The Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Easy, Allergen-Friendly & Irresistibly Delicious

Tired of the endless rolling and intricate frosting involved in traditional sugar cookies? Enter the hero of effortless baking: Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars! These delightful treats are specifically crafted for those days when you crave the sweet comfort of sugar cookies but want to skip the fuss. Imagine soft, chewy bars, double the thickness of individual cookies, topped with a luscious non-dairy vanilla buttercream that melts in your mouth. Best of all, they come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. These aren’t just any cookie bars; they’re a celebration of inclusivity, free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, making them a safe and scrumptious option for almost everyone. Get ready to win over hearts at your next gathering, or simply treat yourself to a batch of pure deliciousness!

From Cookie Obsession to Allergy-Friendly Perfection

My enduring love affair with sugar cookie bars began many years ago, long before our family navigated the complexities of dietary restrictions. It was a recipe from Six Sister’s Stuff that truly hooked me, line and sinker, solidifying these bars as a staple for friends and family gatherings. Even now, I occasionally whip up their original version for those who don’t share our allergy concerns.

However, after successfully perfecting my chocolate chip cookie bars, a new fantasy took root: transforming that success into an equally irresistible sugar cookie bar, but with a crucial allergy-friendly twist. I dreamt of a soft, chewy, perfectly sweet bar that everyone could enjoy, regardless of dietary needs. The goal was to achieve that classic sugar cookie charm without any of the top 8 allergens.

Why Sugar Cookie Bars are a Baking Game-Changer

Sugar cookies hold a special place in everyone’s heart; they’re a beloved, classic treat that evokes comfort and nostalgia. Their true magic lies in their versatility. A simple addition of food coloring and sprinkles can transform them into the ideal chameleon for any holiday or time of year. For instance, imagine a vibrant green frosting for St. Patrick’s Day, or a pastel hue for Easter, perfectly mimicking the fresh, new grass of spring. These bars truly adapt to any occasion with effortless grace.

But beyond their aesthetic adaptability, these bars offer unparalleled convenience. Forget the tedious process of chilling dough, rolling it out to the perfect thickness, meticulously cutting shapes, and then transferring fragile cookies to a baking sheet. With these sugar cookie bars, it’s a one-bowl wonder! Mix, spread into a pan, bake, cool, frost, and cut. It’s that simple. And as an added bonus, bars are inherently thicker than their rolled-out counterparts, providing a more substantial and satisfying bite every time.

Embracing Spring with Sweet Treats and Outdoor Play

Spring holds a special significance for me. After months of being cooped up indoors, it’s the season when we can finally venture outside and embrace the warmth. Living in Utah, our winters can be long and sometimes harsh, so the anticipation of warmer weather is always palpable. This sentiment has only intensified since becoming a parent. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible difference it makes when my children can run, play, and expend their boundless energy outdoors.

The beauty of spring is its perfect balance: it’s warm enough for outdoor adventures, yet not so hot that baking becomes an unbearable task. I often wonder if I’d cherish spring as much if we ever moved away from a place that experiences true winter. The stark contrast truly makes you appreciate the blossoming flowers, the gentle breezes, and the sheer joy of fresh air. It’s the ideal season to enjoy simple pleasures like these delightful sugar cookie bars.

Just recently, my son hosted an impromptu “cookie party,” as he so charmingly calls it, sharing these very bars with his favorite neighbor and partner in crime. They momentarily abandoned their three-wheeler to savor these thick, delectable cookies. It warms my heart to see them enjoy treats that are not only delicious but also safe for everyone. My little test subjects always provide the most honest (and enthusiastic!) reviews.

I sincerely hope that you, your cherished test subjects, and any guests you share them with, find immense joy in these Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars. They are truly the perfect sweet treat to usher in the freshness and joy of spring, or any season you choose to celebrate.

Watch & Learn: Video Guides for Perfect Cookie Bars

To ensure your baking experience is as smooth as possible, I’ve created and shared several resources. If you’re a visual learner and would like a comprehensive demonstration of how to make these Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars, you’re in luck! I had the pleasure of showcasing this recipe on Fox13’s “The Place,” where I also shared valuable food allergy tips alongside the baking process. To watch the full video, simply click on the still photo below, or head over to my Facebook page.

While sugar cookies are often associated with Christmas, these versatile gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars are genuinely perfect any time of the year. The beauty of their simple, sweet base is how easily you can customize them to match any season or holiday. Just imagine the possibilities! For Christmas, it’s delightfully simple: keep the frosting a pristine white and generously top with your favorite red, white, and green sprinkles. This creates an instant festive cheer with minimal effort, proving that allergy-friendly baking can be both easy and beautiful.

And because I simply adore these Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars SOOOO much, I went a step further! I also filmed an overhead, quick 1-minute video demonstration. This condensed version truly highlights just how incredibly easy and fail-safe this no-roll, one-bowl sugar cookie recipe is. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy equipment or extensive baking skills to create something spectacular and allergy-friendly. You can watch this quick tutorial on my Youtube channel here, or directly below:

Expand Your Allergy-Friendly Baking Repertoire: More Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies!

Since my son manages allergies to wheat, dairy, and eggs, every recipe I create is intentionally gluten-free and vegan. This commitment ensures that families facing similar dietary challenges can find delicious and safe options to enjoy. If you’ve loved these sugar cookie bars, you’re in for a treat! You can explore my comprehensive gluten-free vegan cookie recipe index for even more inspiration. Or, to get you started, here are some of our family’s absolute favorite cookies that I’m confident you’ll adore too:

Gluten Free Vegan Roll Out Sugar Cookies (because sometimes you *do* want to make certain shapes for extra fun!)
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Black & White Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Gluten-free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars (No roll, one bowl!)

Yield:
12

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Craving classic sugar cookies without the fuss? These Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars are your answer! Much easier than rolling out individual cookies, they boast double the thickness and are topped with a dreamy dairy-free vanilla “buttercream.” Soft, chewy, and completely delicious, these top 8 free bars are a baking triumph for anyone with dietary restrictions or simply looking for an easy, delightful treat. They come together in one bowl and are perfect for any celebration!

Ingredients

COOKIE INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup dairy-free, soy-free shortening
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons vanilla rice milk
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. xanthan gum
1 and 1/2 tsp. Ener-G egg replacer
1 and 1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder
2 and 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
One batch of: The BEST Dairy-Free Vanilla Frosting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. In a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment beat shortening until soft. Add in the sugar and cream for two minutes. Add the vanilla extract and all of the rice milk until smooth.
With the stand mixer on a slow speed, slowly add the dry ingredients one at a time starting with the salt and going all of the way down the list. Mix until blended.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 square pan, pressing down to flatten and fill the space. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan.
While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by creaming the shortening and coconut oil in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Once mixed, add the vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar. Then, alternate a bit of the rice milk with 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar until you’ve used all of them and the frosting is creamed. Add in coloring, if desired. Frost the cookies and cut into bars.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 286Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 229mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

Crafting Your Perfect Allergy-Friendly Sugar Cookie Bar

These incredibly versatile and delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars are adapted from the foundation of my popular chocolate chip cookie bars. This adaptation ensures that all the wonderful qualities – the soft texture, the rich flavor, and the ease of preparation – are carried over, but with the distinct, sweet profile of a classic sugar cookie. By following the simple instructions in the recipe card above, you’ll be able to create a batch of these irresistible bars that cater to a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing taste or enjoyment. Get ready to bake, share, and delight in every bite!