Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *snickerdoodle cookie bars*! They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, with that melt-in-your-mouth texture and a heavenly cinnamon-sugar topping that you just can’t resist. I remember the first time I made these for a friend’s gathering; the aroma wafted through the house, and before I knew it, they were gone in minutes! It’s so easy to whip up a batch, and trust me, everyone will be begging for the recipe. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—if you can bear to part with them! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making these delightful bars that are sure to become a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending—no one likes a lumpy dough!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This will add that sweet goodness to our cookie bars.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: I love using packed brown sugar for that extra depth of flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Fresh eggs add richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The secret ingredient! It brings everything together with a lovely aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookie bars. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid too much density.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps our bars rise and stay fluffy!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A must for that perfect texture, balancing out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: This is what gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and helps with the texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt to enhance all those sweet flavors!
- 3 tablespoons sugar: We’ll use this for the cinnamon-sugar topping, adding that extra sweetness on top.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: This is the star of the show! It gives those cookie bars their delightful flavor.
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the baking process so much smoother, so take a moment to measure out your ingredients and set them aside. Trust me, it’ll be worth it when you taste that first warm bite!
How to Prepare Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring these snickerdoodle cookie bars to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to baking something truly scrumptious.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookie bars start baking at the right temperature. This helps them rise perfectly and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, grab your softened butter and add both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Now, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that lovely texture in your bars, so don’t skip it! You want to incorporate air into the mixture to create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack those two large eggs into the bowl and pour in the vanilla. Mix everything together on low speed until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; just ensure everything is incorporated. The batter will be rich and fragrant—trust me, your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for achieving the right texture. Once it’s all combined, you’re ready to add it to the wet mixture!
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I usually do this in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Your dough should come together nicely and be slightly thick but still sticky. If it’s too dry, don’t worry; a little more mixing will help achieve that perfect consistency.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal later. Then, spread the dough evenly into the pan, using a spatula to smooth it out. Make sure it reaches the corners, so you have even cookie bars throughout!
Step 7: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of your cookie dough. It’s going to create that signature snickerdoodle flavor, and oh boy, it’s going to be delicious!
Step 8: Bake the Bars
Pop the baking pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them toward the end; you don’t want to overbake!
Step 9: Cooling and Cutting
Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them set up nicely. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts if needed. I promise, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite of warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these snickerdoodle cookie bars are a game changer! They’re quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy days when you need a sweet treat in a hurry. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Fast and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these delightful bars ready in no time!
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates that classic snickerdoodle taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into bars and bring them to parties, potlucks, or just share with friends and family—they’ll be the star of the show!
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert, these bars fit every mood and event.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love them! They’re fun to eat and even more fun to make together.
- Versatile: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a personal twist!
Seriously, these snickerdoodle cookie bars are bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen—just wait until you taste them!
Tips for Success
Alright, now let’s make sure your snickerdoodle cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips that I swear by:
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures everything blends beautifully together.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s actually at 350°F (175°C). A too-hot oven can lead to overbaked edges, while a cooler one might leave you with gooey centers.
- Line Your Pan: If you want easy removal, consider lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. It makes lifting the bars out a breeze!
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool properly before cutting, as this helps them firm up and keeps them from falling apart.
- Taste Test: Don’t be shy! If you want to sneak a taste before cutting, just ensure you let them cool a bit first. You can’t resist that warm, gooey goodness!
Following these tips will elevate your baking game and ensure your snickerdoodle cookie bars are a hit with everyone who gets to enjoy them. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up your delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them and keep that delightful flavor intact:
First, let the bars cool completely in the pan before transferring them. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Trust me, they won’t last long, but if they do, this will keep them nice and chewy!
If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Now, if you’re craving that warm, gooey goodness again, you can easily reheat the bars! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm them through. You can also use the oven: preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the bars on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. Ah, the smell of freshly baked snickerdoodle cookie bars again—pure bliss!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what makes these *snickerdoodle cookie bars* so delightful? Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 bar). Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
These bars are indulgent yet satisfying, making them the perfect treat to enjoy without too much guilt. So go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!
FAQ About Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Got questions about these delightful *snickerdoodle cookie bars*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but I’d recommend using a blend of half all-purpose and half whole wheat for the best texture. Whole wheat can make the bars a bit denser, so keep that in mind!
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
No cream of tartar? No problem! You can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. Just skip the baking powder in the recipe since you’ll be adding it in this swap!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and you’ll still get those chewy, delicious cookie bars everyone loves. Just double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too!
How can I make these bars dairy-free?
If you want to make your *snickerdoodle cookie bars* dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. And be sure to check that your sugar is bone-char free if that’s a concern for you!
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. Just keep in mind that too many add-ins might alter the texture a bit, so stick to about a cup total.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Just keep an eye on them as they bake!
Can I cut them while they’re still warm?
I know it’s tempting, but I recommend letting them cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts—plus, it gives you a moment to savor that cinnamon aroma!
I hope these answers help you enjoy your baking adventure! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask—I’m always here to help you make the best snickerdoodle cookie bars ever!
Print
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars: 9 Irresistible Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars with a cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together; sprinkle over the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle cookie bars, cookie bars, dessert











