Irresistibly Fudgy Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars

First off, thank you so much for being here—I’m thrilled to share this cozy little treat with you today! These gluten-free oatmeal cookie bars aren’t just sweet and fudgy, they’re the kind of dessert that makes the whole kitchen smell like love. When I baked a batch for my mom last weekend, she leaned in, took a deep breath, and said: “These smell better than any candle.” Honestly? She’s right!

If you love easy desserts with big flavor, this one will become a staple in your kitchen. Oh, and my mom even declared she prefers these over pumpkin pie… and that’s saying something! If you’d like more family-favorite recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list—I share new recipes every week!

Overview of Recipe Content

These cookie bars are:

• Perfect for gatherings – Quick to whip up, slice, and share.
• Naturally gluten-free – Oats and almond flour give the perfect chewy texture.
• Fudgy & soft inside, golden outside – like the best mix between a brownie and an oatmeal cookie.

What they taste like: Imagine a chewy oatmeal cookie with a slight nuttiness, but in a bar form, thick enough to sink your teeth into, with melty chocolate in every bite.

Nutritional benefits: Thanks to oats and almond flour, they’re higher in fiber and protein than your average dessert. Plus, they can be made dairy-free too.

Ingredients you’ll need:

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• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil), melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Tools you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Additions:

• Swap almond flour for oat flour if needed.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use dried cranberries or raisins instead of chocolate chips.

How to Make Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars

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1. Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, syrup, eggs, and vanilla until glossy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, stir oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Bring It Together – Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet mix until fully combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Bake – Spread evenly into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and slightly set in the center.
6. Cool & Slice – Let cool completely before slicing into bars (trust me, it’s worth the wait!).

These bars come out chewy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. The smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars

• A warm mug of chai or hot chocolate.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Fresh berries on the side for a lighter bite.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks a little soft.
• Chill before slicing if you want clean, bakery-style bars.
• Double the batch—these go fast, especially at potlucks or family gatherings.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Fridge: Keeps for 1 week, great for meal prep.
• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost at room temp or microwave for 20 seconds.

General Information

Oats have long been a staple in American kitchens, from hearty breakfasts to homey desserts. These oatmeal cookie bars give a modern, gluten-free spin to a classic that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or simply to brighten a Tuesday afternoon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut oil or vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the bars will be softer and less chewy.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Try cutting the sugar in half and add a tablespoon of applesauce for moisture.

Do these travel well?
Yes! Pack them in a tin or parchment-lined box—they hold together beautifully.

Conclusion

These gluten-free oatmeal cookie bars are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something magical. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re warm, chewy, and guaranteed to make your home smell better than any candle.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these:

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Can’t wait to see your version—don’t forget to share it on Pinterest (Poulef Recipes) or tag me on Instagram!

Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 12 servings)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
210	26g	5g	10g	14g	3g

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