Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 9 bars · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Quick Answer
These Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for holiday gatherings.
As the chill of autumn settles in New York City and the holiday season approaches, the aroma of baked goods fills my kitchen with warmth and joy. One of my favorite treats that perfectly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas is these delightful Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars. They are an exhilarating blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, creating a festive symphony of flavors that satisfies the senses and brings people together around the table.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully festive flavors that epitomize the holiday season.
- Vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients found in your pantry.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
- Great for meal prep; they store well in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
To craft these lovely cookie bars, you'll need:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)
- Optional: a sprinkle of powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare my baking dish by lining an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the almond flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and sea salt. The nutty aroma brings back fond memories of baking with my grandmother.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, I mix the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well blended. Then, I add in the zest of the orange, enhancing the vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
I carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the texture, so I take care to fold gently.
Step 5: Add Cranberries
Next, I fold in the chopped cranberries, their bright red hue signaling the festive nature of these cookie bars.
Step 6: Bake
I pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. After placing it into the preheated oven, I bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden edges and a slight jiggle in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, I let them cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. I slice them into bars and give each a dusting of powdered sugar if I'm feeling festive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough cookie bars. Remember, gentle folds are your best friend!
- Not cooling before slicing: If you cut them warm, they may crumble. Patience is key here!
- Using the wrong size pan: Make sure your pan is 8x8 inches for the best results; otherwise, the bars may turn out unevenly baked.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use fresh cranberries for a burst of tartness, but if you can't find them, frozen works just as well.
- Feel free to brighten it up further by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- These bars are delightful straight out of the fridge, so consider making them a day ahead for your holiday gatherings.
Variations
- Substitute almond flour with oat flour for a different texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra sweetness.
How to Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: Enjoy cold or reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Freeze for longer storage; thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Experimenting with these cookie bars taught me the balance of flavors is truly essential. The fresh cranberries add a surprising burst of tartness, contrasting beautifully with the sweet, citrusy notes. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most delightful dishes, especially during the holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 3g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Delightful Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and sea salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then, add the zest of the orange.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries, then pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
Yes, you can use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for best flavor and texture.
