Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

If you love the nostalgic flavor of snickerdoodle cookies but find yourself short on time, then you’re going to adore these Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars. Imagine all the sweet, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness of classic snickerdoodles baked into a convenient, chewy bar form. They’re perfect for when you want a treat that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and absolutely irresistible.

Whether it’s a cozy afternoon at home, a festive dessert for a holiday gathering, or a quick grab-and-go snack for the kids, these cookie bars have you covered. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, they’re destined to become your new go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No rolling, chilling, or individual cookie shaping—just mix, layer, and bake.
• Chewy & Soft: These bars strike the perfect balance between tender and chewy, with a slight crisp at the edges.
• All the Cinnamon Sugar Flavor: Every bite tastes like a classic snickerdoodle, thanks to the generous cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Perfect for Sharing: Made in a 9×13-inch pan, they’re easy to cut into bars for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Customizable: You can add nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or even mix in white chocolate chips for a personal twist.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these magical cookie bars, organized for clarity. This recipe yields 12–16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.

For the Cookie Bars

• 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour – the base of our bars.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar – gives that classic snickerdoodle tang and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – for a slight lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and chewiness.
• 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar – for sweetness and structure.
• 3 large eggs – bind everything together and add moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances flavor and aroma.

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Non-stick baking spray
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these chewy, cinnamon-sugar delights without a single misstep.

1. Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13 inch cake pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides. This will make lifting the bars out a breeze after baking. Spray the parchment lightly with non-stick baking spray.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Set this aside for later.

3. Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is uniform and glossy.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined. You can start with a whisk and finish with a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender.

5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Reserve half for the bottom layer and half for sprinkling on top.

6. Layer the Bottom

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the prepared pan. Drop bits of cookie dough over the top and gently press into an even layer. This method helps the cinnamon sugar stay in place rather than being pushed aside.

7. Top Layer

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cookie dough.

8. Bake

Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the top is slightly puffy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

9. Cool Completely

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into 12–16 bars.

10. Serve and Store

Serve immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Chewy vs. Cake-like: Bake closer to 17 minutes for chewy bars, closer to 20 minutes for a slightly firmer, cake-like texture.
• Add-ins: Consider folding in white chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These bars are sweet with a warm cinnamon kick and buttery richness. The texture is chewy with a soft crumb, making them a perfect comforting treat. Pair them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence, or enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	267 kcal
Sugar	22 g
Fat	12.6 g
Carbohydrates	36.1 g
Protein	3.1 g
Cholesterol	65.4 mg
Sodium	127.7 mg

Dietary Notes: Nut-free, vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy and eggs.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare in Advance: Mix the dough and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Storage: Keep baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Q2: How do I make them extra chewy?
Bake for the lower end of the time range (around 17 minutes) and do not overmix the dough. Melted butter also helps increase chewiness.

Q3: Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2–1 cup of chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the dough before layering.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan, such as 13×18 inches, and adjust baking time accordingly—usually an extra 5–7 minutes.

Q5: How long do these bars last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh for 4–5 days.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
Mix Dough	5 minutes
Layer Pan & Add Cinnamon Sugar	5 minutes
Bake	17–20 minutes
Cool & Slice	5 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Cut into squares or rectangles, serve on a platter for parties, or wrap individually for school lunches or picnics. Sprinkle lightly with extra cinnamon sugar before serving for added flair.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Cinnamon Bars: Mix in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips with the dough.
2. Maple Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and drizzle with maple glaze.
3. Spiced Snickerdoodle Bars: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for warm spice notes.
4. Caramel Topped Bars: Bake as usual, then drizzle with caramel sauce after cooling.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cream of Tartar: Provides the signature tang of snickerdoodles and contributes to a soft, chewy texture. Store in a cool, dry place.
• Cinnamon: A key flavor player—use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
• Melt the butter to mix quickly and achieve a chewy texture.
• Gently fold flour into wet ingredients to avoid tough bars.
• Press dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Optional for extending freshness to 7 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	267 kcal
Fat	12.6 g
Saturated Fat	7.5 g
Carbohydrates	36.1 g
Sugar	22 g
Protein	3.1 g
Fiber	0.8 g
Sodium	127.7 mg
Cholesterol	65.4 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free. Contains eggs and dairy.

Expanded Conclusion

These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to snickerdoodle bliss. Chewy, buttery, and generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, they’re ideal for busy bakers who crave the classic flavor without the fuss. From weekday snacks to weekend gatherings, these bars are sure to impress friends, family, and yourself.

Grab your mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients, and in just under an hour, you’ll have a batch of irresistible bars ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to share them you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again!

With their simplicity, taste, and versatility, these cookie bars are a must-add to your baking repertoire. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your favorite dessert for any occasion.

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