Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Greetings food lovers and health enthusiasts,
I’m excited to present to you my latest recipe discovery! Today, I’ll be sharing with you my Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe – perfect for those with a sweet tooth who are also mindful of their dairy and gluten intake.
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is special – it brings together the sweet goodness of chocolate chips in a cookie bar form, without any of the unhealthy additives that come with processed snacks. Unlike regular chocolate chip cookies, this recipe features gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients that are the perfect fit for anyone looking for a healthy snack option.
At its heart, this recipe uses Great Northern Beans as a base ingredient (don’t worry – you can’t taste them!), which keep the bars moist and chewy while packing them with protein and fiber. Other ingredients used in this recipe include gluten-free flour blends, coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking_powder and more healthy substitutes that will surely make your taste buds dance.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-make snack that’s not only healthy but also delicious, then look no further than my Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Stay tuned for more instructions on how to make this delectable treat with me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a dessert that is both indulgent and guilt-free. That’s right, these Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect healthy treat for any occasion. Not only are they incredibly delicious, they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients that your body will thank you for.
What sets this recipe apart from traditional cookie bars is the use of great northern beans in place of butter or oil. These beans provide an excellent source of protein and fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. The addition of gluten-free flour and almond flour ensures that these bars are suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
But just because these cookie bars are healthy doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor. With the perfect blend of chocolate chips, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, each bite will leave you craving more. And since this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
So whether you’re looking for a dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating habits or simply want to indulge in something sweet without the guilt, these Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredient List
Without a doubt, the success of a recipe is heavily reliant on its ingredients. For this gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe, you will need to prepare the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 can of great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate chips:
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free chocolate chips
These high-quality ingredients will set you up for deliciously chewy chocolate chip cookie bars. The best part? The use of great northern beans as one of the wet ingredients makes this dessert recipe protein-packed and guilt-free.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1:
Before we start baking, let’s prepare our ingredients first. Our gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is loaded with all the healthy goodness you need without sacrificing the sweet factor. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C)and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (130 g) of gluten-free flour, 1 cup (240 g) of cooked and drained Great Northern beans, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix them thoroughly.
Step 3:
Using another mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (120 ml) of coconut oil, 3/4 cup (156 g) of brown sugar, and 1 large egg using an electric mixer. Add in 1 tsp vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add in the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix. Finally, fold in your desired amount of vegan gluten-free chocolate chips. About 3/4-1 cup (135-180 g) would suffice.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly using a spatula or spoon. Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until you can pierce the center with a toothpick and it comes out clean(aside from some melted chocolate). Let it cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into bars or squares.
Enjoy your delicious gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars with family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily customize this gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars recipe to your liking by trying out some of these substitutions and variations!
– Flour Blend: Instead of using a store-bought gluten-free flour blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts of rice flour and almond flour. This will give the cookie bars a nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture.
– Egg Substitutes: If you’re looking for an egg-free version of this recipe, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
– Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate chips, you can swap them out for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips. You can even throw in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
– Sweeteners: If you prefer a lower carb option, you can substitute the light brown sugar with coconut sugar or granulated erythritol. For a vegan version of this recipe, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the light brown sugar with maple syrup.
– Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Add a dollop of peanut butter to the cookie dough and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for an indulgent twist on this classic recipe.
– Healthy Cookie Dough: You can also experiment with making healthier versions of these chocolate chip cookie bars by using a blend of oat flour and almond flour instead of regular flour, and mixing in some dark chocolate chunks for sweetness.
With so many variations to choose from, you’ll never get bored of baking these delicious gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing them for maximum enjoyment. These indulgent treats can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a quick breakfast on the go- anything goes when it comes to these heavenly bars!
For those looking to truly indulge their sweet tooth, a tall glass of cold almond milk is an amazing pairing. The rich chocolatey flavors of the bars complement and balance the nutty creaminess of the milk beautifully. For a more sophisticated adult dessert, a glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec is a perfect complement. The fruit notes in the wine contrast with the sweetness of the bars while also highlighting their chocolaty flavor profile.
If you’re feeling creative and looking for something a little bit different, try pairing your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. The tartness of the berries works well against the sweetness of the bars bringing out the best in both. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is always a delightful addition if you aren’t sensitive to dairy.
For those who like things on the savory side, pairing these bars with some healthy nuts like almonds or walnuts will provide an interesting contrast that balances sweet and salty flavors incredibly well.
No matter what you choose to pair these scrumptious bars with, they will surely be loved by all!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Before you dig into the heavenly goodness of these gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars, you might be wondering about how to store them properly. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.
If you plan to make these cookie bars ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to five days or freeze them for up to one month.
To reheat the cookie bars, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes until they’re warm and gooey again. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking the chocolate chips.
If you’ve made too many cookie bars and want to have some leftovers for later, try storing the unbaked dough in the fridge or freezer. Just shape the dough into individual portions, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze flat until solid. When you’re ready to bake again, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before slicing it into bars and baking as directed.
Trust me – these gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars are so delicious that any leftovers won’t last long!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, even the slightest difference in measurement or ingredient can greatly affect the outcome of the dish. Here are some tips to ensure that your gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars come out perfectly every time.
1. Use room temperature ingredients
Make sure to take out your eggs and butter from the fridge at least an hour before starting to bake. Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother texture in the cookie bars.
2. Blend the great northern beans well
Since we are using beans instead of butter, it’s essential to blend them thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency. This ensures that there are no bean chunks leftover which affects the overall taste and texture of the bars.
3. Measure accurately
As mentioned before, measuring the ingredients precisely is crucial in baking. Using too much or too little flour can result in dense or gooey cookie bars respectively. Invest in a good kitchen scale and measure ingredients by weight for the most accurate results.
4. Don’t overmix
Overmixing leads to tough and rubbery cookie bars. Mix until just combined to prevent this outcome.
5. Add toppings before baking
If you’re adding toppings such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts, sprinkle them on top of the cookie dough before putting it in the oven. This allows them to toast nicely while baking, creating a deliciously nutty flavor and texture.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfect gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars every single time!
Bottom Line
So, there you have it, folks – my recipe for mouth-watering gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie bars! I hope you found this article helpful and that you give this recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
But more than just satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookie bars are a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. By using wholesome ingredients like great northern beans and coconut oil, we’re helping our bodies stay fueled and energized. Plus, the fact that they’re gluten-free and dairy-free means they’re perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the drive-thru and head to your kitchen instead. With this recipe in hand, you’ll be able to create delicious treats that are good for both you and the planet.
Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. In fact, it can be downright delicious. So go ahead – indulge in some chocolatey goodness and feel good about what you’re putting into your body.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 7 1/8 ounces brown sugar (1 Cup, packed)
- 15 ounces great northern beans
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup banana flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Set oven to 350.
- Except for the Eggs, Banana Flour, and Chocolate Chips, combine all ingredient all of the ingredients in a food processor for 2 minutes.
- Using a spatula, mix in Eggs.
- Sift-in Banana Flour, mix.
- Mix-in Chocolate Chips.
- Pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes (glass pan time).