• About
  • Contact

Gina Gibson

simple, healthy, meals

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Salads
    • Desserts
    • Smoothies & Juices
  • Lifestyle
    • Mom Life
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Kitchen
    • Home
    • Beauty
    • Dress Me
    • Baby & Toddler
  • Homemade Products

Sugar Cookie Bars

December 13, 2022 by Gina + Leave a Comment

A healthy sugar cookie bar that is both delicious and easy? Sign me up. These sugar cookie bars are a favorite of everyone I’ve shared them with, and hopefully will be with you too!

Jump to Recipe

When it comes to baking I like it simple. I’m much more comfortable with savory dishes because I think there’s more forgiveness and you can adjust a lot based on preferences. With baked, you have to get it right from the beginning most of the time. One reason I love these sugar cookie bars is that they are easy and only require a handful of ingredients. And while ingredient amounts matter, there are no complicated steps or lots of measuring required.

The basis for this sugar cookie bar recipe is cashew butter. I use a homemade version which is just roasted and salted cashews blended in a food processor until creamy. This gives the bars a creamy, rich, nice dense consistency. It also keeps them egg free.

Ingredients needed for Sugar Cookie Bars


  • Cashew butter
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • All-purpose flour
  • Almond extract
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Butter (for the frosting)
  • Cream cheese (for the frosting)
  • Powdered sugar (for the frosting)

How to make Creamy Sugar Cookie Bars


  • Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl until combined.
  • Press into a parchment-lined or greased square baking dish.
  • Bake and then cool completely.
  • Once the cookie bars are cooled, mix the ingredients for the frosting. Frost the cookie square then cut it into smaller squares.

Tips for the Sugar cookie bars


  • Cashew butter can be pricey but if you can find a bag of roasted cashews, blend it in a food processor until creamy and smooth.
  • Make sure to frost the cookie bars completely before frosting.
  • You can easily make this vegan but using vegan butter and vegan cream cheese.
  • Add as little or as much powdered sugar to get the sweetness you like. I find about 1/2 a cup works great.

More recipes like this


  • No Bake mini pumpkin cheesecake
  • Almond flour chocolate chip cookies
  • Apple crumb bars

Healthier Baked French Toast

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 large servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar regular sugar works too

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Cut the slices of bread into 4 squares per slice. Place in a large (8×11) greased baking dish.
  • In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, 1 tsp of the cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Pour over bread. Using a spoon or clean hands, toss the bread to get each piece coated
  • If baking right away, mix the 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sugar then top the bread. I usually don't use all the mix but use what you want.
  • If baking the next morning, cover and store in the fridge. Add the sugar mix right before baking.
  • Bake for 30 minutes then top with fresh fruit if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You might also like:

Default ThumbnailCashew Butter Brownies Default ThumbnailFrozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites Walnut Banana Bread Default ThumbnailTahini Chocolate Chip Bars

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: buttercream frosting, cookie, frosting, healthier, healthy, sugar cookie

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

Copyright © 2025 · Daphne v2 · Designed by Designer Blogs