As someone who doesn’t eat gluten, dessert can be tricky. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stared down a bowl of cookie dough or cake batter before placing it in the oven and imparting a look that says “you better work” only to be met with crumbly cookies or a sunken cake after the timer goes off.

As someone who is constantly developing new recipes, failures do happen but each failure is a learning experience. These cookie bars are a recipe I’ve been tweaking over the past few weeks and I have to say — there are few ways to articulate through words the simple joy one feels when their recipe actually works and tastes amazing. Huge props to Bob’s Red Mill All-Purpose Baking Flour for being awesome. #SpoonTip: Always add ice cream.

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

  • Prep Time:5 minutes
  • Cook Time:25-30 minutes
  • Total Time:30-35 minutes
  • Servings:9-12 cookie bars
  • Advanced

    Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 1/4 cups gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons espresso powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 stick Earth Balance, melted (or 1/2 cup regular butter, canola oil, etc.)
  • Walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Chocolate chips

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×11 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 2

    In a small frying pan over medium heat, add bacon and sauté for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 3

    Remove cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 4

    In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, espresso powder, salt, and coconut sugar.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 5

    Stir to combine.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 6

    In a separate, small bowl, combine eggs and vanilla.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 7

    Add melted Earth Balance to eggs and vanilla. Whisk together quickly.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 8

    Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 9

    Stir to combine.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 10

    Add chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and cooked bacon. Mix together.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 11

    Pour dough into lined 8×11 baking pan.

  • Step 12

    Using a rubber spatula, spread dough evenly across pan.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 13

    Place in oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 14

    Remove pan from oven and let cool for two minutes.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 15

    Transfer cookie bars to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber

  • Step 16

    Serve.

    Photo by Analiese Trimber