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    Home » Type » Desserts » Bars and Brownies

    Jam Bar Cookies {Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened}

    Published: Jan 29, 2011 · Modified: Apr 14, 2022 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 62 Comments

    There’s a cute little co-op in my area that makes the best jam thumbprint cookies around.  The only problem is that the co-op is over half an hour away from where I live and I’m not willing to drive that far every time I want a good jam thumbprint.  You can probably see where this is going, lol.  I decided to try and replicate them at home (try being the operative word here).

    The cookies that the co-op makes are called “Vegan Mixed Berry Almond Thumbprints” and their ingredient list reads as follows:  almonds, spelt flour,  brown rice syrup, canola oil, mixed berries, salt, cinnamon.  From there I came up with my version of the recipe, making a few adaptations to accommodate what was in my pantry (for example, I didn’t have spelt flour or brown rice syrup so I used other ingredients to replace them).

    I made the dough, rolled it into balls, and so far so good.  Then I tried pressing my thumb in the center of the balls to create the indentation for the jelly, and the cookies literally just crumbled to smithereens.  After a few attempts I realized that there was just no way these cookies were going to hold their jam…so knew I had to improvise, and bar cookies were the obvious choice.

    It’s like lemons and lemonade:  when life gives you crumbs, make crumble topping.  And that’s how these bar cookies were born.  They were so delicious this is a mistake I will happily make again.  Next time I think I want to try them with cherry jam. 

    Jam Bar Cookies

    (Yield:  8- by 8-inch pan of bar cookies)

    1 c rolled oats

    1 c almond meal/flour

    1 c coconut flour

    ½ teaspoon salt

    ½ teaspoon cinnamon

    ½ teaspoon vanilla powder

    ½ teaspoon baking soda

    ½ c honey

    ½ c canola oil

    1 (10 oz) jar of jam (I used Polaner fruit-sweetened raspberry jam)

    ½ c almonds, coarsely chopped

    Preheat oven to 350F; line an 8- by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to drape over the edges of the pan.  In a food processor, process the oats until they form a fine powder; pulse in the almond meal, coconut flour, salt, cinnamon, vanilla powder, and baking soda until combined.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and oil; mix the dry ingredients into the wet. 

    Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, then spread the jam on top of the dough.  Use a fork to crumble the remaining half of the dough (so that it has a texture similar to crumble topping), then sprinkle it on top of the jam layer.  Spread the almonds on top of the dough, then use your hands to gently press down on the top.

    Bake for 22 minutes; cool completely before cutting.

    A Note on the Oats:  Oats are gluten-free, but if you have gluten sensitivities, you should be sure to purchase oats that are free from possible contamination while processing (such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats).

    A Note on the Honey:  This recipe is easy to make vegan -- just use a vegan liquid sweetener (such as maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or agave) instead of the honey.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kathy Hegstrom says

      December 19, 2018 at 5:08 pm

      Can a healthier oil such as coconut, avocado or olive oil be used in place of the canola oil?

      Reply
      • Faith says

        December 20, 2018 at 7:55 am

        Kathy, Yes, definitely! I would recommend using avocado oil, or melted coconut oil, or light olive oil. Hope you enjoy the cookies if you decide to give them a try!

        Reply
    2. Ally says

      March 23, 2011 at 5:13 am

      I've made your bars when I first came across your post and have to say they were GREAT. I've just posted the jam bars I make regularly based on yours, thankyou for the inspiration :D

      Reply
    3. Veronica says

      February 09, 2011 at 2:49 am

      I missed this one but thankfully caught it now that I'm getting through my backlogged emails. Looks incredible, girl!

      Reply
    4. Biren @ Roti n Rice says

      February 03, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      These look fantastic and gluten-free at that!

      Reply
    5. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      February 03, 2011 at 7:23 am

      I think these vegan bars would convert even the most avid non vegan eater Faith! :D

      Reply
    6. Kristi Rimkus says

      February 02, 2011 at 10:54 pm

      Great job improvising. I'll bet these bars would rival the thumbprint cookies any day.

      Kristi

      Reply
    7. Lori@FakeFoodFree says

      February 01, 2011 at 10:50 pm

      These sound amazing! Such a hearty treat. I could likely pull them off as a pre or post run snack. I may give them a try with virgin coconut oil and some of the jam I made this summer.

      Reply
    8. Anna Johnston says

      February 01, 2011 at 12:39 am

      Mmmm, a yummy healthy treat that looks wickedly high in sugars & all sorts of things...., but the recipe almost says its good for me..., that's gotta be my type of feast :)

      Reply
    9. Anna Johnston says

      February 01, 2011 at 12:38 am

      Mmmm, a yummy healthy treat that looks wickedly high in sugars & all sorts of things...., my type of feast :)

      Reply
    10. marla {family fresh cooking} says

      January 31, 2011 at 9:22 pm

      Love that there are no refined sugars in these treats. My kind of snack Faith. These bars can be enjoyed anytime of day - very healthy. Love almond meal in sweets and savories.

