Celebrate any occasion with Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring soft vegan butter and a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Press the thick dough into the pan for an even bake, then decorate with colorful sprinkles once cooled. These tender, classic bars come together in just 35 minutes, making them a delightful plant-based dessert for sharing.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of these bars, giving them that classic cookie texture.
- Baking Powder – Just a pinch to help them rise slightly and stay soft.
- Salt – A touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Vegan Butter – Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and a rich, buttery taste.
- Granulated Sugar – The perfect sweetness to make these bars irresistible.
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Keeps things moist and binds the dough without eggs.
- Vanilla Extract – A must for that warm, classic cookie flavor.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that hardens beautifully.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk – Adds just enough liquid to make the glaze drizzle-able.
For Decorating (Optional)
- Sprinkles – Totally optional, but they add a fun, festive touch!
Cook Time for Easy Vegan Cookie Bars
One of the things I adore most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Honestly, these easy vegan cookie bars are a lifesaver when a sweet craving strikes or when friends pop over unexpectedly. You’ll be amazed that a baked vegan dessert bar this delicious takes so little time from bowl to plate.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 30 minutes (recommended) |
Pro tip: Use that cooling time to whip up a quick batch of my favorite frozen yogurt for serving on the side. It’s a match made in heaven!
How to Make Vegan Cookie Bars Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk for consistency
- Sprinkles optional, for decorating
Equipment
- oven
- baking pan
- hand mixer
- spatula
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your hands or a spatula. Smooth the top for an even surface.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely in the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of almond milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookie bars and add sprinkles, if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars aren’t just delicious—they’re also a little kinder to your body than traditional desserts. By using unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs and vegan butter instead of dairy, we’re cutting back on cholesterol and saturated fats while keeping all the soft, chewy goodness.
Each bar offers a satisfying treat without the heaviness. I love that this baked vegan dessert bar feels indulgent but is made with simple, recognizable ingredients. For more wholesome baking ideas, check out my collection of healthy baking recipes.
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s a quick look per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Bar (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
For those looking to keep things even lighter, I often pair these bars with a refreshing frozen yogurt instead of heavier ice creams. And if you’re diving deeper into vegan baking, you might find this guide to vegan baking essentials super helpful!
A Lighter Version of Vegan Cookie Bars
Sometimes you want all the flavor with a little less indulgence—and I totally get that. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this Vegan Cookie Bars Recipe to fit different moods and dietary needs.
For a lower-sugar version, try replacing the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a monk fruit blend. You can also reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze by half and add a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor without the sweetness.
If you’re avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully here. Just be sure not to overmix the batter. For more gluten-free inspiration, take a peek at my healthy no-bake desserts—they’re perfect for hot days!
Another favorite swap? Using mashed banana instead of applesauce. It adds a subtle sweetness and makes these easy vegan cookie bars even moister. If you love banana-based treats, you’ll adore my snickerdoodle banana bread too.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know how important it is to adapt recipes for loved ones with dietary needs—whether it’s for health, preference, or simply trying something new. Here are a few ways I’ve made these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars work for almost everyone.
For my sugar-conscious friends, I often use a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol in place of granulated sugar. Just remember that xylitol can be harmful to pets, so keep these bars away from furry family members!
If you’re aiming for a lower glycemic treat, try using almond flour or oat flour for half the all-purpose flour. It adds a nutty richness and helps keep things blood sugar friendly. And don’t forget—portion size matters. I often slice these bars a little smaller so everyone can enjoy without overindulging.
How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
I’ll never forget the first time I brought a batch of these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars to my niece’s birthday party. The kids devoured them, and the parents kept asking for the recipe—nobody believed they were completely plant-based!
Since then, these bars have become my go-to for gatherings. They’re fantastic on their own, but even better with a drizzle of lemon blueberry compote or a scoop of vanilla bean coconut ice cream.
For holiday vegan treats, I love decorating these bars with themed sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon. They pair wonderfully with hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold almond milk. If you’re serving them at a party, why not try them alongside these healthy Thanksgiving desserts? They fit right in!
However you choose to serve them, these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to bring smiles around your table. They’re soft, sweet, and full of love—exactly what sharing dessert should be about.
