If you have a soft spot for the warm, comforting flavors of classic snickerdoodle cookies but want something easier to slice and share, this Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine everything you love about that chewy cinnamon sugar magic, baked into a buttery, tender bar that’s perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or just a sweet treat anytime. These bars bring together the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and a subtle tang from cream of tartar, creating a dessert that’s irresistibly cozy and simply delightful. Trust me, once you try this Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make bars instead of cookies all along!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity, with basic pantry staples transforming into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding richness, structure, or that signature cinnamon sugar sparkle.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened: Softened butter ensures the batter becomes delightfully creamy and holds the perfect crumb texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This provides the sweetness and helps create a tender structure.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs add moisture and help bind the bars together for that perfect chew.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the bars with a warm, fragrant depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structural component, giving the bars their dense yet tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and works alongside baking soda to help with leavening and that classic snickerdoodle taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and creates a soft, chewy texture.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon, for sprinkling: Sprinkled on top for that unmistakable warm spice that defines snickerdoodles.
- ½ cup brown sugar, for sprinkling: Adds a rich caramel sweetness and a bit of crunch on top.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. Leaving some extra paper hanging over the edges will make it a breeze to lift out the bars once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This step is essential for creating a light texture that will make your bars soft and tender without being dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything combines nicely. Follow with the vanilla extract, which will round out the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed so your bars rise evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and not tough.
Step 6: Spread the Dough
Evenly spread your dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. This ensures even baking and those wonderfully uniform bars.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen and build anticipation!
Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the bars bake, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle this aromatic, sweet mixture evenly over the top for that classic snickerdoodle crunch and flavor burst.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this step is key because it lets the bars set up enough to cut cleanly into perfect square servings.
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, try dusting the bars with a little powdered sugar or a light glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this simple treat into an indulgent dessert.
Side Dishes
Because these bars are so full of rich cinnamon and buttery goodness, they pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter to showcase their golden edges and cinnamon sugar topping. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers for an inviting, bakery-style presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Snickerdoodle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their soft texture and cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, briefly microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked, soft-chewy goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce additional salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt. The snickerdoodle bars should still turn out delicious with just a slightly different edge in flavor.
What does cream of tartar do in this recipe?
Cream of tartar adds a slight tang and reacts with baking soda to help the bars rise while giving the classic snickerdoodle a signature texture and taste that’s soft yet chewy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading it in the pan.
Are Snickerdoodle Bars gluten-free?
Traditional Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you’d need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
Why do my bars sometimes turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause of dryness in bars. Keep an eye on the baking time and remove when a toothpick comes out clean but the bars still feel soft in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a cozy invitation to share sweet moments with loved ones. The perfect balance of cinnamon sugar and buttery softness makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I can’t encourage you enough to give these bars a try—they’re straightforward to make and guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and happier eating!
Print
Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Snickerdoodle Bars, featuring the classic cinnamon-sugar combination of traditional snickerdoodles in a convenient bar form. Perfectly buttery with a hint of cinnamon spice, these bars are easy to make and ideal for sharing or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon, for sprinkling
- ½ cup brown sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just enough for the dough to come together; avoid overmixing.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the prepared dough into the greased or parchment-lined baking pan, smoothing the top for uniform thickness.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the bars are baking, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle Topping: Once the bars are baked, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the top to add that signature snickerdoodle flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture for the bars.
- Using cream of tartar is essential to achieve the classic snickerdoodle tang and texture.
- For easy removal, lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
