Are you on a gluten - free diet but still craving delicious, homemade treats? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the wonderful world of gluten - free cookie bars and how you can prepare them ahead of time for long - term storage. These cookie bars are not only a great option for those with gluten sensitivities but also for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and tasty snack.

First, let's talk about the benefits of making gluten - free cookie bars. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For some people, consuming gluten can lead to various health issues such as celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. By making gluten - free cookie bars, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy these treats without any adverse reactions. Additionally, gluten - free ingredients often offer more nutritional value, as they are typically made from alternative flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or rice flour, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Now, let's get into the recipe. To make these gluten - free cookie bars, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of gluten - free flour blend (you can find pre - made blends at most grocery stores or make your own by combining different gluten - free flours)
• 1/2 cup of almond meal
• 1/2 cup of coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of your favorite mix - ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts

Here's how you can make the cookie bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 - inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten - free flour blend, almond meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well - combined. The dough may be a bit sticky, but that's normal.
4. Fold in your favorite mix - ins. This is where you can get creative! You can use chocolate chips for a classic chocolatey flavor, dried cranberries for a tart and sweet taste, or chopped nuts for some crunch.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top.
6. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, it's time to think about storage. One of the great things about these cookie bars is that you can make them ahead of time and store them for later. To store the cookie bars, place them between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together and keep them fresh. You can store the cookie bars at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Freezing the cookie bars is a great option if you want to have them on hand for a longer period. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookie bars, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. They'll taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.

In conclusion, these gluten - free cookie bars are a versatile and convenient treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're following a gluten - free diet or just looking for a healthy and tasty snack, these cookie bars are a great choice. So, go ahead and bake a batch today, and enjoy the deliciousness of gluten - free baking!