Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe (Soft And Chewy)

Indulge in the heavenly delight of Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars with this irresistible recipe. These chewy, gluten-free bars are a perfect union of simplicity and sweetness, delivering the classic sugar cookie experience in every blissful bite.

Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of heavenly sweetness? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s not just gluten-free but also irresistibly delicious – Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars. 

These are perfect for the holiday season and especially if you love baking at this time of the year. With the sweet sugar cookie flavors, these are perfect to bring to Christmas parties, baby showers, or really any special occasion.

Get ready to whip up a batch of these heavenly gluten free cookie bars that will have your taste buds dancing in delight.

If you love soft sugar cookies you may also want to try my Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies, my Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge or my Sugar Cookie Baked Oats.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE SUGAR COOKIE BARS

1. Soft and Chewy Goodness:
   • Experience the delightful chewiness of these bars, offering the perfect balance of tenderness in every bite.
2. Gluten-Free, Not Flavor-Free:
   • Embrace the freedom of gluten-free indulgence without compromising on the classic sugar cookie taste.
3. Effortless and Time-Saving:
   • Skip the individual cookie shaping – these bars are a time-saving alternative while delivering the same mouthwatering flavor.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion:
   • Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple sweet craving, these bars are versatile and ready to impress. They have all the sugar cookie flavors but in bar form.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE GLUTEN FREE SUGAR COOKIE BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this sugar cookie recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour – I love using Bob’s Red Mill for this recipe. You want a gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum.
• Baking powder
• Sea salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Gluten-free sprinkles – I love using rainbow sprinkles to make these even more fun. Can also use vegan sprinkles if desired.
• Optional – can add cream cheese to the icing, almond extract, brown sugar, chocolate chips, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE SWEET SUGAR COOKIE BARS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients – in a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients – in a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared square pan, creating a smooth surface which acts as the cookie base.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be set but soft.
8. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
9. In a separate bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
10. Once the bars are cool, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle your favorite gluten-free sprinkles for that extra touch of joy.

STORAGE

Storing your delectable lofthouse cookie bars is crucial to maintain their freshness and delightful texture. Follow these simple steps to keep them in tip-top shape:

1. Airtight Container:
   • Once the bars have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This helps prevent exposure to air, keeping the bars moist and chewy.
2. Layering with Parchment Paper:
   • If stacking multiple layers of bars, place parchment paper between the layers. This prevents them from sticking together and maintains their individual perfection.
3. Room Temperature or Refrigeration:
   • If you plan to consume the bars within a week, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. However, if you intend to keep them for a more extended period, refrigerate them to prolong their freshness.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat:
   • Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can affect the texture and taste of the bars.
5. Freezing for Future Delight:
   • If you’ve made a surplus or want to save some for later, these bars are freezer-friendly. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to a few weeks.
6. Thawing for Optimal Enjoyment:
   • When you’re ready to relish your frozen bars, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain their delightful chewiness.
7. Serve at Room Temperature:
   • Before serving, allow the bars to come to room temperature if refrigerated or frozen. This ensures you experience their full, delightful flavor.

FAQS

CAN I REDUCE THE SUGAR IN THESE SOFT SUGAR COOKIE BARS FOR A LOWER SUGAR OPTION?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar content according to your preferences. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar might affect the texture and sweetness of the bars.

CAN I USE DAIRY-FREE ALTERNATIVES IN THE FROSTING?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter and milk in the frosting for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and non-dairy milk for a delicious dairy-free option.

CAN I FREEZE THE BARS AFTER ICING THEM?

You can freeze the bars with the frosting, but for optimal freshness, consider frosting them after thawing. This ensures the frosting stays creamy and delicious.

HOW LONG TO THESE FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BARS STAY FRESH?

Stored in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Refrigerating or freezing them can extend their shelf life.

CAN I USE FOOD COLORING FOR THE FROSTING IN THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE?

Yes, absolutely. You can make this into blue frosting, green frosting, pink frosting, white frosting, or whatever color of frosting you desire. 

Other Easy Holiday Sweets You May Like

• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies

Continue to Content

Yield: 16 squares

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe (Soft And Chewy)

Print

Indulge in the heavenly delight of Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars with this irresistible recipe. These chewy, gluten-free bars are a perfect union of simplicity and sweetness, delivering the classic sugar cookie experience in every blissful bite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

FOR SUGAR COOKIE BARS

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

FOR BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp milk
• Red food colouring
• Gluten-free sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients - in a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients - in a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg then add the vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared square pan, creating a smooth surface which acts as the cookie base. The dough will be sticky, can use floured hands to press down if need be.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be set but soft.
8. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
9. In a separate bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Can add food coloruing to achieve a colourful icing.
10. Once the bars are cool, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle your favorite gluten-free sprinkles for that extra touch of joy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 174mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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