of heartiness without sacrificing taste.
- Cream cheese (for frosting): The star of the creamy, luscious topping that perfectly complements the bars.
- Almond milk: Just enough to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F, which is just right for gently baking these bars to a golden perfection. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. This simple prep step ensures your bars come out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder (if using), monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt. This blend forms the base and flavor foundation of your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, so take a moment to really combine them well for an even texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs, softened coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth—the batter will be thick but that’s exactly what you want. This step binds your ingredients into a luscious dough that will bake into soft, chewy bars.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top to ensure uniform thickness. Pop it into the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center puffs up slightly and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool completely before moving on—that cooling time helps set the bars so they cut cleanly.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, whip up the frosting by combining softened cream cheese, optional protein powder, vanilla extract, and a touch of almond milk. Adjust the consistency by adding almond milk little by little until you get a spreadable, creamy texture. Sweeten with monk fruit to your liking, then spread it generously over the cooled bars.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set beautifully. Once chilled, slice into 16 glorious squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of love.
How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
These bars are already a stunner on their own, but adding a few simple garnishes can elevate their charm. Try sprinkling crushed almonds or a dusting of cinnamon on top, or even some vibrant fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce can also be a fun way to jazz things up during special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a warm cup of tea or rich coffee to create a cozy dessert moment. For a more filling snack, a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream complements the bars perfectly, balancing sweetness and creaminess for a satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars at a party? Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside edible flowers or serve them in cute mini treat bags for guests to take home. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for an elegant dessert buffet. Their festive look makes them a wonderful gift or centerpiece treat anytime of the year.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting firm and the bars tender, ready to grab whenever a sweet craving sneaks up on you.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until just heated through. Avoid over-warming as it can soften the frosting too much. A slightly chilled bar offers the best texture, but warming is a lovely option on chilly days.
FAQs
Can I substitute another flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is key for the texture and flavor of these bars, but if you need a substitute, coconut flour can work with some recipe adjustments. Keep in mind coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you’d need to modify the wet ingredients accordingly.
Is it necessary to use monk fruit sweetener?
Monk fruit sweetener is a great low-carb, refined sugar-free option, but you can replace it with other sweeteners like erythritol, stevia blends, or even regular sugar if you prefer. Just adjust the amount to suit the sweetness you like.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Coconut oil and almond milk help keep this recipe flexible for various dietary needs.
What protein powder do you recommend?
A mild-tasting protein powder, like vanilla whey or plant-based protein, works beautifully here. Since it’s optional, you can skip it if you want a simpler bar, but it adds a wonderful boost of nutrition and slight flavor depth.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding less monk fruit or leaving it out entirely if you prefer. The cream cheese and vanilla provide enough flavor on their own for some sweetness lovers.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a gem—simple to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, they embody comfort and joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how delightful healthy baking can be!
PrintAlmond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional sugar cookies. Made with gluten-free almond flour and sweetened with monk fruit, they are low carb and refined sugar free. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these bars are soft, flavorful, and topped with a creamy protein-packed frosting. Ideal for those seeking a gluten-free, protein-rich dessert that still feels indulgent.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups almond flour (organic)
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp coconut oil, softened
- 4 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 30 g protein powder (optional, for a high protein version)
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 g protein powder (optional, for higher protein)
- Monk fruit sweetener to taste
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp unsweetened almond milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder if using, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, softened coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until you form a thick, smooth batter.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is puffed and the edges turn golden brown. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, combine softened cream cheese, protein powder if using, vanilla extract, and a few teaspoons of almond milk in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and adjust thickness by adding more almond milk as needed. Sweeten to taste with monk fruit sweetener.
- Decorate and Chill: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into 16 squares and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is gluten-free and can be made higher in protein by including the optional protein powder.
- Ensure the coconut oil is softened but not melted for better batter consistency.
- Adjust monk fruit sweetener to your taste preference in both the cookie base and frosting.
- Refrigerate bars post-frosting to help the frosting set and facilitate cleaner slices.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.