Apple Chai Cookie Bars

Hey, Freebellies! Are you looking for Apple Chai Cookie Bars? I got you!

It's that magical time of year again—when you can smell the change in the air. You know what I’m talking about—fall! With sweaters or in my case shorts, yummy drinks, and the age-old debate: Pumpkin or Apple? I know pumpkins have been the reigning monarchs during this time of year for a while (thanks, PSLs), but there’s a new challenger in town, and it’s Apple’s time to shine.

Now, I’m here to make the case for APPLE with these amazing Apple Chai Cookie Bars. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free, which means you can enjoy fall flavors without feeling like you need to take a nap right after! Plus, this recipe will make your kitchen smell like an apple orchard, and honestly, who can say no to that?

Let’s dive in!

The Pumpkin vs. Apple Showdown

Before we jump into the recipe for Apple Chai Cookie Bars, let’s address the pumpkin-sized elephant in the room: the season's famous flavor fight. On one side, you’ve got team Pumpkin Spice, and on the other, team Apple Everything. Look, I’m not saying pumpkin’s overrated, but have we really given apples the love they deserve? I mean, apple pies, cider, crisps—they’re like the OGs of fall. And don’t get me started on the crispness and juiciness of a freshly picked apple on a cool, breezy day. It’s autumn in a bite!

Pumpkin may bring the spice, but apples? They bring that sweet, tangy punch that pumpkin can only dream of.

Inspiration

The inspiration for this recipe comes straight from one of my daughter's favorite treats of the season—Starbucks’ Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Chai. There’s something about the warm spices and sweet apple flavor that makes you feel all cozy inside, even when it's served over ice. I wanted to capture that same comforting, spiced apple vibe in a treat you can enjoy anytime—without waiting in line or sipping through a straw! These Iced Apple Cookie Bars bring all the flavors of that iconic drink to life, with chewy dried apples and warm cinnamon in every bite, creating the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, just like the drink that inspired them.

Hidden Gem

Now, let's talk about the hidden gem in this Apple Chai Cookie Bar recipe—dried apples! I wanted to incorporate dried apples to amp up these cookie bars' flavor and texture. Unlike fresh apples, dried apples offer a more concentrated sweetness and a delightfully chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft, crumbly cookie base. Plus, they bring some serious nutritional benefits—think fiber, antioxidants, and a natural energy boost. By incorporating dried apples, we’re ensuring every bite is packed with rich apple flavor and an extra dose of goodness to keep you satisfied.

Nutritional Benefits of Dried Apples

If you're using dried apples for an extra boost in your bars, you're in for some serious benefits. Dried apples aren’t just delicious; they pack a punch when it comes to nutrients. Here's why you should love them:

1. Rich in Fiber: Dried apples are a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps support digestion, keeps you fuller longer, and can even aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. So, that means more fiber with less bulk than fresh apples.
2. Packed with Antioxidants: Apples contain polyphenols, especially quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. Even when dried, these apples retain many antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and support overall health.
3. Energy Boost: Since dried apples are a more concentrated source of fruit sugars (natural ones!), they give you a nice energy lift without the crash, giving you a little power boost!
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Dried apples still carry a decent dose of vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Potassium is great for maintaining healthy muscles and balancing fluids, while iron supports healthy blood circulation.
5. Low in Fat: Naturally fat-free, dried apples make for a light, guilt-free addition to baked goods like our cookie bars.

Adding dried apples to these cookie bars will not only pump up the flavor but also sneak in some extra goodness to fuel your days!

Apple Chai Cookie Bar Recipe

INGREDIENTS

For the Bars

• 2 Eggs (Pasture-Raised)
• 1 Cup Brown Coconut Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Refined Coconut Oil
• 1 tbsp Date Syrup
• 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 2-1/4 Cup Almond Flour
• 1 tbsp Tapioca Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 3 tsp Organic Chai Tea
• 1-1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 2/3 Cup Dried Apple Slices
, Diced*
• 1/2 Cup Pecans, Toasted and Chopped*

For the Icing

• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tbsp Organic Apple Juice
• 1/8 tsp of Ground Cinnamon
• A dash of Salt

*Instructions for dicing the apple rings and preparing the pecans are located in the notes section below.

METHOD

For Bars

1. First, Preheat your oven to 350°F Conventional (175°C) or 325°F Convection and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper. Trust me, this step will save you from cookie bar cling later!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, brown coconut sugar, date sugar, melted coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and vanilla extract.
3. Next, in a separate bowl, mix all your dry ingredients: almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, chai tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a little whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until combined. It’ll smell like heaven.
4. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Now, fold in the diced apples and toasted and chopped pecans and feel good about all the fruity toasty goodness happening here. Mix until evenly incorporated.
6. After everything is combined, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Patience, grasshopper. It’s worth it. Then, set aside to cool.

For the Icing

1. While your bars cool, let’s make that apple icing. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and apple juice until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure to mix well ensuring there are no lumps. You want it drizzle-worthy but not too runny. Set the icing aside.
2. After the bars have cooled to room temperature, unmold the bars. Run a knife along the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pan. Place onto a cutting board.
3. Cut the edges of the bars on all four sides, roughly 1/4" from each side.
4. Now, drizzle or spread the icing over your cooled apple bars. If you’re fancy, do the whole artistic drizzle thing. If you’re me, you’re just trying not to eat all the icing before it hits the bars.
5. Next, cut the width (9" sides) of the bars into thirds, and length (13" sides) into quarters. You should have 12 bars after making the cuts.
6. Cut each of the 12 bars diagonally, yielding 24 bars making triangles.
7. Serve and Enjoy. Prepare to enter apple heaven.

Why You’ll Love My Apple Chai Cookie Bars

• They’re chewy, sweet, and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
• The cinnamon and nutmeg bring all those seasonal vibes without the need for pumpkin.
• The apple cinnamon icing adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
• Plus, they’re totally guilt-free—dairy, gluten, and grain? Bye-bye. We’re living our best allergen-free lives!

Team Apple For the Win

So, there you have it, folks! I’m officially nominating these Apple Chai Cookie Bars as the new MVP. They’re easy to whip up, totally allergen-free, and, dare I say it, a serious contender to dethrone pumpkin this season.

Whether you’re team Apple or Pumpkin, give these a try and let me know in the comments how they stack up to your favorite treats. Let’s give the humble apple the recognition it deserves!

Until next time, keep those kitchens peaceful and allergen-free.

¡Buen Provecho!

If you like this recipe, check out my Hawaiian Cinnamon Sweet Rolls.