Festive + Easy Recipe

I love going all out for holidays when it comes to baking. These sugar cookie bars are so festive but also very easy to make and come together in very little time. They would make for the perfect Galentine’s night or a treat to make with your kids.  

The sugar cookie base is made with healthier ingredients such as almond flour, applesauce, and maple syrup. This recipe is perfect for anyone with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies.

I like adding the sprinkles on top, however, you could also add some into the batter. I tend to find my festive sprinkles at either Target or Tj Maxx.

Another way you could make these extra festive is by using a heart shaped cookie cutter once the bars are completely cooled. You can get super creative with the frosting by adding colors and writing. I would love to hear any ideas you come up with!

Almond flour: I haven’t tested any other flours in this recipe. I like to use almond flour to keep the recipe grain and gluten free. The almond flour also creates a good texture for the bars.

Maple syrup: I like using maple syrup in this recipe as it gives just the right amount of sweetness. You can substitute the maple syrup with any liquid sweetener of your choice such as honey or agave.

Applesauce: I always use unsweetened applesauce. Ideally, you want the only ingredients to be water and apples. You can use sweetened applesauce; however, I find it to be sweet enough from the maple syrup and frosting.

Frosting: I used a store-bought vanilla frosting. Most store-bought frostings are vegan, just be sure to check the ingredients. Any frosting will work. If you wanted a healthier option, you could top with vegan yogurt as well.

Sprinkles: any sprinkles will work.

Optional: vanilla or almond extract: this adds extra delicious flavor!

Ingredients:

• Almond flour

• Baking powder

• Maple syrup

• Applesauce

• Frosting

• Sprinkles

• Optional: vanilla or almond extract

Recipe:

Double the recipe to fill a 9x5 loaf pan

• 2 cups almond flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup applesauce

• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract

Directions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

2.    In a mixing bowl add in the applesauce and maple syrup. Stir until combined.

3.    Add in the almond flour and baking powder. Stir until a dough forms.

4.    Transfer to the baking pan. Bake for 15-17 minutes

5.    Once completely cooled add your frosting and sprinkles.

Be sure to store the sugar cookie bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They should last up to one week. You can store them in the freezer to last longer.

Feel free to reach out with any questions! If you enjoy this recipe, it would help me a lot if you scrolled down and pressed the “like” button or left a comment!