Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars
Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat, seamlessly blending the joy of holiday baking with a nutritious twist. Imagine indulging in soft, chewy cookie bars that are not only delicious but also packed with protein—ideal for health-conscious holiday gatherings! I first stumbled upon this recipe during the holiday season, where I wanted a sweet treat that wouldn’t derail my fitness goals. Trust me, these protein-packed delights are so good, you won’t even notice they’re healthier.
Why make this recipe
You might be wondering why you should add this recipe to your holiday baking repertoire. The answer is simple: these Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful way to enjoy festive flavors without compromising your health. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also cater to various dietary needs with their gluten-free and lower-sugar ingredients. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a wholesome snack, they are kid-approved and adult-friendly alike!
“These cookie bars are a game-changer! I made them for a holiday gathering, and they disappeared within minutes. Plus, I love the added protein boost!” – A satisfied baker
How to make Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating these delightful cookie bars is a breeze. You’ll start by gathering a few simple ingredients, followed by an easy step-by-step process that makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s an overview to get you excited about the baking journey ahead!
Ingredients
Gather these items for your Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 30 g protein powder
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 g protein powder (for frosting)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-3 tsp almond milk (for frosting)
- Additional monk fruit (optional, for frosting sweetness)
If almond flour isn’t available, you can swap it for oat flour, but be mindful that it may alter the texture slightly.
Directions
Let’s get started on making these delicious bars:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add in the eggs, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, ensuring it fills the corners.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and the edges turn a lovely golden color. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, protein powder, the vanilla extract, and a few teaspoons of almond milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency. If you prefer it sweeter, add a sprinkle of monk fruit sweetener.
- Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Cut into 16 squares and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive creation!
How to serve Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars
Serving these bars can be just as fun as making them! Consider placing them on a festive platter and garnishing with a dusting of powdered monk fruit for a touch of holiday cheer. Pair them with a warm cup of herbal tea or a peppermint-infused hot chocolate for a delightful snack. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays alongside other treats!
How to store
To keep your Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars; simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips to make
Here are a few helpful tips to elevate your baking experience:
- Overmixing Alert: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients; this will help keep your bars tender.
- Frosting Flexibility: Adjust the consistency of your frosting by altering the amount of almond milk you add. A thicker frosting works great for a smooth spread.
- Taste Test: If you’re unsure about the sweetness, taste your batter before baking. You can adjust the monk fruit to meet your preferences.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these creative twists on the original recipe:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for that classic holiday flavor.
FAQs
What is the prep time for Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars?
The total prep time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I substitute the monk fruit sweetener with another sweetener?
Yes! You can use stevia, erythritol, or regular sugar, but adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference.
How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They typically last about a week in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
These Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to become a festive favorite that delights your taste buds while keeping your health in check. Enjoy baking and happy holidays!
Christmas Protein Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and edges are golden. Allow to cool in the pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, protein powder, vanilla extract, and almond milk until desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Cut into 16 squares and serve on a platter, optionally garnished with powdered monk fruit.
