Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

If you love the classic taste of cinnamon and sugar, these Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars will win your heart from the first bite. The idea for this recipe came during a busy week when my kids wanted snickerdoodles, but I was short on time. Instead of scooping individual cookies, I pressed the dough into one pan and crossed my fingers. The results? Soft, chewy bars bursting with cinnamon flavor, with a golden sugar topping that’s impossible to resist.

This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in, lazy weekends, or anyone who craves homemade treats without the fuss. Each square offers the same comforting warmth as grandma’s cookies, but with a modern twist that feels a little more relaxed. Whether you share them or keep the batch for yourself, Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars turn everyday moments into pure sweetness, plus, your kitchen smells amazing while they bake!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with individual cookies! Here’s what makes them so special:

• One-pan wonder: No scooping, no chilling – just press and bake for instant cookie magic
• Soft & chewy perfection: That signature Snickerdoodle texture in every bite
• Cinnamon-sugar heaven: Double the cozy spice with cinnamon in both the dough and topping
• Weeknight-friendly: From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes
• Crowd-pleaser: Easily doubles for parties or potlucks

Seriously, these bars disappear faster than I can make them!

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need simple pantry staples, nothing fancy here. But trust me, these measurements matter for that perfect chewy texture. Here’s what’s going into the bowl:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I like to spoon-and-level it for accuracy)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances all that sweetness perfectly)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (this is crucial – leave it out for 30 minutes until it gives when pressed)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (lightly packed – just press it into the cup)
• 1 large egg (room temp blends better)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff, please!)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon + 2 tablespoons sugar (for that classic Snickerdoodle crust)

Psst! Want to jazz it up? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth. Grandma’s secret touch!

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s get baking! Making these Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars is seriously foolproof – even if you’re usually more of a “burn toast” kind of cook. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be biting into cinnamon-sugar heaven before you know it.

Preparing the Dough

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (180°C). While it heats up, let’s make magic happen:

1. Grab your softened butter and sugar (remember – lightly packed!). Beat them together until they’re light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step creates air pockets that make your bars perfectly tender.
2. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla. Mix just until combined – don’t go crazy here!
3. Now gently fold in your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt). I use a wooden spoon and stop mixing the second the flour disappears. Overmixing = tough bars, and we want melt-in-your-mouth soft!

See? Told you it was easy! Now you’ve got this gorgeous, slightly sticky dough ready for the pan.

Baking and Topping

Here’s where the Snickerdoodle magic really happens:

1. Press that dough evenly into your prepared 9×9 pan. Pro tip: Wet your fingers slightly to prevent sticking!
2. Mix your cinnamon and sugar topping (that heavenly dusting that makes Snickerdoodles special) and sprinkle it generously over the top. Don’t be shy!
3. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown and the center springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs – not wet batter.

Now the hardest part – waiting! Let those beauties cool completely in the pan before slicing. Trust me, warm bars crumble, and we want perfect squares of cinnamon bliss.

Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Want bakery-worthy results every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

• Butter matters: Seriously, don’t skip the softening step! Room temp butter creams better with sugar for that perfect tender crumb.
• Pan alternatives: No 9×9? Use an 8×8 for thicker bars (add 5 mins baking time) or 9×13 for thinner ones (reduce by 5 mins).
• Slice smart: Use a plastic knife for clean cuts – it sounds weird but works like magic!
• Storage hack: Keep them fresh by placing a slice of bread in the container – it absorbs excess moisture.

These little tricks make all the difference between good bars and “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-recipe” bars!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Variations

Feeling adventurous? Jazz up these classic Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with fun twists! My kids go crazy when I fold in white chocolate chips, the creamy sweetness plays so nicely with the cinnamon. For fall vibes, swirl in some apple butter before baking. Want extra crunch? Top with chopped pecans right after sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storing Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars taste amazing warm with a cold glass of milk, just like childhood! For grown-up vibes, pair them with your afternoon coffee, the cinnamon plays so nicely with the coffee’s richness. Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want that fresh-from-the-oven softness? Pop a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds – instant cozy magic!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Nutrition

Okay, let’s talk numbers, but remember, these can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients.
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious bar (based on cutting the pan into 12 equal squares):

• Calories: About 200 per bar
• Sugar: 15g (that cinnamon-sugar topping is worth it!)
• Fat: 8g (mostly from that glorious butter)
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 2g

Not too shabby for a treat that tastes this indulgent! Of course, if you add mix-ins like chocolate chips, just bump those numbers up a bit.

FAQs About Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

More Recipes to Try

• Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cookies
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
• Mini Doughnuts
• Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

You’ll find even more comfort and flavor in every bite of these easy desserts.

Why These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Are the Best

These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars deliver the classic cinnamon-sugar magic in an easy, fuss-free way. With every bite, you get a soft, chewy texture and a sweet golden topping. The recipe is simple to follow and perfect for busy days, making it a family favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. No rolling, no chilling, just quick prep and pure comfort in every square.

Give this recipe a try and see why it’s a top pick for cozy nights and busy afternoons alike. If you bake a batch, leave a comment below and share your experience. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more delicious cookie bar recipes and sweet treats.

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