Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars

By Kirsten Maxwell March 31, 2023 28 mins read 131 Views

These delicious vegan sugar cookie bars with pink buttercream frosting are just as fun to make and eat as they are to enjoy! They are also easier than other cookie recipes and can easily be customized for any holiday.

These colorful and chewy Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars add a fun twist to my Vegan Sugar Cookies. It takes only 15 minutes to bake the buttery sugar cookie base. After cooling, decorate it with vegan pink buttercream frosting. It's deliciously sweet and fluffy!

This recipe makes enough cookies bars to feed a large crowd, but it is much easier than the average vegan sugar cookie recipe. You don't have to roll out the dough, cut it into shapes and decorate each cookie individually. You just need to press the dough into the baking pan and bake. Then, spread the frosting!

These cookie bars are the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. They have a buttery foundation that reminds me of my vegan sugar cookies or chocolate sugar cookies. Every bite is perfectly chewy, light and crisp.
Easy to make Cookie bars are much easier than other vegan cookie recipes. The dough is simply pressed into a baking dish and then baked. You don't need to roll, cut, or chill the dough.
This is a year-round recipe. The frosting and decorations can be customized for any occasion. It's a great recipe to have on hand for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, parties with friends, and get-togethers.

The complete recipe and measurements are in the recipe card.

Use an electric mixer to beat the vegan butter with sugar until it becomes a fluffy, light mixture. Mix in the almond milk and cornstarch. Beat until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda to the bowl.

Spread the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined pan. Bake the cookie dough until it is golden brown and firm. Let cool completely.

Make the buttercream frosting while you wait. Use a stand mixer to beat the butter until it is smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and some milk. Continue beating until you have smooth frosting.

Mix in your food coloring. I used pink but you could use any color that you like or is appropriate for the holidays.

Spread the frosting on the cooled sugar cookie bars and decorate the top with sprinkles. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Decorating tips and ideas

Do not decorate the sugar cookie base until it has cooled completely. You can then decorate the bars with any fun variety you want.

Colorful frosting: I used pink food coloring, but you could also leave it out for a white buttercream. Or use your favorite color.
Use gel color: Gel food dye is more concentrated than liquid. This means that you can use less to achieve the right shade of pink or any other desired color. Gel food coloring is also not as watery so the consistency of your frosting won't be affected.
You can customize the colors. For Christmas, use white frosting with red and green sprinkles, while purple frosting is used for Easter. Yellow sprinkles are for Easter. Sweetapolita is where I order my vegan sprinkles. They are so beautiful!
Use pink vanilla buttercream instead. Decorate cookies with cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting.

Questions frequently asked

How can you make sugar-free sugar cookie bars?

Although I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten-free flour, a 1:1 blend of King Arthur or Better Batter gluten-free flours should work if you want the cookies gluten-free.

Does the cookie dough need to be chilled?

Nope! You don't need to chill the cookie dough in a refrigerator before baking the cookies bars.

When can you make the sugar cookie base in advance?

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. The cookie base can be baked, wrapped in plastic and kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before decorating. It can also be frozen!

They last how long? Are sugar cookie bars safe to freeze?

If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the decorated cookie bars can be kept fresh for up to five days. Individual bars can be wrapped in plastic and frozen up to three months.

Are you looking for more vegan brownies and bars?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Smores Cookie Bars
Bars with Seven Layers
The Best Vegan Brownies

Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 Minutes

Cooling Time 30 Minutes

Total time 55 minutes

Servings bars

Calories 248 Kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Bars

3/4 Vegan butter, softened to room temp
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons almond milk or soy/oat
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Easy Buttercream Frosting with Sprinkles

6 teaspoons vegan butter softened to room temp
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons almond milk
food coloring vegan friendly
sprinkles

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Sugar cookie bars are now possible

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Use a stand mixer or handheld to combine the softened vegan butter with sugar in a large bowl. Mix on high speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla. For about one minute, beat on high until everything is well combined. Scrape the bowl sides as necessary.
Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Mix the ingredients on low speed until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl several times.
Pour the batter into a pan. Make sure it is flat.
Bake for 12-15 mins until the center is golden brown. Let cool completely before frosting.

Decorate the cake with frosting

Use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer to beat the butter until it is smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons milk.
Begin on low speed, then increase to high for about 2 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick or dry, add more milk. You can add more powdered to make it spreadable.
Add a little food coloring if necessary. I used pink.
Spread the frosting on the cooled sugar cookie bars and then sprinkle with sprinkles. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

Gluten-free - To make them gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour.
You can use any kind of milk, including almond, cashew and coconut.
You may substitute arrowroot/tapioca or leave out cornstarch, if necessary.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 37g

By: Nora
Title: Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
Sourced From: www.noracooks.com/vegan-sugar-cookie-bars/
Published Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:34:00 +0000

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition! Here, you’ll find reliable strategies that promote healthy living and help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Whether it’s embracing the paleo or keto diet, intermittent fasting, or learning how to lose weight effectively - we cover it all!

