Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a quick and irresistible dessert that captures the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic snickerdoodle cookies—without the hassle of rolling dough into individual balls. These bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a signature cinnamon-sugar crust, making them an ideal treat for holidays, bake sales, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars offer all the flavor of the traditional cookie in a simpler, faster bar form. There’s no need to chill dough or shape individual cookies—just mix, spread, and bake. The result is a rich, buttery texture with a delightful crunch from the cinnamon-sugar topping. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving something sweet with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Cream of tartar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar, packed
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping and sprinkle evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for added sweetness.
- Make it festive: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough.
- Use brown butter: Swap regular butter with browned butter to deepen the flavor profile.
- Add a filling: Swirl in a bit of cream cheese or caramel for a gooey center.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Storage/Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week or freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should look set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What does cream of tartar do in this recipe?
It gives the bars their signature tangy flavor and helps with the chewy texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger sheet pan. Adjust the baking time slightly and watch closely.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze very well. Wrap them individually or layer with parchment paper in a container.
Can I make these without eggs?
You can substitute the eggs with a commercial egg replacer or try using flax eggs, though the texture may vary.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but changing pan size may affect baking time and thickness. A smaller pan will yield thicker bars.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened, not melted, to properly cream with the sugars.
Can I use cinnamon sugar from the store?
Yes, pre-mixed cinnamon sugar will work fine, but you can also make it fresh for better control of flavor.
Why did my bars come out dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Be sure to check them around the 25-minute mark.
Conclusion
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are an ideal dessert for anyone looking to enjoy the classic cookie flavor in a more convenient format. With their buttery base and crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are both simple to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is a reliable go-to for delicious results every time.
PrintSnickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Quick to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 189 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 56 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg