These grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful treat. Made with almond flour and a hint of honey, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nutrition. They're perfect for those following a grain-free diet or anyone who just loves a good cookie bar.
For this recipe, you need blanched almond flour, which is a common ingredient in grain-free baking. It's finely ground almonds without their skins, offering a texture similar to regular flour. It's becoming more common in supermarkets, but if you can't find it, online stores or specialty health food stores should stock it. Another ingredient is dark chocolate chips, but you can substitute with any chocolate you prefer.
Ingredients for Grain-free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Nonstick cooking spray: This is used to prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan.
Butter: It gives richness and flavor to the cookie bars.
Honey: It acts as a sweetener and adds moisture to the bars.
Vanilla: It enhances the flavor of the bars.
Eggs: They provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
Blanched almond flour: This is the main ingredient that replaces wheat flour in grain-free recipes.
Salt: It enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
Baking powder: It's a leavening agent that helps the bars rise.
Dark chocolate chips: They deliver the distinctive chocolatey flavor.
One reader, Barbara Terrazas says:
These grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars are a game-changer! They're incredibly moist and flavorful, and the chocolate chips add the perfect touch of sweetness. Plus, they're so easy to make. I love that they're a healthier alternative to traditional cookie bars. Definitely a new favorite in my household!
Techniques Required for Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before starting the recipe to ensure it reaches the desired temperature when the cookie bars are ready to bake.
Combine ingredients: Whisk together the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, until well-incorporated to ensure a smooth and even batter.
Stir in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute them throughout the cookie bars.
Spread batter into pan: After mixing the batter, spread it evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) rectangular cake pan to ensure even baking.
Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out barely clean, ensuring they are fully cooked but not overdone.
Cool completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
Cutting: Once cooled, cut the cookie bars into desired sizes and shapes before serving.
How To Make Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Sugar-free and grain-free, treat your tastebuds with these cookie bars that are made from almond flour, dark chocolate chip, and honey for a baked treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray,for greasing
- 1stickbutter,plus 2 tbsp, melted
- 1cuphoney,(336 g)
- 2tspvanilla
- 5largeeggs,beaten
- 3½cupsblanched almond flour
- ¾tspsalt
- ¼tspbaking powder
- 1bagdark chocolate chip
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, and generously spray a 9×13-inch rectangular cake pan.
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Combine everything but the chocolate chips until well incorporated
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Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Spread batter evenly into pan.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out barely clean. These might brown a lot on the edges, but that’s okay.
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Cool completely before cutting.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 335.33kcal
- Fat: 23.59g
- Saturated Fat: 8.18g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.84g
- Carbohydrates: 25.87g
- Fiber: 3.92g
- Sugar: 18.78g
- Protein: 7.38g
- Cholesterol: 59.16mg
- Sodium: 115.16mg
- Calcium: 39.84mg
- Potassium: 292.36mg
- Iron: 2.53mg
- Vitamin A: 58.99µg
- Vitamin C: 0.08mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
When incorporating the chocolate chips into the batter, it's best to fold them in gently. This will ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients can help achieve a smoother, more uniform batter. This is particularly important for the eggs and butter. If they're too cold, they can cause the batter to clump. Lastly, remember to be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will make them easier to cut and prevent them from falling apart.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-bowl method: Look for recipes that require minimal dishes and utensils for easy cleanup.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and stand mixers to speed up the prep work.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the instructions to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to prevent unnecessary searching for ingredients and tools.
Multi-task: Plan out tasks that can be done simultaneously to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
nonstick cooking spray - Substitute with coconut oil spray: Coconut oil spray can be used as a nonstick alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookie bars.
1 stick butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is a lactose-free alternative to butter and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookie bars.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar level of sweetness and adds a distinct maple flavor to the cookie bars.
blanched almond flour - Substitute with coconut flour: Coconut flour is a grain-free alternative that adds a hint of coconut flavor and a slightly different texture to the cookie bars.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a leavening agent in place of baking powder, but it requires an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or vinegar to activate it.
dark chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs are a grain-free and less processed alternative to chocolate chips, providing a rich, intense chocolate flavor and added crunch to the cookie bars.
Presentation Ideas for Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars, pay attention to the plating. Use a clean, white plate to allow the cookie bars to stand out. Arrange the bars neatly, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle sweetness to complement the rich flavors of the chocolate chip cookie bars.
Incorporate a complementary element: Pair the cookie bars with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy cookie bars, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and temperatures.
Artful drizzle: Create an artful drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate using a squeeze bottle. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the dessert to a restaurant-quality presentation.
Add a touch of color: Introduce a pop of color to the plate with a fresh mint leaf. The vibrant green hue not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of refreshing aroma to the overall presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe:
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, slice them into individual portions. This makes it easier to grab a single serving later on.
- Place the cut bars in an airtight container. If you're layering them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Store the container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The almond flour helps keep the bars moist and delicious.
- If you want to keep the bars for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about an hour. You can also microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
- For an extra touch of flavor, try drizzling the thawed bars with a bit of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the chocolate chips are melty. This method will help restore the crispy edges and gooey center of the bars.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cookie bars in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will help retain moisture and prevent the edges from becoming too crispy. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy method, place a single cookie bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you're reheating multiple bars, increase the time accordingly, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the chocolate chips to burn.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a tasty twist, crumble the leftover cookie bars over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. The warmth of the bars will slightly melt the ice cream or yogurt, creating a delicious and indulgent treat.
Interesting Trivia About Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
The recipe is a great option for those following a grain-free diet, as it uses almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour. This makes it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or those looking to reduce their grain intake. Almond flour is also a good source of protein and healthy fats, adding a nutritional boost to these delicious chocolate chip cookie bars.
Is Making Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of almond flour and honey may be slightly more expensive than traditional ingredients, but the health benefits and flavor make it worthwhile. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The rich, indulgent taste and the use of dark chocolate chips make this recipe a delightful treat. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste, health benefits, and overall satisfaction.
Are Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
This grain-free chocolate chip cookie bar recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The recipe relies heavily on almond flour, which is high in calories and fat.
- Using a full stick of butter and a cup of honey adds significant amounts of saturated fat and sugar to the bars.
- Dark chocolate chips, although a better choice than milk chocolate, still contribute to the overall sugar and calorie content.
However, there are some positive aspects to the recipe:
- It is grain-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following a paleo-style diet.
- Almond flour is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- The use of honey as a natural sweetener is a better choice than refined sugar.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace some of it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or mashed avocado.
- Decrease the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content. You can also experiment with other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or date paste.
- Incorporate some finely shredded zucchini or carrots into the batter to add moisture, fiber, and nutrients.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce the calorie density and increase the fiber content.
- Opt for high-quality, organic dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids to maximize the potential health benefits of chocolate.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to boost the protein and healthy fat content.
Editor's Opinion on Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
This grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is a delightful twist on a classic treat. The use of almond flour and honey adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the dark chocolate chips provide a decadent touch. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home bakers, and the resulting cookie bars are moist, chewy, and utterly satisfying. The bars are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookie bars. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a delicious and guilt-free indulgence.
Enhance Your Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite among our community, with real users providing positive feedback. The use of blanched almond flour ensures a grain-free and gluten-free option, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The addition of honey as a natural sweetener and dark chocolate chips creates a deliciously indulgent treat. Our editors have carefully reviewed and tested this recipe to ensure its reliability and delicious results. Trust in the collective experience and expertise of our community to deliver a delightful chocolate chip cookie bars experience.
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