Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars: A Sweet, Cinnamon-Infused Delight

Snickerdoodle lovers, rejoice! If you love the classic buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodle cookies but want an easier way to enjoy them, these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, these bars are ideal for holidays, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year.

These one-bowl snickerdoodle bars come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and no need to roll individual cookies. The result? A thick, chewy, golden-brown bar with that signature cinnamon-sugar topping that makes snickerdoodles so irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping desserts for the week, or just craving something sweet, this easy snickerdoodle cookie bar recipe is sure to be a hit.

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and sugar—especially when paired with a soft, buttery cookie base. Traditional snickerdoodles require rolling cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking, but these snickerdoodle bars simplify the process. By baking the dough in one pan and slicing it into bars, you save time without sacrificing flavor.

This foolproof recipe ensures you get perfectly chewy, slightly crisp-edged snickerdoodle bars every time. Plus, the irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet, crackly crust that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

If you’re a fan of soft-baked cookies, cinnamon desserts, or easy-to-make treats, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To make these deliciously chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and chewy texture.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. This adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars dense instead of chewy.

6. Spread the Dough in the Pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The dough will be thicker than traditional cookie dough but should spread smoothly.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cookie dough, ensuring full coverage for that classic snickerdoodle flavor.

8. Bake the Snickerdoodle Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake—snickerdoodle bars should be soft and chewy, not dry.

9. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape when cutting.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Bars

Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creates the best texture and allows the sugar to fully incorporate.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined.
Watch the Bake Time: Slightly underbaking ensures a soft and chewy texture. The bars will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Lining your baking pan makes it easy to lift the bars out for slicing.
For Extra Softness, Cover While Cooling: Cover the pan with foil while the bars cool to lock in moisture.

Cooking Tips for Extra Deliciousness

To take your Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars to the next level, try these variations:

Add White Chocolate Chips: For a sweet, creamy contrast, mix in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips.
Drizzle with Caramel: After baking, drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Make Them Extra Thick: Use an 8×8-inch pan instead of a 9×9-inch for thicker bars.
Double the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: If you love extra cinnamon flavor, make a double batch of topping and swirl some into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy, cinnamon-sugar bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even better:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Pair with Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these bars with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes them extra indulgent.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 bars):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 90mg
Fiber: 0.5g

Storage and Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep them soft.
Refrigerate: Keep them fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will make the bars extra soft and give them a caramel-like flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.

Do these bars need cream of tartar?
Unlike traditional snickerdoodles, this recipe doesn’t require cream of tartar because the baking powder provides enough leavening.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, check out these other delicious dessert recipes:

Conclusion

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, soft, and cinnamon-spiced goodness. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’re a must-try dessert for any occasion. Happy baking! 🍪✨