Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe

Fluffy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe: Cinnamon Magic

Soft, buttery, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these snickerdoodle cookie bars bring nostalgic bakery magic to your kitchen.

Childhood memories dance through the classic snickerdoodle cookie bars recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma.

Cinnamon swirls promise comfort in every single bite.

The delicate balance of sweet and spice creates an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients blend into a dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something special.

Each bar delivers pure, golden-edged happiness straight from the oven.

Bake these and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Store Snickerdoodle Bars For Sweet Mornings

  • Store cooled snickerdoodle bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Keep bars at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container, placing a piece of bread inside to help retain moisture and softness.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, restoring their original delightful texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

  • How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the flour is just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars instead of soft, tender ones.

  • Why is creaming butter and sugar important in this recipe?

Creaming creates air pockets that help the bars become light and fluffy, giving them a tender texture and helping them rise properly.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, which will help maintain a similar texture and consistency.

  • Boost Family Fun: Create delightful dessert bars that everyone from kids to grandparents will absolutely love and enjoy together.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Enjoy a straightforward recipe with minimal steps that transforms classic snickerdoodle cookies into convenient, shareable bar form without complex techniques.
  • Quick Sweet Treat: Whip up a delicious dessert in under an hour, perfect for unexpected guests, potlucks, or sudden sugar cravings with minimal kitchen mess.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver that warm, nostalgic cinnamon-sugar flavor that brings instant comfort and reminds people of homemade goodness, making any gathering more special.
Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and texture foundation for the cookie bars.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and golden color.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the bar's structure.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic background flavor to the cookie bars.
  • Cinnamon: Provides the signature snickerdoodle spice and aromatic warmth.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed and looks uniform.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sweetener

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, which takes about 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Elements

Add eggs one by one, fully blending each before introducing the next.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Smooth Into Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Generously dust this aromatic mixture across the batter’s surface.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for golden-brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean or with minimal moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Cut into squares and serve these heavenly treats.

  • Remove butter from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for mixing.
  • Stir the flour mixture just until combined to keep bars tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread batter evenly, ensuring consistent baking and thickness throughout the pan.
  • Toast ground cinnamon briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance its warm, rich aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Watch bars closely in the final minutes of baking; golden edges and a slightly soft center indicate perfect snickerdoodle texture.

Snickerdoodle Bar Variations For Every Baker

  • Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Snickerdoodle Squares: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free option.
  • Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bars: Fold in chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey variation that complements the classic cinnamon flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Snickerdoodle Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic taste profile.
  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these warm, spicy bars with a steaming mug of cinnamon-infused coffee or creamy latte for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Sweet Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars alongside vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create an elegant and inviting dessert display.
  • Party Sharing Style: Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, making them perfect finger food for social events.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade edible gift that spreads sweet cheer to friends and neighbors.
Print
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Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Irresistible Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars blend classic cinnamon warmth with buttery sweetness, creating a nostalgic dessert that melts in your mouth. Craving comfort and simplicity, you’ll love these homemade bars that deliver pure, delightful satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 2/3 cups (637 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  7. Create a fragrant topping by combining sugar and cinnamon, then generously dust over the entire batter surface.
  8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly firm center that passes the toothpick test.
  9. Remove from oven and let completely cool in the pan, allowing the bars to set and develop a perfect texture before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Soften butter at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother texture, preventing dense or tough bars.
  • Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for a more robust and aromatic flavor profile in the topping.
  • Adjust baking time carefully to maintain a soft, chewy center while achieving golden-brown edges for perfect texture.
  • Customize by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness and personal flair.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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