      Reply
    11. grace says

      January 31, 2011 at 5:52 pm

      look at those MASSIVE hunks of almond! i'm so used to seeing sliced almonds or even slivered that i'm actually excited to see coarsely chopped ones--great bars!

      Reply
    12. Magic of Spice says

      January 31, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Excellent save :) These jam bars look amazing...love the chunky almonds in there :)

      Reply
    13. Tanvi@SinfullySpicy says

      January 31, 2011 at 3:11 pm

      I cant believe this!!!! How did you read my mind??? Just today I was thinking of making cookies with oats & coconut and you have given me a recipe.I m gonna make these tomorrow.Love Love oats in cookies.Thanks so so much!

      Reply
    14. Blond Duck says

      January 31, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      I love how they're naturally sweetened!

      Reply
    15. Emily Z says

      January 31, 2011 at 2:34 pm

      Yum, Faith! These look so delicious and healthy! You're brilliant! :) I don't know if there are any co-ops in my area. If there are, I have no clue!

      Reply
    16. geni says

      January 31, 2011 at 2:04 pm

      These looks so wonderful! The coconut flour is intriguing me since I have never seen no used it. Now I will have to give it a go. Great way to save this recipe! :)

      Reply
    17. Dana says

      January 31, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      These look delicious! My cousin is gluten free, and I bet she would appreciate this recipe!

      Reply
    18. Mary says

      January 31, 2011 at 11:59 am

      These really do look wonderful and beg to be tried. They were a wonderful "accident." Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

      Reply
    19. Krista says

      January 31, 2011 at 11:38 am

      I'd classify this as a mistake gone good, too!

      Reply
    20. Erica says

      January 31, 2011 at 11:27 am

      This is a MUST try for sure. Love the idea! Great photos.

      Reply
    21. Heavenly Housewife says

      January 31, 2011 at 10:11 am

      These are chock full of yummy stuff. The cool thing is, I actually have coconut flour :D
      *kisses* HH

      Reply
    22. Victoria says

      January 31, 2011 at 10:07 am

      I was just about to say "you could easily make these vegan is you swap out the honey" and then saw your note at the bottom, haha. Good minds think alike :) Glad you were able to create your version of those cookies!

      Reply
    23. Nicole, RD says

      January 31, 2011 at 9:11 am

      I think the best recipes are born through trial and error :) These look better than thumbprints anyway, promise!

      Reply
    24. delphcotecuisine says

      January 31, 2011 at 7:44 am

      still a gorgeous recipe, I will try also with cherries' jam
      have a nice day
      Delphine

      Reply
    25. Crazy Sweet Life (Brianna) says

      January 30, 2011 at 10:04 pm

      Oh my gosh, these bars look soooo delicious! I've got to try this recipe!

      Reply
    26. Reeni says

      January 30, 2011 at 9:48 pm

      I think these are better than thumbprints Faith! More substantial and their deliciousness is obvious!

      Reply
    27. FOODESSA says

      January 30, 2011 at 9:06 pm

      Ohh...yes Faith...I truly believe that the best creations come from experiments and mistakes.

      These look incredibly like bars I would enjoy anytime...especially since almonds and oats are starring ;o)

      Ciao for now,
      Claudia

      Reply
    28. Mary says

      January 30, 2011 at 9:03 pm

      I think this was a very happy accident! They look fantastic with the big chunks of almonds on top--I'd be picking those off every time I walked by, if I didn't grab a whole piece! I've never baked with coconut flour, but I am going to look around your site for more ideas. So many tasty things here!
      :)

      Reply
    29. Julie M. says

      January 30, 2011 at 8:46 pm

      what a delicious creation you've made here! I'm willing to bet yours are even better (and definitely prettier!) than the originals. Beautiful snaps of a winning recipe.

      Reply
    30. kalli says

      January 30, 2011 at 8:19 pm

      oh my gosh these look so good. can't wait until i can bake again :)

      Reply
    31. Nina @ Salt says

      January 30, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      Wow! These look fantastic! Right up my alley. Thank you so much for sharing this great recipe...wonderful post!

      Reply
    32. Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says

      January 30, 2011 at 7:13 pm

      Naturally sweetened - love that! I'm making these right away because I actually have (just about) all of the ingredients on hand.

      Reply
    33. Carolyn Jung says

      January 30, 2011 at 5:38 pm

      You had me sold just from all those lovely roasted almonds sprinkled over the top. These jam bars look so hearty and satisfying.

      Reply
    34. Lisa says

      January 30, 2011 at 5:30 pm

      Wow---these look awesome! I want them. Now. :)

      Reply
    35. kim says

      January 30, 2011 at 4:30 pm

      Oh yum! This could be for breakfast or a snack in my dictionary. :)

      Reply
    36. Jen says

      January 30, 2011 at 4:30 pm

      What a wonderful mistake! Can you deliver some?

      Reply
    37. tasteofbeirut says

      January 30, 2011 at 3:52 pm

      I would love a box of these if you are taking orders!

      Reply
    38. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says

      January 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm

      awww boo! I'll have to run out and buy a ton of ingredients just to make these... but I soooooo want them now! They look fantastic!! =) I know i'd instantly love them <3

      also, i'm a little nutso and will drive almost 3 hours to go to trader joes and whole foods! but I only do that every month or two! Its so worth the road trip! =)

      Reply
    39. Beth says

      January 30, 2011 at 3:12 pm

      "When life gives you crumbs, make crumble topping." I love it! That's actually a great slogan to live by!

      Reply
    40. Mia says

      January 30, 2011 at 1:39 pm

      Aint it sooo wonderful when goodness we crave for actually leads us to get so creatively delightful and come out with something even more better in the kitchen!
      yeah , its u am talking about coz u sure did absolutely wonderful here Faith and am sure these were better than the co-op cookies:-)
      Oh sure the cherry jam sounds wonderful and these will give u a healthy dose too!

      Reply
    41. Diane says

      January 30, 2011 at 12:05 pm

      It is fun trying to replicate a recipe from the ingredients. I have tried a couple of times and I always end up with something different but it still tastes delicious. Looks like you have done the same thing, think I my just try this recipe they look good. Diane

      Reply
    42. Victor @ Random Cuisine says

      January 30, 2011 at 11:12 am

      As a scientist, it occurs to me oftenly that accidents and mistakes lead to great inventions and ideas. I just posted something similar where only the dried fruits are my source of sweeteners.

      Reply
    43. nancy at good food matters says

      January 30, 2011 at 10:13 am

      It can be really tricky to replicate a recipe like that, but you can discover some terrific alternatives---like your bar cookie adaptation. all those tasty healthful ingredients! helps eliminate the guilt factor...

      Reply
    44. Joanne says

      January 30, 2011 at 9:11 am

      To be honest, bar cookies are my cookies of choice to begin with. And these are chock full of such delicious ingredients!

      Reply
    45. Lucy says

      January 30, 2011 at 7:38 am

      These look so tasty - and an added bonus that they're made with such good ingredients. Very tempting :)

      Reply
    46. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

      January 30, 2011 at 3:44 am

      These are delicious, I am a huge fan of cinnamon too!

      Reply
    47. Katerina says

      January 30, 2011 at 2:28 am

      Since they have cinnamon they are perfect for me.

      Reply
    48. Angie's Recipes says

      January 30, 2011 at 1:20 am

      Gluten-free, and naturally sweetened...how I Love those energy squares!

      Reply
    49. Sanjeeta kk says

      January 30, 2011 at 12:36 am

      Am in love with these healthy bars or cookies as you named them. Like the no egg and sugar free version.

      Reply
    50. A Canadian Foodie says

      January 30, 2011 at 12:02 am

      I was watching Michael Smith on Tv the other day - a famous Canadian Chef and he said honey was TEN TIMES as sweet as sugar. I find that hard to believe.... but, in my last cake I only used 1/2 cup like you in these bars, and it was sweet enough...
      not ten times, though.
      These looks really tasty!
      :)
      valerie

      Reply
    51. lequan says

      January 29, 2011 at 11:57 pm

      Haha! I love that, "when life gives you crumbs, make crumble topping". These jam bars look delicious with the crumble topping. I love it when kitchen mistakes go right! Unfortunately not many of mine do...teehee.

      Reply
    52. Erica says

      January 29, 2011 at 11:55 pm

      owwwww! What a beautiful recreation! I like the idea of a bar better than a cookie. Such a great ingredient list- I haven't baked with coconut flour, but really want to.

      Reply
    53. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says

      January 29, 2011 at 11:42 pm

      I would definitely eat these cookies for breakfast without even blinking an eye- they look so good! :)

      Reply
    54. Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says

      January 29, 2011 at 10:45 pm

      As they say most of the great inventions are a result of a mistake lol. These look quite good and tasty. I agree cherry jam would rule even more, a favorite fruit.

      Reply
    55. Astra Libris says

      January 29, 2011 at 10:20 pm

      Coconut flour!! I've been looking for an excuse to bake with coconut flour! :-) These look soooo scrumptious, too - the perfect excuse... ;-)

      Reply
    56. Swathi says

      January 29, 2011 at 10:12 pm

      Jam Bar cookies looks delicious Faith, i like that you didn't add any extra sugar.

      Reply
    57. Aipi says

      January 29, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      Now..that is something I can eat for breakfast everyday without having to think twice :)
      They look positively wonderful!!

      US Masala

      Reply
    58. Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen says

      January 29, 2011 at 7:20 pm

      Such a yummy alternative! You should make mistakes more often ;)

      Reply
    59. BeadedTail says

      January 29, 2011 at 7:05 pm

      I wouldn't even know how to begin replicating a recipe but these looks really good!

      Reply
    60. Rosa says

      January 29, 2011 at 6:12 pm

      Healthy looking! those must be really good.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    61. zerrin says

      January 29, 2011 at 4:32 pm

      It is always the best to make it at home. These bars look definitely so yummy! I love that you use just honey and jam for these. The almonds on the top make it more tempting for me. Could you please pass me some?

      Reply

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