Super Easy Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Bars

Sharing is caring!

Indulge in the scrumptiousness of these Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars! If you love the taste of sugar cookies but prefer a simpler and more convenient baking experience, these cookie bars are the answer to your sweet tooth’s dreams. With a soft, chewy texture and a delightful buttery flavor, these Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to make (no need to chill the dough!) and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a delicious treat for a gathering, a school bake sale, or just a cozy evening at home, these Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your baking pan and let’s get baking!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cookie Bars:

• Butter: The butter in the gluten-free sugar cookie bars adds richness, moisture, and flavor to the bars. It helps create a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness to the cookie bars but also helps with texture and moisture. It contributes to the softness and chewiness of the bars while enhancing their overall flavor.
• Whole egg and egg yolks: Eggs act as binders, providing structure to the cookie bars. The combination of whole eggs and egg yolks adds moisture and richness to the bars, resulting in a softer and more tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the cookie bars, enhancing their overall taste. It brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the recipe.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: It provides the structure and bulk needed for the bars without containing gluten, ensuring they are safe to consume for those who have a gluten intolerance! I LOVE using this King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour!
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the cookie bars, balancing out the sweetness. It also helps strengthen the structure of the bars and contributes to their overall texture.
• Baking powder: baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy. It creates air pockets within the bars, resulting in a softer and more tender texture.
• Corn starch: Corn starch helps tenderize the cookie bars, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps to create a slightly denser and chewier consistency.

For the Frosting:

• Butter: Butter in the frosting adds richness and creaminess, creating a smooth and spreadable texture. It contributes to the overall flavor and mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is the primary sweetener in the frosting. It provides sweetness while also helping to thicken the frosting.
• Cake batter extract: Cake batter extract adds a unique flavor reminiscent of cake batter, enhancing the taste of the frosting. It contributes a delightful sweetness and aroma giving this treat that nostalgic vibe. LorAnn’s makes a delicious Cake Batter Extract the I use every single time for this recipe!
• Vanilla: Similar to the vanilla extract in the cookie bars, vanilla in the frosting enhances the flavor profile and adds a pleasant aroma.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream helps create a luscious and creamy texture in the frosting. It adds richness and a velvety consistency, making the frosting smooth and easy to spread.

Tips for Making Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Bars:

To successfully make the gluten-free sugar cookie bar recipe, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for all the ingredients, especially when it comes to gluten-free flour. Gluten-free flours can vary in texture and absorbency, so following the recipe measurements carefully ensures the right balance of ingredients. This is so important for measuring your flour. Check out my video about How to Properly Measure Flour!
• Cream butter and sugar well: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps create a tender texture in the cookie bars. Make sure to cream them thoroughly, using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale in color. This is one of the most important steps to ensure that your Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Bars are PERFECT!
• Line your pan with tin foil AND non-stick baking spray: Line the baking pan with tin foil and use a non-stick baking spray to prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan. This ensures easy removal and keeps the bars intact.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overbaking the cookie bars. Gluten-free baked goods can dry out quickly, so it’s important to remove the bars from the oven once they are lightly golden around the edges. They may appear slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. If the bars are warm, the frosting may melt or become runny. Cooling also helps the flavors develop and the texture to set.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which gluten free flour is best for cookies?

I personally love using the King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour OR the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour. They both work great for cookies, and you can’t even tell that the cookie bars are gluten free!

How do you keep sugar cookies moist?

There are a few things you can do to keep sugar cookie bars moist:

• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookie bars. Follow the recommended baking time in the recipe and remove the bars from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden around the edges. They may appear slightly underdone in the center but will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a moist texture.
• Use the right amount of fat: Fat, such as butter, plays a crucial role in keeping cookie bars moist. Ensure that you’re using the specified amount of fat called for in the recipe. This helps retain moisture and contributes to a softer texture.
• Use a combination of egg yolks and whole eggs: Incorporating both egg yolks and whole eggs into the recipe adds moisture and richness to the cookie bars. The additional fat content in the yolks contributes to a moister texture.
• Store properly: After the cookie bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This helps to retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
• Frosting: Applying a layer of frosting on top of the cookie bars can help seal in moisture and add an extra layer of moisture to the bars.

How many days in advance can you make sugar cookie bars?  

Sugar cookie bars can typically be made in advance and stored for several days. When stored properly, they can stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.

Here are some extra things to keep your cookie bars fresh:

• Storage: Allow the sugar cookie bars to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Room temperature storage: If you plan to consume the cookie bars within 1-2 days, storing them at room temperature is usually sufficient. Make sure the storage area is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, or if your cookie bars contain perishable fillings or frostings, it may be best to refrigerate them before serving. Properly stored in the refrigerator, sugar cookie bars can last for up to 3-4 days. Place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
• Freezing: If you need to make the cookie bars well in advance, they can be frozen. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. When properly frozen, sugar cookie bars can maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Remember to check the bars for any signs of spoilage or staleness before consuming them, especially if they have been stored for several days.

Make It Your Own:

The look of these Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Bars is SO EASY to customize!! From changing the color of the frosting to the kind of sprinkles you use; this recipe is PERFECT for any kind of holiday. Plus, it is always a crowd pleaser! I would love to see how your sugar cookie bars came out, so feel free to tag me @itsabeautifuldaytobake on Instagram. It would make me oh so happy to see your beautiful desserts!

Sharing is caring!