Hazelnut “Cookie Dough” Bars

This recipe is directly adapted from the amazing Rachl Mansfield’s recipe for “Crack Bars”. Her Cookie Dough “Crack Bars” can be found here: http://rachlmansfield.com/sea-salt-dark-chocolate-cookie-dough-crack-bars/ – THEY ARE AMAZING!

I saw hazelnut meal in the store and thought why not try a different variation of these freezer treats! If you like Nutella you’ll love these! I add a little extra sweetener and vanilla because I know my kids and they’d like it a little sweeter than the original!

Hazelnut “Cookie Dough” Bars

Cookie Dough Base:

• 2 cups hazelnut meal/flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill)

• 3 tablespoons coconut flour

• ¼ cup coconut sugar

• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons hazelnut butter* (see notes)

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Chocolate layer:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• Sea salt

*I’ve never seen hazelnut butter in the store- Trader Joe’s does have a mixed nut butter with hazelnut you could try out. Making nut butters could not be more simple if you have a food processor! Simply add your nuts to the bowl of a food processor, turn on and let run until a smooth nut butter forms. It should only take a few minutes.

• Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Mix hazelnut flour, coconut flour and coconut sugar in a bowl. Then add in coconut oil, hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and mix until blended. Fold in dark chocolate chips. Once all mixed add “dough” to prepared baking dish and press down in the pan to form a flat surface. Place in the freezer while making the chocolate layer.

• In a glass microwave safe bowl (I use a measuring cup) add the 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and microwave for about one minute until melted and smooth. Take prepared pan of “dough” out of the freezer and pour on chocolate layer. Sprinkle with sea salt and then place back in freezer. Let set for 40 minute then cut into bars. I find it easier to thaw for a few minutes and then cut with a large hot knife. I run the blade under hot water and wipe dry with a paper towel several times will cutting them up! ENJOY!

Keep in freezer. Will stay good for a couple months!