Copycat ZBar Cookies {Vegan, Date-Sweetened, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free}

DIY ZBAR cookies that are just like ZBars! They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and sweetened with dates.

Homemade Healthy Snacks

I am typically wary of any products specifically marketed as “kids food” as they are often loaded with sugar, sodium, preservatives, artificial color and flavors, and all other sorts of gobbledy-gook. Adding insult to injury, the packaging is excessive and replete with an slick advertising overkill.

But exceptions exist, like cheddar bunny crackers (I have probably eat more bunnies than my son and two nephews combined) and unsweetened applesauce in pouches (note: excellent while driving :)).

I also like Zbars, which are made by Clifbar; they feature whole grains, organic ingredients,  and are sweetened mostly with dried fruit (figs).

The fact that both companies are in Berkeley, and literally located blocks from where I grew up, probably makes me prejudiced to the products of both companies, too. Might as well lay it all out on the table.

How to Make Copycat Zbar Cookies

Nevertheless, because I am who I am, I decided to make my own from-scratch version of Zbars.

Nick rarely finishes an entire bar, so I decided on copycat Zbar cookies instead. One cookie is just the right size for a treat or snack. I am a fan of crispy edges, too, and you get more of them in cookie form.

I think I’ve nailed it with both the taste and texture. I sweetened the cookies with dates alone, so they are only mildly sweet. The texture is soft, but with those crispy bits at the edges I mentioned.

A Healthy Snack for Kids of All Ages 

I cannot think of any reason why these copycat zbar cookies should be limited to children of any particular age; one is perfect for a blood sugar boost right around 4 o’clock (that’s my wilting hour) without the sugar jitters that accompany regular cookies or some energy bars.

Hence, my recommended age range for these zbar cookies is 1 to 130. 🙂

Can I Make the Cookies without Chocolate Chips?

I made this batch with a smattering of chocolate chips, but you can add dried fruit, nuts, seeds…you get the idea. Heads up: almond butter with a bit of almond extract in place of the vanilla is a smashing variation. Enjoy the tweaking!

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Copycat ZBar Cookies {vegan, oil-free, gluten-free}

Yield: 24

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Copycat Zbar cookies, just like ZBars! They are naturally vegan, oil-free, flourless, gluten-free, and sweetened with dates.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)--GF if needed
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (ground flaxseeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 (semi-packed) cup whole, pitted dates
• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened nut or seed butter of choice
• 1/2 cup plain nondairy or dairy milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or a silpat, or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a food processor, process the oats to a fine powder. Add the flaxseed meal and baking soda; pulse to combine.
3. Add the dates to the processor bowl; process until the dates are very finely chopped. Add the nut butter, milk and vanilla; pulse, using on/off pulses, until well-blended. If adding chocolate chips or fruit, transfer dough to medium bowl and stir in one of the options.
4. Scoop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Dip the tines of fork in water and gently flatten each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-11 minutes in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheets, then transfer to wire rack with spatula and cool completely.

Notes

Super-Dry/Tough Dates: If your dates feel like they have been unearthed from an Egyptian tomb, give them a 5 minute soak in warm water. Drain, then proceed with the recipe.

No Flaxseed? No problem: If you do not have flaxseed meal, you can use an equal amount of additional rolled oats, or or wheat germ, chia seeds, or...just about anything you like!

Even Better after a Day: If you can hold out, wait a day before eating (all/some of) the cookies. Unlike butter-rich cookies, which are best day of baking, these are even more flavorful on day two and three and four.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temp or freeze for up to 1 month (thaw at room temp).

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1 cookie
Amount Per Serving Calories 82Total Fat 3.1gSaturated Fat 0.6gTrans Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgCarbohydrates 11.8gFiber 1.5gSugar 8.2gProtein 2.6g

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