When it comes to sweet treats, sometimes you want something that hits that chewy, chocolatey spot but without the hassle of complicated baking or gluten worries. These gluten-free cookie bars are exactly that — simple, satisfying, and just the right kind of indulgent. They come together in a flash and deliver that cozy, homemade vibe that’s perfect for afternoon snacking or a last-minute dessert.
I remember the last time I made these; I was juggling too many things at once — a half-finished email, a toddler asking for snacks, and the clock ticking closer to dinner. Somehow, the smell of melting butter and chocolate chips wafting through the kitchen brought a calm I wasn’t expecting. The bars baked while I cleaned up a bit, and by the time I finally sat down, the first bite was warm, chewy, and just a little bit messy, like the best kind of kitchen success. I never did finish that email, but hey, the bars made up for it.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Chewy and chocolate-studded, these bars satisfy without feeling heavy.
- Gluten-free without sacrificing the familiar texture of classic cookie bars.
- Simple enough to make on a busy day, but still impressive when shared.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just a sweet treat.
If you’ve been hesitant about gluten-free baking, this recipe offers a gentle introduction that feels more like comfort food than a compromise. Plus, they store well, so you can grab a bar whenever the craving hits.
PrintGluten-Free Cookie Bars
Delicious and chewy gluten-free cookie bars made with a blend of gluten-free flours and classic cookie ingredients. Perfect for a sweet treat without the gluten.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add the egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing gently to create an even layer.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 equal bars and serve.
Kitchen Notes: I usually use basic kitchen tools — nothing fancy required. The bars come out best if you let them cool fully before cutting, but if you’re impatient like me, a warm bar is still pretty irresistible. Sometimes I swap the semi-sweet chips for chunks of dark chocolate or mix in a handful of chopped nuts, though I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly. They’re great paired with a glass of milk or your favorite afternoon tea.
FAQ:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely, they keep well for a few days at room temperature, and freezing works too if you want to stash extras.
Are they suitable for other dietary restrictions? These bars are gluten-free, but if you need dairy-free, try swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative — it usually works, but results might vary.
Do I need special gluten-free flour? Yes, a blend that’s meant for baking works best to keep the texture just right.
Ready to bake? These cookie bars are waiting to become your new quick-fix favorite. Go ahead, save this recipe and start your next kitchen adventure.