Newfoundland Cookie Bars, also known as “Newfie Cookie Bars,” are a beloved sweet treat from Newfoundland and Labrador, often featured during holidays or special occasions.

These gluten free dessert bars will surprise your guests that are able to consume a regular diet.

A graham crumb base topped with melted Aero bar or chocolate chips, make this an irresistible treat.

This recipe yields 24 bars but will vary depending on the size of bar you cut to suit your occasion.

These bars are simple yet rich, with a combination of flavors that appeal to those who love classic cookie-style desserts.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin making Newfoundland Cookie Bars, I melted some butter in the microwave.

After the butter had cooled a bit I poured it into a mixing bowl with some vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk.

I used an electric hand mixer to mix the ingredients just until combined.

Then I dumped in some gluten free graham crumbs and some unsweetened medium shred coconut.

Next I used the electric hand mixer on low speed, to combine the wet and dry ingredients.

I lined an 8″ baking pan with parchment paper.

Then I scraped the graham crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan.

I spread the mixture out evenly in the pan.

Next I placed the baking pan in a 350F oven to bake for about 25 – 30  minutes or until golden brown and edges pulling away from the sides of the pan.

While the base was cooking I prepared the topping by breaking up some Aero bars into chunks.  I used 4 this time but if I want a thicker chocolate layer I use up to 6 chocolate bars.  You could also use chocolate chips if you prefer.

Once the edges were pulling away from the pan I removed the bars from the oven and turned off the oven.

Then I sprinkled the chocolate bar pieces on top of the hot bars.

Then I returned the baking pan to the oven for a couple minutes or until the chocolate was melting.

Next I spread the melted chocolate evenly over top of the bars.

I allowed the bars to sit until the chocolate had hardened.

Then I used the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan.

Next I cut the bars into the serving size pieces I preferred.

These are such quick and easy bars to make any time of the year.

Newfoundland Cookie Bars are easy to make and are a favorite at gatherings, making them a go-to dessert for those who enjoy a simple but indulgent treat.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Here Are More Squares and Bars For You To Enjoy…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make these Newfoundland Cookie Bars:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups gluten free graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut, medium shred
• 300 ml sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 Aero chocolate bars (6 if you want thicker chocolate)

How to Make Newfoundland Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8″ square baking pan.
2. Melt the butter in the microwave and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add melted butter, vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk to a mixing bowl.  Blend to just combine with electric hand mixer.
4. Dump in the coconut and gluten free graham crumbs.  With electric hand mixer on low, mix the dry ingredients into the wet until well combined.
5. Once well comined scrape the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 or 30 minutes or until golden brown and edges pulling away from sides of pan.
7. While bars are baking break the Aero bars into chunks.
8. After baking, immediately sprinkle the Aero pieces on top of the bars.
9. Turn oven off and return pan to oven for a couple minutes for chocolate pieces to melt.
10. Remove from oven and spread melted chocolate out evenly on bars.
11. Allow to cool until chocolate hardens.
12. Cut into squares.
13. Serve and enjoy!
14. Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator.

FAQS:

What substitutions can I make in Newfoundland cookie bars?

Newfoundland cookie bars are rich, sweet treats typically made with ingredients like graham crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut. If you’re looking for substitutions, here are some options depending on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients:

1. Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crumbs

• Substitute with: Crushed gluten free digestive biscuits, or crushed gluten free vanilla wafers.

2. Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Substitute with:
  • Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use coconut condensed milk (found in health food stores) or make your own by simmering coconut milk with a sweetener.
  • Healthier Option: Use a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar, simmered until thickened.

3. Butter

• Substitute with:
  • Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or margarine.
  • Healthier Option: Use coconut oil (which will add a coconut flavor) or a plant-based alternative like olive oil.

4. Coconut

• Substitute with: Crushed nuts like almonds or pecans if you’re avoiding coconut. You could also try finely ground oats for a different texture.

5.  Aero Bars  

• Substitute with: Chocolate chips, Dairy-free chocolate chips (for vegan or dairy-free) or carob chips as a healthier alternative. You can also use chopped dark chocolate.

6. Nuts

• Substitute with: Seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for a nut-free version, or omit altogether if you’re concerned about allergies.

These substitutions should keep the flavor and texture fairly close while accommodating dietary needs or ingredient availability. Let me know if you’re looking for something more specific!

How do I store Newfoundland cookie bars?

To store Newfoundland cookie bars follow these steps to maintain freshness:

1. Refrigeration (Short-term storage):
   • Place the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper.
   • Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
2. Freezing (Long-term storage):
   • Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
   • Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, layering with parchment paper if needed.
   • Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
   • To serve, let the bars thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Properly storing them will ensure they maintain their texture and flavor!