Flourless Chewy Noels Bars: A Timeless Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Recipe
Experience the nostalgic charm of chewy Noels bars, now reimagined as a delightful flourless treat. These nutty, buttery, and utterly irresistible bar cookies are a classic Christmas staple, perfected with almond flour for a wonderful gluten-free addition to your holiday cookie platters. If you’re seeking a non-chocolate option that still delivers on rich flavor and festive cheer, these updated Noels bars are an absolute must-try!
Holiday traditions often revolve around food, and for my family, that meant an abundance of homemade cookies to share with neighbors and friends. As I grew up, helping my mom bake and then deliver these festive treats was a cherished part of the Christmas season that I looked forward to every year. The kitchen would fill with warm, inviting aromas, creating memories that linger to this day.
While my mom always experimented with a variety of cookies, certain recipes became indispensable staples. We were undoubtedly a peanut butter-chocolate loving household, so peanut butter balls and peanut butter swirl bars were almost guaranteed to make an appearance. My sisters and I also loved decorating various types of cut-out cookies, transforming simple dough into edible works of art.
However, another steadfast favorite that stands out in my memory was a wonderfully simple bar cookie known as “Noels.” The name itself always sparked curiosity; despite its festive moniker, there was nothing overtly “holiday-ish” about its plain, unassuming appearance. Yet, these bars held a special place in our hearts for two compelling reasons.
First, their sheer ease and speed of preparation were unmatched during the busy holiday season. Requiring only about 10 minutes of active prep time and roughly 20 minutes to bake, they offered a welcome relief from the more time-consuming and intricate cookie recipes. This efficiency made them a go-to for filling out those generous neighbor cookie plates without added stress.
Secondly, and most importantly, these simple bar cookies boasted an absolutely irresistible flavor profile and texture. Each bite delivered a delightful combination of rich, buttery notes and deep, nutty undertones, all perfectly complemented by a satisfyingly chewy consistency. It was this harmonious blend of ease and deliciousness that cemented their place as a perennial holiday favorite.
Years passed since I last baked a batch of Noels, but recently, I rediscovered my mother’s handwritten recipe. Inspired to bring this classic back, I decided to give it a modern, healthier twist: making it entirely flourless. The original recipe called for a mere 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, which immediately suggested that a simple substitution could yield a gluten-free version without compromising its beloved characteristics.
Given that these bars are fundamentally a nut-based cookie, replacing the small amount of wheat flour with almond flour seemed like the most natural and effective approach. Almond flour not only provides a fantastic gluten-free alternative but also enhances the nutty flavor already present in the original recipe, adding a delicate richness and a pleasant, slightly denser texture.
While the essence of the Noels bar remained, the transition to almond flour necessitated a few minor adjustments to the baking technique. Flourless batters tend to be a bit stickier and the finished bars more delicate or crumbly before cooling completely. Through some experimentation, I refined the process to ensure that these updated bars retained the cherished buttery flavor and the satisfying chewiness we adored in the original, while also being sturdy enough to handle.
Now, I am thrilled to have a new, yet wonderfully familiar, cookie bar to include in my holiday treat bags. This updated, flourless version means that everyone in my life, including those who follow a gluten-free diet, can enjoy a taste of this timeless Christmas tradition. It’s a true win-win: classic holiday goodness made accessible to all.
Flourless Chewy Noels Bar Cookies: The Perfect Gluten-Free Treat
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
One of the beauties of these Flourless Chewy Noels Bars is their simplicity. You only need a handful of core ingredients, plus a few common baking staples like salt, baking powder, and vanilla, to create these delicious treats. Each component plays a vital role in achieving their characteristic nutty flavor and satisfying chew:
- Chopped Nuts: Whether you prefer the rich, buttery notes of pecans or the slightly more robust flavor of walnuts, both work wonderfully. They are the star of these nut bars, contributing significantly to the texture and taste.
- Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; brown sugar lends moisture and a depth of flavor that complements the nuts beautifully, contributing to that desirable chewy texture.
- Almond Flour: This is the key to our flourless adaptation. It’s crucial to use fine-ground almond flour, not almond meal. Fine-ground almond flour provides a smoother texture and consistent results, whereas almond meal (which often includes almond skins) can result in a grittier, denser bar.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and providing structure to the bars. They also contribute to the richness and a slight lift.
- Butter: Essential for that classic buttery flavor and tender crumb. Melted butter also creates a delightful base in the pan, ensuring a flavorful crust.
And, of course, a dusting of powdered sugar is traditional for finishing the tops of Noels bars, giving them that classic, inviting snowy appearance. While this final touch is optional, it adds a subtle sweetness and aesthetic appeal that truly elevates the cookie.
It’s worth noting that I slightly decreased the sugar content from my mom’s original recipe, as I often find older cookie recipes to be a bit too sweet for modern palates. The resulting bars are only subtly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the nuts and butter to shine through. If you prefer to avoid powdered sugar, a light dusting of a raw sugar variety could also add a pleasant touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Noels Bars
When adapting this recipe to be flourless, the mixing and baking techniques required a slight modification from the original. Since the flourless batter is inherently stickier and the baked bars are more delicate when warm, traditional methods of inverting them onto a cooling rack immediately won’t work. Instead, we’ll employ a parchment paper lining method for easy handling and a perfect finish.
