Sometimes the afternoon slump hits hard, and that’s when I reach for something sweet but simple. This gluten free cookie dough bar is just the answer—a chewy, satisfying treat that feels like a little indulgence without the fuss of baking. It’s made with almond flour and a touch of maple syrup, creating that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Plus, it’s safe to eat raw, which means no waiting around for the oven.
One afternoon, I was halfway through a project when the craving hit. I started mixing the dough, but got distracted by a phone call and left it on the counter a bit longer than planned. When I finally went back, it was stickier than I expected, but pressing it into the pan was easier that way. After chilling in the fridge, the bars were firm but still tender with little bursts of chocolate that melted just right. The texture was somewhere between chewy and soft, with a nutty undertone from the almond flour that made each bite feel homey. It’s not fancy, but that’s kind of the point—it’s a treat you can throw together quickly and feel good about.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick to prepare—no baking required, just a bit of chilling.
- Chewy and rich, with mini chocolate chips scattered throughout for that classic cookie dough feel.
- Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut oil, so it’s gluten free and surprisingly satisfying.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just a straightforward treat.
- Because it’s raw and chilled, it’s perfect for when you want something sweet but not overly dense or heavy.
If you’re worried about texture, don’t be—the bars hold together well, but they’re soft enough to enjoy right away. I usually store them in the fridge, and they keep their chewiness for a few days, though honestly, they rarely last that long.
PrintGluten Free Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Delicious and chewy gluten free cookie dough bars made with almond flour and safe to eat raw. Perfect for a sweet treat without the gluten!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (gluten free)
2 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix well until a dough forms and is well combined.
Add the almond milk and mix again until the dough is slightly sticky but holds together.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once firm, lift the dough out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything special here—just a bowl and something to press the dough into shape. I line the pan with parchment paper to make lifting the bars out easier, but you could probably use a silicone mat if that’s what you have. These bars are great on their own, but I sometimes serve them alongside a cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of almond milk. If you want to mix it up, you could try swapping the mini chocolate chips for chopped nuts, or maybe a handful of dried fruit, though I haven’t tested those combos enough to say for sure how they’d affect the texture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon is another idea I’ve been meaning to try—might add a cozy note.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before eating.
Q: Are these bars safe to eat raw?
A: Absolutely, that’s part of the charm—no baking required.
Q: Can I use a different flour?
A: I haven’t tried, but almond flour gives the best texture here, so alternatives might change the chewiness.
If you’re craving a quick, gluten free treat that feels like a little moment of joy, these cookie dough bars might just become your new go-to. Give them a try, save the recipe, and enjoy a sweet break whenever you need it.