Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: No-Roll, One-Bowl Allergy-Friendly Delight

Experience the joy of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting. These incredibly soft and delicious gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars are designed for convenience, made easily in just one bowl, and finished with a sweet, non-dairy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for any celebration, these bars are not only delightful but also free of common allergens: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, making them a safe and inclusive treat for everyone. Plus, enjoy a wonderfully thick texture that traditional rolled cookies simply can’t match!

The Inspiration Behind Our Favorite No-Roll Sugar Cookie Bars

My enduring love affair with sugar cookie bars began many years ago, long before our family navigated the complexities of dietary restrictions. It was a recipe from Six Sister’s Stuff that truly hooked me – line and sinker! The sheer simplicity and incredible taste made them an instant favorite. Even now, I occasionally bake them for friends and family who don’t have allergen concerns. The immense success of my gluten-free vegan chocolate chip cookie bars sparked a new ambition: to adapt and perfect that same easy, allergy-friendly bar concept into a classic sugar cookie form. The idea of a chewy, soft sugar cookie bar, easily made in one bowl and free from major allergens, felt like a dream waiting to be realized.

Why Sugar Cookie Bars Reign Supreme Over Traditional Rolled Cookies

Sugar cookies are undeniably a beloved classic, a staple for countless holidays and celebrations. However, the traditional method often involves chilling dough, rolling it out, meticulously cutting shapes, transferring delicate cookies to baking sheets, and then frosting each one individually. This process, while charming for special occasions, can be incredibly time-consuming and messy. This is where sugar cookie bars truly shine!

Imagine bypassing all that effort. No chilling the dough for hours. No flour dust covering your countertops from rolling. No struggling with intricate cookie cutters. With these bars, you simply mix the dough (in one bowl, remember!), press it into a pan, bake, and then frost the entire slab before cutting. It’s a game-changer for busy bakers or anyone craving that nostalgic sugar cookie flavor without the fuss. Plus, one of the greatest advantages is their thickness. These bars offer double the delightful chewiness and soft texture compared to thinly rolled cookies, making every bite a truly satisfying experience. They’re wonderfully versatile too; the addition of food coloring and sprinkles transforms them into the perfect chameleon for any season, holiday, or event, adapting effortlessly to your theme.

Seasonal Versatility and Springtime Joy

The beauty of these gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars lies in their adaptability. While they are a fantastic treat year-round, certain seasons always bring a fresh wave of excitement for baking. Spring, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. After months of being cooped up indoors due to winter’s chill – and living in Utah, we certainly get our fair share of long winters – the arrival of warmer weather is eagerly anticipated. There’s nothing quite like finally being able to play outside again. This appreciation for spring has only deepened since having children. I observe a remarkable difference in their energy and mood when they have the freedom to run around and explore outdoors. Spring offers that perfect balance: it’s warm enough for outdoor adventures, yet not so scorching hot that baking becomes an unbearable task. The sight of green frosting on these bars, reminiscent of fresh grass springing up, makes them absolutely ideal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or Easter. It always makes me wonder if I’d cherish spring as much if we ever moved away from a place that experiences true winter. The contrast truly makes you appreciate the vibrant renewal that spring brings!

Sharing the Sweetness: A Family Favorite and Allergy-Friendly Solution

One of the greatest joys of developing allergy-friendly recipes is seeing them bring happiness to others, especially my own family. Just recently, my son hosted what he affectionately calls a “cookie party” with these very bars – which basically means sharing a delicious treat with his favorite neighbor and partner in crime. They momentarily abandoned their three-wheeler to savor these thick, delightful cookies. It warms my heart to see them enjoy something so simple and sweet, knowing it’s safe for his dietary needs. These little “test subjects” are truly the best! I sincerely hope that you, your own test subjects, or any guests you share these gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars with, will find them to be an equally cherished sweet treat, whether it’s during spring or any other time of year.

Visual Guides: Watch How Easy These Bars Are to Make!

To truly appreciate the simplicity of these gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars, I’ve prepared a couple of video demonstrations. I had a fantastic time showcasing this recipe on Fox13’s “The Place,” where I also shared some valuable food allergy tips. Watching the process can be incredibly helpful, especially for those new to allergy-friendly baking or anyone looking for quick visual guidance. You can view that segment by clicking on the still photo below, or by visiting my Facebook page directly.

Furthermore, to emphasize just how genuinely easy and fail-safe this no-roll, one-bowl sugar cookie recipe is, I created a quick 1-minute overhead video. This rapid demonstration proves that you don’t need extensive baking experience or complex equipment to achieve perfect results. It’s perfect for visual learners or anyone who needs a concise overview before diving into the recipe. Watch it on my Youtube channel here, or directly below:

Effortless Decorating Ideas for Any Occasion

While I personally adore sugar cookies, especially around Christmas time, these gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars are genuinely fantastic all year long. Their versatility truly shines when it comes to decorating. The simple vanilla buttercream acts as a perfect canvas for any color or sprinkle combination you can imagine, allowing them to effortlessly match any season or holiday theme.