Mistakes to Avoid
After years of baking these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars, I’ve seen a few common slip-ups that can change the final result. Let me share what I’ve learned so your first batch turns out perfectly!
One mistake is overmixing the batter. It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything looks smooth, but too much mixing develops gluten and makes the bars tough instead of tender. I gently fold the ingredients just until combined—no more!
Another issue is baking time. These easy vegan cookie bars continue to set as they cool, so if you wait until they look fully firm in the oven, they’ll end up dry. I pull them out when the edges are just golden and the center still looks slightly soft.
Finally, don’t skip the cooling step before adding the glaze. If the bars are too warm, the frosting will melt right off. For perfect baked vegan dessert bars, I always let them cool completely. For more foolproof baking advice, check out these healthy muffin recipes—they’ve taught me so much about timing and texture!
And if you’re new to plant-based baking, this guide to mixing and baking methods offers great techniques for perfect results every time.
I learned these lessons the hard way when I brought slightly overbaked bars to a picnic years ago. My cousin still teases me about “cookie bricks”—but now we both laugh about it over much softer batches!
How to Store Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars keep beautifully, which makes them perfect for make-ahead treats. I remember wrapping individual bars for my daughter’s school bake sale—they stayed fresh and delicious all day long!
At room temperature, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I love using my grandmother’s glass cookie jar—it keeps them perfectly soft and chewy.
For longer storage, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet treat!
If you’d like to enjoy them warm, pop a frozen bar in the microwave for 15 seconds. It tastes just like fresh from the oven! For more make-ahead dessert ideas, my no-bake desserts collection has plenty of options.
These bars also travel well—I often pack them for road trips or picnics. They pair wonderfully with savory vegan dishes for a complete meal on the go!
Try This Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Yourself
I hope these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. There’s something special about sharing a treat that everyone can enjoy—no matter their dietary preferences!
I’ll never forget the first time my vegan niece tried these bars. Her face lit up with surprised delight—”Aunt Ellie, these taste like real cookies!” That moment made all my recipe testing worthwhile.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars deliver classic cookie flavor without any compromise. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, lunchbox treats, or cozy weekends at home.
If you love these bars, you might also enjoy my cherry lemon bars for something tangy, or these pumpkin protein bars when you need an energy boost. For Valentine’s Day, try these romantic dessert recipes—they’re always a hit!
And if you’re looking for more protein-packed options, don’t miss my collection of high-protein desserts. For banana lovers, my cottage cheese banana bread and strawberry mousse are family favorites too!
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars turn out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan sugar cookie bars recipe?
This entire article shares my favorite vegan sugar cookie bars recipe! It’s a simple method using applesauce instead of eggs and vegan butter instead of dairy. The result is soft, chewy bars that everyone loves.
Vegan sugar cookie bars no egg?
Yes! This recipe uses unsweetened applesauce as an egg replacement, which keeps the bars moist and tender without any eggs. It’s one of my favorite tricks for egg-free baking.
Vegan sugar cookie bars no flour?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed. For completely flourless options, check out my no-bake dessert collection.
Vegan cookie bars recipe?
This vegan cookie bars recipe creates soft, cake-like bars with a sweet glaze. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or anytime you want a delicious plant-based treat!
Vegan sugar cookie bars healthy?
These bars are healthier than traditional versions since they’re made without eggs or dairy. With less saturated fat and cholesterol, they’re a treat you can feel good about sharing!
Vegan sugar cookie bars almond flour?
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and lower glycemic impact. Just note that the texture will be slightly denser but still delicious!
Sugar cookie bars recipe?
This recipe makes classic sugar cookie bars with a vegan twist. The method is straightforward and the results are consistently soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
More Vegan Treats You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these bars, here are more plant-based delights that always disappear fast in my kitchen!
- Oatmeal Cookie Recipes – Hearty, wholesome cookies packed with chewy oats and warm spices.
- Snickerdoodle Banana Bread – The cozy combination of cinnamon sugar and ripe bananas in every slice.
- Homemade Frozen Yogurt – Creamy, tangy frozen treat that’s perfect alongside warm cookie bars.
- Lemon Blueberry Dessert – Bright, fruity layers that taste like sunshine in every bite.
- Thanksgiving Dessert Collection – Festive treats that bring everyone to the table with smiles.