We invite you to join us in our mission of embracing healthier living through education, inspiration and empowerment. As we strive towards creating a community of health-conscious people - big and small - you are invited to share your stories, passions and delicious recipes with us! Together, we can revolutionize the way people think about eating. All contributions are welcome - just email us at [email protected]!

We don’t just talk about healthy living; we live it too! Eating a plant-based diet may be the way to go in today's world, but that doesn't mean that it should lack taste or excitement. We must provide information on authentic vegan food culture and inspire others to act confidently and with integrity when making lifestyle changes.

So come along for the ride as we embark on this journey towards healthier living - let's make a difference today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a Plant-Based Diet help boost your Health?

There are many health benefits to a plant-based diet. The risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or stroke is lower if you eat more plants than animals. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can also help prevent inflammation and oxidative harm. The benefits of eating lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans and other legumes have been shown to be due to the high levels of dietary fiber. This feeds your gut bacteria and helps you maintain good digestion. Plant-based meal options are often low in saturated oils, which can increase blood cholesterol. Studies have shown that eating a plant-based diet may help to reduce anxiety and depression. A combination of plant-based protein and healthy fats such as nuts or avocados can help you feel fuller for longer periods between meals.

Can a plant-based diet cause harm?

Although many people have seen health benefits from a plant-based diet in the past, it is important to understand that any diet can be dangerous if it is not properly managed or with the help of a professional. People transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle should carefully consider proper vitamin and mineral intake, such as B12, iron, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Eating an unbalanced diet without replacements for these substances can cause deficiencies and negative health impacts. Additionally, following a purely vegan/plant-based lifestyle could mean cutting out valuable sources of protein found in dairy and eggs, which may hinder muscle maintenance. Plant-based diets should be adjusted to meet individual needs. If necessary, a nutritionist or doctor can be consulted.

What are some common plant-based foods?

Plant-based diets are gaining popularity because of their potential environmental and health benefits. Common plant-based diets are those that are made from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables as well as legumes and nuts. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. The following are great sources of plant based protein: beans and pulses such as chickpeas or kidney beans; low-fat soya products, such as tempeh, edamame or edamame and high-fat dairy alternatives such as almond, coconut, or soy milk; vegan yogurt; soy patties; hemp powder; nutritional yeast flaflakes; whole wheat bread; whole wheat bread; whole grain cereals including oats and barley; flaxseed oils; and whole grain cereals Other plant-based options include healthy fats like olive, avocado, flaxseed, or other nut oils. You can also find ready-to cook meals, which can reduce your grocery budget. Depending on the amount of food you purchase, a plant-based diet can be cheaper than others.

Is it hard to shift to a plant-based lifestyle?

It can be intimidating to switch to a plant-based diet, but it is possible. It's possible to slowly transition to a vegan diet, and to adjust your lifestyle to make it more manageable. Every person is different so it is important to adapt the transition to suit your lifestyle. It is important to plan meals around whole foods and not processed food to facilitate the transition. This will ensure that you get enough macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals. It helps to create meals that people enjoy and suit their dietary needs.

Individuals can make it easier to stay focused on their goals of a transition to a plant-based diet by creating a support network made up of family members, friends, and certified health professionals. Cooking new recipes can bring excitement and variety to the journey. You don't have to feel hungry or bored when you make this diet change. There are plenty of vegan options. Change slowly while still paying attention to daily nutrients is key to a successful plant-based diet.

Is it necessary to take supplements on a plant-based diet?

Although a balanced plant-based diet is essential for good health, some micronutrients should be supplemented in order to make up any missing nutrients. Vitamin B12 is critical for the health of the brain and nervous systems. Although it is only available from animals, supplemental forms may be beneficial to vegans or vegetarians. A lot of plant-based foods lack iron and zinc. These minerals are vital for healthy metabolism, red blood cells production, tissue growth, repair, and healthy metabolism. The normal functions of the body, including controlling inflammation and maintaining proper brain function, are also affected by omega 3 fatty acids. Most plant-based food sources do not contain omega-3s due to their biochemical properties: supplementation may help ensure a delicate balance of this vital nutrient. Lastly, calcium is very important to maintain strong bones but can also be found in limited amounts through plants like broccoli or kale; consider taking a separate supplement if you're struggling to meet your daily calcium goals from food alone. It's always best to triple-check with your doctor before introducing new supplements.

Statistics

According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How to make sure you're getting enough protein on a plant-based diet?

With the right combination, you can ensure that you have enough protein in a plant-based food. Plant-based proteins include legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as tempeh, tempeh, and tofu. These foods should be included into your daily diet. To optimize nutrient intake while following a vegan diet, consider superfoods like spinach, goji berries, and chia seeds packed with vitamins and minerals.

In addition to eating plant-based proteins in meals throughout the day, it is beneficial to supplement a vegan diet with additional protein sources; look for products like plant-based protein powders, nut butter, or collagen peptides (derived from plants) that can be blended into smoothies or other recipes as desired. Finally, if you feel like you're not getting enough protein from food sources alone, opt for high-quality supplements: pills, capsules, or tablets that efficiently contain the required amount of protein.

Individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle can easily meet their daily nutritional requirements by making conscious efforts to include plant-based protein in various meals.