Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Treat (Vegan & Top 8 Free)

Welcome to a world where deliciousness knows no dietary restrictions! These incredible chocolate chip cookie bars are a true game-changer for anyone navigating food allergies or simply looking for a wholesome, plant-based dessert. Imagine a treat that’s everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies, but even better: double the thickness, perfectly crisp on the outside, wonderfully chewy in the center, and generously studded with rich, dairy-free chocolate chips. Add a scattering of festive sprinkles, especially for occasions like Valentine’s Day, and you’ve got a dessert that truly speaks the language of love. Because in our book, baked goods, especially homemade ones, are the purest form of affection.

While there’s certainly something to be said for the classic chocolate chip cookie, these cookie bars offer an unparalleled level of convenience and satisfaction. Sometimes, the thought of scooping out endless rounds of dough and rotating pan after pan in the oven can feel like a chore. That’s where the magic of cookie bars comes in! This recipe lets you enjoy all the deliciousness with minimal fuss. Simply prepare your gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough, press it into a single pan, and voilà – a batch of irresistible, thick-cut cookie bars is ready to bake and enjoy. It’s the ultimate shortcut to cookie perfection when your craving hits and your patience is thin.

The Magic of Allergy-Friendly Baking: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan Perfection

In today’s diverse culinary landscape, creating desserts that cater to various dietary needs is more important than ever. This recipe stands out because it’s not just gluten-free; it’s also entirely dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, and therefore, completely vegan and Top 8 Allergen Free. This means peace of mind for families managing multiple allergies or for anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle. We understand the challenges of finding truly safe and delicious treats, which is why we’ve meticulously crafted these bars to deliver on taste and texture without compromise.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the right gluten-free flour blend is key. Our recipe uses a robust blend that ensures a chewy, tender crumb without any grittiness. The absence of dairy is achieved through vegetable shortening and vanilla rice milk, which contribute to a rich, moist texture without any animal products. The ingenious use of Ener-G egg replacer ensures the perfect bind and rise, making these bars wonderfully fluffy and satisfyingly dense at the same time. You won’t miss a thing, we promise!

Unforgettable Texture and Flavor: A True Cookie Experience

While some recipes might label similar creations as “blondie brownies,” we firmly believe these are pure cookie perfection. From the very first bite, these bars scream “COOKIE!” They boast that quintessential chewiness on the inside, a slight crispness around the edges, and the familiar, comforting taste of a high-quality chocolate chip cookie. Think of those perfectly soft, thick-cut cookies you might find in the gourmet deli section of your grocery store – that’s the experience we’re aiming for, and this recipe absolutely nails it.

The generous amount of dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips ensures a burst of cocoa goodness in every bite, perfectly complementing the sweet, buttery (but butter-less!) dough. The balance of granulated and brown sugar contributes to both the flavor depth and that desirable chewy texture, making these bars incredibly addictive. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a comforting indulgence, a nostalgic trip back to childhood, but adapted for modern dietary needs.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From Lunchboxes to Late-Night Cravings

These gluten-free chocolate chip cookie bars are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for almost any occasion. They’re a fantastic addition to school lunches, providing a safe and delicious treat for kids with allergies. Imagine packing a square of this joy, knowing it’s free from the most common allergens, bringing a smile to their face. They’re also perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. With the optional addition of Valentine’s sprinkles, they transform into a festive, heartfelt gift, but without them, they’re a delightful everyday snack.

Beyond structured events, these bars are the ultimate companion for those quiet moments of self-indulgence. Picture curling up with a good book, a tall glass of your favorite safe milk, and one of these thick, chewy cookie bars. It’s a simple pleasure, a moment of pure bliss. Whether it’s a spontaneous late-night snack attack or a planned dessert for a special dinner, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every square. And remember, while sharing is caring, we totally understand if you want to keep these delectable creations all to yourself! (Seriously, no judgment here.)

Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Allergy-Friendly Base

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect allergy-friendly cookie bar. The gluten-free flour, paired with xanthan gum, is fundamental for structure and elasticity, mimicking the properties of traditional wheat flour. Baking powder ensures a light lift, while a touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

The choice of dairy-free, soy-free vegetable shortening is critical for that rich, tender texture without relying on butter. Combined with granulated and brown sugar, it forms the luscious base of our cookie dough. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, a must-have in any classic cookie recipe. The Ener-G egg replacer and vanilla rice milk work in harmony to bind the ingredients and add moisture, ensuring a moist and chewy outcome. And of course, the star inclusions are the dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips and optional sprinkles, bringing visual appeal and delightful bursts of flavor. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific allergy requirements, especially for chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Tips for Baking Success: Achieving the Ideal Chewy Texture

Baking these cookie bars to perfection is straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely amazing. First, always preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the moment the pan enters the oven. Greasing your 9×9 square pan well will prevent sticking and make for easy removal and cutting later.

The most crucial tip for achieving that irresistible chewy texture is the baking time. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are *ever so slightly* browned. It’s vital not to overbake! The center of the bars might appear slightly undercooked or soft when you first pull them out of the oven, and that’s exactly what you want. If you wait until the edges are golden brown and the center looks completely firm, your bars will become hard and crumbly once cooled. Trust the process: remove them when they’re just set around the edges, and the residual heat will continue to cook them to chewy perfection as they cool. Patience during the cooling phase is also key; let them cool completely before cutting into bars to ensure clean slices and maintain their structural integrity. Store them covered at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for days.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Dairy Free, Top 8 Free & Vegan Too!)

Yield:
9×9 pan (approx. 9 bars)

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Cookie bars are heavenly because they’re double the thickness of regular cookies, crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside and studded with chocolate chips. These are also completely allergy-friendly, free from the Top 8 common allergens.

Ingredients

2 and 1/2 cups gluten free flour
3/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup dairy-free, soy-free vegetable shortening
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Ener-G egg replacer
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons vanilla rice milk
1/3 cup dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips
sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 fahrenheit.
Grease a 9×9 square pan.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream the shortening and sugars well.
Add the vanilla and rice milk until blended.
With the mixer on slow, add the salt, xanthan gum, baking powder and Ener-G egg replacer one at a time.
Turn the mixer on high, and blend well for one minute.
Add the flour and blend until incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.
Press into the pan evenly and sprinkle with additional sprinkles.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until edges are ever so slightly brown. This is important, the middle will seem slightly undercooked, but go ahead and take it out. If you wait until the edges are golden brown, this will turn out too hard once it cools. If you want it chewy, it needs to be taken out now. Let cool and cut into bars. Store covered.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 440Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 96mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 2g

Whether you’re looking for a safe treat for an allergy-conscious friend, a delightful dessert for a special occasion, or simply a convenient and utterly delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the answer. They prove that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or texture to accommodate dietary needs. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the pure awesomeness of allergy-friendly baking! And while we encourage sharing, we fully support keeping a secret stash just for yourself. Happy baking!

Adapted from: The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook by Cybele Pascal