Incredible Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars – Soft, Buttery & Irresistibly Nutty

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By Gianna Poulef

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re looking for a gluten-free dessert that tastes like it came straight from a European bakery, you’re going to fall in love with these Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars. They’re crisp around the edges, soft and melt-in-your-mouth in the center, and packed with the rich, toasted flavor of roasted hazelnuts in every delicious bite.

Made with wholesome coconut flour and simple pantry ingredients, these cookie bars are naturally gluten-free, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing an afternoon treat, or simply craving something sweet with your coffee, this recipe never disappoints.

If you love easy homemade desserts, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. And if you bake these bars, I’d love for you to leave a review and share your experience!

Overview of Recipe Content

These Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars combine roasted hazelnuts, coconut flour, and simple baking ingredients to create cookie bars with crisp golden edges and a soft, buttery center. They’re naturally gluten-free, wonderfully aromatic, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving them during the holidays, packing them into lunchboxes, or enjoying one with a hot cup of coffee, these bars always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Rich roasted hazelnut flavor
  • Soft, chewy center
  • Crisp golden edges
  • Easy one-bowl recipe
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Freezer friendly
  • Ready in under an hour

What Do They Taste Like?

These cookie bars have the comforting texture of a buttery blondie with the rich, toasted flavor of roasted hazelnuts. Coconut flour gives them a tender crumb while vanilla adds warmth and sweetness. Every bite is nutty, soft, and absolutely irresistible.

Health Benefits

Hazelnuts provide:

  • Healthy fats
  • Plant-based protein
  • Vitamin E
  • Magnesium
  • Antioxidants

Coconut flour also adds extra fiber compared to traditional wheat flour.

Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 1½ cups roasted hazelnuts, finely ground
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

  • White chocolate chips
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Chopped toasted hazelnuts
  • Orange zest
  • Cinnamon

Optional Topping

  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted dark chocolate drizzle
  • Chopped roasted hazelnuts

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Suggested Substitutions

  • Replace honey with maple syrup.
  • Use almond extract instead of vanilla.
  • Add mini chocolate chips.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  • Replace hazelnuts with almonds or pecans.

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Grind the Hazelnuts

Pulse the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground.

Do not over-process into nut butter.

Step 3 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl combine:

  • Ground hazelnuts
  • Coconut flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk together.

Step 4 – Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Honey
  • Coconut oil
  • Vanilla

until smooth.

Step 5 – Combine

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.

If using chocolate chips or extra chopped hazelnuts, gently fold them in now.

Step 6 – Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and set in the center.

Cool completely before slicing into bars.

These bars pair beautifully with:

  • Cappuccino
  • Espresso
  • Latte
  • Hot chocolate
  • Earl Grey tea
  • Fresh berries
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream

Tips for Making Them Perfect

  • Toast the hazelnuts before grinding for maximum flavor.
  • Measure coconut flour carefully—it absorbs lots of moisture.
  • Don’t overbake or the bars may become dry.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
  • Store with parchment between layers to keep them fresh.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Refrigerator

Keeps fresh for 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

General Information

Hazelnuts are one of Europe’s most treasured baking ingredients and are especially popular in Italian, French, Austrian, and German desserts. Their naturally rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, citrus, and warm spices.

Using coconut flour instead of wheat flour creates a delicious gluten-free cookie bar that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity since coconut flour absorbs much more moisture.

Are these keto?

Not as written because of the honey or maple syrup. Use a keto-friendly sweetener if desired.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free when using coconut oil.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze for up to three months.

Why are my bars crumbly?

Too much coconut flour or overbaking can dry them out. Measure carefully and bake just until set.

Conclusion

These Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars prove that gluten-free baking can be every bit as rich, buttery, and delicious as traditional recipes. With toasted hazelnuts, coconut flour, and a wonderfully soft center, they’re the perfect homemade treat for holidays, coffee breaks, or anytime you’re craving something sweet.

Bake one batch, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!

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Interactive Elements

Have you baked these Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars?

⭐ Leave a review and star rating below!

Did you add chocolate chips or drizzle them with dark chocolate? I’d love to hear your favorite variation.

Share your beautiful cookie bars on Pinterest or tag @PoulefRecipe on social media!

Nutritional Information

Approximate Per Bar (12 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories185 kcal
Protein5 g
Carbohydrates11 g
Fat14 g
Saturated Fat5 g
Unsaturated Fat8 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol31 mg
Fiber4 g
Sugar7 g
Sodium85 mg
Print
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Incredible Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars – Soft, Buttery & Irresistibly Nutty


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Yield: 12 Bars 1x

Description

Soft and chewy Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars made with roasted hazelnuts, coconut flour, and naturally sweetened for a delicious bakery-style treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups roasted hazelnuts, finely ground

½ cup coconut flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 eggs

⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

¼ cup melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan.

2. Grind roasted hazelnuts until finely ground.

3. Whisk together the dry ingredients.

4. Mix the wet ingredients until smooth.

5. Combine wet and dry mixtures.

6. Spread batter evenly into the pan.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Toast hazelnuts for the best flavor.

Do not overbake.

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Bar
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg
Incredible Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cookie Bars – Soft, Buttery & Irresistibly Nutty
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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