Christmas Cheer:

For a classic holiday look, simply keep the delicious dairy-free frosting white and generously adorn it with your favorite festive red, white, and green sprinkles. This creates an instantly recognizable and cheerful treat that’s perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in by the fire.

Spring Celebrations:

As mentioned, a touch of green food coloring in your frosting makes these ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or Easter. Add pastel sprinkles, edible flowers, or even small candy eggs for an extra festive touch that embodies the freshness of spring.

Halloween Fun:

Transform these bars into spooky treats by using orange, purple, or black food coloring for the frosting. Top with Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or ghost-shaped decorations for a frightfully delightful dessert.

Birthday Bliss:

Match the frosting color to the birthday party theme and add a variety of colorful sprinkles, candles, or edible glitter. These bars cut perfectly into individual servings, making them an excellent alternative to cake!

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars

Achieving the best results with any allergy-friendly recipe often comes down to a few key techniques and careful ingredient handling. Here are some essential tips to ensure your gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and utterly delicious every single time:

Measure Flour Accurately: Gluten-free flours can be tricky. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Do not scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack too much flour into the cup, leading to dry bars.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet, stop mixing. Overmixing can develop any gluten proteins present in some GF flour blends and also make the bars tough. A few streaks of flour are fine; they’ll disappear during baking.
Proper Pan Preparation: Greasing your 9×9 square pan thoroughly is crucial. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire baked slab out of the pan for cooling and cutting, preventing sticking.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is perhaps the most important tip! Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melty, messy disaster. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature in the pan before applying the buttercream. For faster cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator once it’s no longer piping hot.
Achieving Perfect Frosting Consistency: If your dairy-free vanilla buttercream feels too thick, add a tiny bit more rice milk (half a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar.
Evenly Pressing the Dough: When you pour the batter into the prepared pan, use your hands (lightly floured if sticky) or the back of a spoon to press the dough evenly into all corners. This ensures uniform thickness and even baking.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These gluten-free vegan sugar cookie bars are wonderful fresh, but they also store well, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying over several days.

Room Temperature: Store frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The frosting helps keep them moist.
Refrigerator: If you prefer to extend their freshness or if your home is particularly warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for optimal taste and texture before serving.
Freezing (Unfrosted): To freeze unfrosted bars, allow them to cool completely. Wrap the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then frost as desired.
Freezing (Frosted): To freeze frosted bars, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes until the frosting is firm. Then, transfer the bars to an airtight, freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Want More Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies?

Because my son navigates multiple food allergies, specifically to wheat, dairy, and eggs, all of my baking endeavors are naturally gluten-free and vegan. This has allowed me to experiment extensively and create a wide array of delicious, safe, and satisfying treats that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs. If you’ve loved these sugar cookie bars, you’re in for a treat!

You can explore my full gluten-free vegan cookie recipe index for a treasure trove of delightful options. Or, to get you started, here are some of our family’s favorite cookies that we love to whip up – and I’m confident you’ll adore them too:

Gluten Free Vegan Roll Out Sugar Cookies (because sometimes you *do* want to make specific shapes for extra fun!)
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies – A surprisingly delightful flavor combination!
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies – The ultimate classic, perfectly adapted.
Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Hearty, chewy, and satisfying.
Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – A fall favorite that’s good any time.
Gluten Free Vegan Black & White Cookies – A New York bakery classic, made allergy-friendly.
Gluten Free Vegan Peppermint Crinkle Cookies – Festive and refreshing, ideal for the holidays.

Gluten-free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars (No roll, one bowl!)

Yield:
12

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Much easier than rolling out individual sugar cookies, and twice the thickness. Topped with a dairy-free “buttercream” these soft top 8 free bars are delicious!

Ingredients

COOKIE INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup dairy-free, soy-free shortening
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons vanilla rice milk
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. xanthan gum
1 and 1/2 tsp. Ener-G egg replacer
1 and 1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder
2 and 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
One batch of: The BEST Dairy-Free Vanilla Frosting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. In a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment beat shortening until soft. Add in the sugar and cream for two minutes. Add the vanilla extract and all of the rice milk until smooth.
With the stand mixer on a slow speed, slowly add the dry ingredients one at a time starting with the salt and going all of the way down the list. Mix until blended.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 square pan, pressing down to flatten and fill the space. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan.
While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by creaming the shortening and coconut oil in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Once mixed, add the vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar. Then, alternate a bit of the rice milk with 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar until you’ve used all of them and the frosting is creamed. Add in coloring, if desired. Frost the cookies and cut into bars.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 286Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 229mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

These delightful Gluten Free Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars are expertly adapted from my popular chocolate chip cookie bars recipe, ensuring the same ease and allergy-friendly deliciousness.