Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to show your love than with a sweet, healthier treat that everyone can enjoy? This year, why not skip the store-bought sweets and make something homemade, gluten-free, and packed with protein? My Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious, guilt-free dessert that’s perfect for sharing with your special someone or enjoying as a treat for yourself! They are gluten free, low carb, and refined sugar free! These are so festive for Valentine’s Day, or really any holiday depending on how you decorate them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy a sweet treat without the added sugars and carbs.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time.
• Versatile Decor: Perfect for any occasion; customize the frosting and toppings to match your celebration.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and protein powder for a wholesome dessert.
• Gluten-Free Delight: A fantastic option for those avoiding gluten while still craving something sweet.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly during the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking dish (square)
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently. A good set helps keep your workspace organized.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even batter without lumps.
• Baking dish: A square baking dish allows for even cooking of the bars, leading to perfectly baked treats.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. It allows you to lift the bars out of the pan effortlessly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars

• 2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup monk fruit
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 30 g protein powder

For the Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 15 g protein powder
• monk fruit (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tsp almond milk

How to Make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
• Almond flour
• Protein powder
• Monk fruit
• Baking powder

• Salt

• Add in:

• Eggs
• Coconut oil
• Greek yogurt
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. The batter will be thick.

Step 3: Bake Your Bars

• Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for puffed-up centers and lightly golden edges.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely in the dish.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your bars are cooling, prepare the frosting:
* In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, protein powder, vanilla extract, and almond milk as needed until you reach your desired consistency. Sweeten with monk fruit if preferred.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Spread your frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into 16 squares. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Enjoy these delicious Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars as a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious!

How to Serve Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the bars topped with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey adds sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the almond flavor of the bars.

Paired with Whipped Cream

• Lightly whipped cream can elevate your dessert. Consider adding a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• These bars make a perfect pairing with your favorite hot beverage. The warmth complements the sweet treat beautifully.

Served Warm

• For an indulgent touch, warm the bars slightly before serving. This enhances their soft texture and brings out the flavors.

How to Perfect Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

To achieve the best results with your Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that eggs, yogurt, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps the batter mix more smoothly.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon almond flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. This prevents packing and ensures the right texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing may lead to dense bars.
• Chill before frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and helps achieve a nice finish.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

While these cookie bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an even more enjoyable experience. Here are some great ideas to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the bars.

2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of the cookie bars perfectly.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a delightful contrast that enhances your dessert table.

4. Chocolate Sauce
   Drizzle some rich chocolate sauce over each bar for those who love chocolate; it creates a decadent twist.

5. Nut Butter
   Spread almond or peanut butter on top for added protein and richness that pairs well with almond flavors.

6. Hot Chocolate
   Warm up some hot chocolate as a comforting drink option that pairs nicely with these sweet treats.

7. Chia Seed Pudding
   A light chia seed pudding offers a healthy side dish that’s both filling and nutritious alongside your dessert.

8. Coconut Whipped Cream
   For a dairy-free option, use coconut whipped cream that adds tropical flavor while enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong flour: Almond flour is essential for these bars. Using regular flour will alter the texture and flavor. Stick to almond flour for best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements to ensure your bars come out perfectly.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing your bars to cool completely before frosting is key. If you frost them too soon, the frosting may melt and create a mess.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bars. Aim for golden edges and a puffed center for perfect texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, helps create a smoother batter and frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the bars separated with parchment paper if stacking.

Freezing Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and heat bars for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars.

How can I make Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars vegan?

You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra treat.

What is the best way to frost my Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars?

For a smooth frosting, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing in other ingredients.

How do I know when my Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are done baking?

Look for puffed centers and golden edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Final Thoughts

These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences. Give this healthy treat a try; it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!