There’s something incredibly comforting about sugar cookies—but these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars hold a special place in my heart. I first started baking with almond flour when I wanted a dessert that felt a little lighter, a little more nourishing, yet still indulgent enough to satisfy that classic sweet craving. What surprised me most was how tender, buttery, and bakery-worthy these bars turned out.
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are soft and chewy with a delicate crumb, thanks to finely ground almond flour. They’re inspired by American baking traditions, but with a modern twist that makes them naturally gluten-free and perfect for year-round baking. Whether you’re serving them plain, topped with frosting, or dressed up for the holidays, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious.
If you love sugar cookies but don’t want to fuss with rolling and cutting dough, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
- Naturally gluten-free
- Soft, chewy, and tender texture
- Made in one pan—no cookie cutters needed
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats
- Easy to customize with frosting or toppings
- A healthier dessert option that still tastes indulgent
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are the kind of dessert you can bake once and adapt all year long.
Ingredients for Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars (8 Servings)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups finely ground almond flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla buttercream frosting
- Cream cheese frosting
- Sprinkles (holiday-themed or classic)
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Tip: Use blanched, finely ground almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal will make the bars dense and grainy. You can learn more about almond flour differences at
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com
https://www.bobsredmill.com
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Prep Time & Bake Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions for Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Break up any clumps so the mixture is light and even.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until a soft, slightly thick dough forms. Almond flour dough will be softer than traditional cookie dough—this is normal.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the corners, smoothing the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake—these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars should remain soft.
Almond flour continues to firm up as it cools. This is a key difference from wheat flour baking. For more almond flour baking tips, visit
https://www.seriouseats.com
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting or slicing. This ensures clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture.
Optional Frosting Ideas
Classic Vanilla Buttercream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and spread evenly over cooled bars.
Cream Cheese Frosting (Holiday Favorite)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This frosting pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of almond flour.
For frosting inspiration and piping ideas, check out
https://www.wilton.com
Decorating Ideas for Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are perfect for decorating:
- Christmas: Red and green sprinkles
- Valentine’s Day: Pink frosting and heart sprinkles
- Easter: Pastel frosting and candy decorations
- Year-Round: Simple powdered sugar dusting
Because they’re bars, decorating is faster and more forgiving than traditional cookies.
Perfect for Every Season & Occasion
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are ideal for:
- Year-round desserts
- Holiday baking trays
- Health-conscious sweet treats
- Birthday parties
- Bake sales
- Homemade gifts
They store well, travel well, and please just about everyone.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days (especially if frosted)
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe container.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using almond meal instead of almond flour
- Overbaking (results in dry bars)
- Frosting before bars are fully cooled
- Skipping parchment paper (makes removal difficult)
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 6g
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars are naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs than traditional sugar cookies, making them a great “better-for-you” dessert option.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
These Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to bake a more wholesome dessert. They’re soft, sweet, and comforting—everything a sugar cookie should be—just in an easier, more modern form.
Whether you dress them up with frosting for a holiday table or enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee, these bars are a recipe you’ll come back to again and again 🌰💛
If you try them, I’d love to know how you decorated yours or which occasion you baked them for.