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
- 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
Ingredients
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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.
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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.
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Step 14
Remove pan from oven and let cool for two minutes.
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Step 15
Transfer cookie bars to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
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Step 16
Serve.
Photo by Analiese Trimber