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly spray or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with oil. Then, line the bottom and two opposing sides of the pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over slightly. These “handles” will be crucial for easily lifting the cooled bars later.
- Melt the Butter: Place the measured butter directly into your prepared pan. Position the pan in the preheated oven to allow the butter to melt while you prepare the batter. Keep a close eye on it, removing the pan from the oven as soon as the butter is fully melted to prevent it from burning.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), fine-ground almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon, ensuring everything is well distributed before moving on. This step helps prevent clumps and ensures even flavor throughout the bars.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Now, it’s time to mix vigorously. At first, the mixture might appear quite dry and crumbly, but persistence is key! Continue to beat and stir very well until all the ingredients are completely incorporated and form a cohesive, albeit thick, batter. Don’t be shy; thorough mixing here ensures the right chewy texture.
- Assemble and Bake: Carefully and evenly pour the prepared batter over the melted butter in the baking pan. Resist the urge to stir or mix the batter into the melted butter; simply let it rest on top. This creates a distinct, buttery layer at the bottom of the bars.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are set. Remove the pan from the oven.
- Dust and Cool: While the bars are still warm, use a sifter to gently dust a generous layer of powdered sugar over the entire top surface. This creates the classic Noels look. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling completely is crucial for them to firm up and become less crumbly, making them much easier to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper edges as handles to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. If needed, gently run a knife along the two un-lined edges to loosen them. Cut the slab into 16 uniform bars. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, feel free to sift more powdered sugar over the cut bars if desired.
Dust with powdered sugar while warm, letting the gentle heat help it adhere. Then, allow these irresistible bars to cool completely in the pan. This patient step is essential for them to firm up properly, making them much easier to handle and cut.
Once completely cooled, use the convenient parchment paper edges to carefully transfer the entire slab of bars to a clean cutting board. Slice them into 16 individual bars, perfect for sharing. For an extra festive touch, feel free to sift another light dusting of powdered sugar over the tops before serving, making them look even more enticing.
All that’s left now is to savor the delightful taste of these vintage-inspired Christmas goodies. Updated to be flourless and gluten-free, they ensure that everyone can indulge in their rich, buttery, and nutty goodness. Enjoy sharing these reimagined classics with your loved ones this holiday season!
Chewy Noels Bars FAQs
Absolutely! These flourless Noels bars freeze wonderfully. Once they are completely cooled and cut, you can arrange them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by layers of parchment paper, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
While it might seem tempting to double the recipe for a larger 13×9-inch pan, I personally haven’t tested it with consistent success due to the delicate nature of the flourless batter and the specific butter melting technique. I find it much easier and more reliable to make two separate batches using the 8×8-inch pan recipe. This ensures better control over baking and consistency. If you do attempt to double it, please share your experience in the comments!
Beyond reducing the original brown sugar from 1 cup to 3/4 cup for a slightly less sweet profile, I’ve primarily stuck with brown sugar in this recipe. Brown sugar contributes to the unique chewiness and moistness that is central to Noels bars. I suspect that coconut sugar might work as a direct substitute, given its similar texture and moisture content to brown sugar. However, liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup would likely require significant further adaptations to the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio, and I haven’t experimented with those myself.
Join The Sweetest Season Cookie Exchange!
For several joyous years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in The Sweetest Season Cookie Exchange, a wonderful tradition where a group of passionate food bloggers come together to share their favorite cookie and candy recipes just in time for the holidays. It’s a fantastic way to discover new baking inspirations and expand your festive repertoire.
If you’re looking to broaden your holiday baking horizons, I highly recommend exploring the incredible variety of recipes shared by my fellow bloggers. You can check out the other 42 delicious cookie recipes right here on this page – it’s an invaluable resource for finding new, exciting treats to make for your family and friends this season!
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Flourless Chewy Noels Bars
Equipment
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8×8-inch baking pan
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Parchment Paper
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Medium mixing bowl & spoon
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Sifter
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup almond flour, fine ground (not almond meal)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Spray or lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with oil, then line with parchment paper so two ends hang over sides a bit, creating “handles.”
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Place butter in prepared pan and place in oven to melt. Keep an eye on it and remove when melted.
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Meanwhile in a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, nuts, almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Add eggs and vanilla and beat very well until it’s thoroughly mixed and forms a cohesive batter.
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Slowly pour batter evenly over the melted butter in the pan – do not stir.
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Bake 18-22 minutes until the top is golden. Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar over bars while they are still warm.
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Let bars cool completely in the pan. Then, lift bars from the pan with the parchment edges (loosening non-parchment edges with a knife if needed) onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars, sifting more powdered sugar over if desired.*
Notes
Make Ahead: Can be fully baked and cut into bars and then frozen for up to two months in an airtight container.
Nutrition
More Delicious Cookies To Try
If you loved these Flourless Chewy Noels Bars and are looking for more baking inspiration, especially for the holiday season or just for everyday treats, be sure to explore some of these other fantastic cookie recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor and texture profile, perfect for expanding your baking repertoire or delighting guests.
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