If you adore classic cinnamon-sugar cookies but crave something even quicker and simpler, Easy Snickerdoodle Bars are about to become your new best friend! These bars deliver that familiar sweet, buttery chew and irresistible cinnamon swirl, all in a fuss-free, shareable format. Perfectly golden and nostalgic in every bite, this dessert transforms a timeless favorite into a sticky-fingered treat that’s ready for any occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping up goodies for a bake sale, or just treating yourself, Easy Snickerdoodle Bars will always steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to whip up these Easy Snickerdoodle Bars with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an important role in the signature texture and coziness of this recipe, from the rich, soft center to the sparkly cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and that classic chew, so make sure it’s soft for easier mixing!
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and structure for a tender crumb.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings deeper, caramel-like notes and a softer texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the bars’ light lift.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors for that homemade-cookie aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything in bar form.
- Cream of tartar (2 teaspoons): The secret to snickerdoodles’ tang and signature softness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweet and brightens all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar for topping (2 tablespoons): For that sparkly, crackly finish on top.
- Ground cinnamon for topping (2 teaspoons): Lends warmth and that unmistakable snickerdoodle aroma.
How to Make Easy Snickerdoodle Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, for easy cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This keeps your bars from sticking and makes it a breeze to slice and share.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key: it traps air, making your bars soft and giving them a slightly airy texture that’s so delightful.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. These additions give your Easy Snickerdoodle Bars a rich flavor foundation and keep every bite moist.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them separately first helps the leaveners and salt distribute evenly, so you don’t end up with unevenly risen bars.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t over-mix; this is the secret to bars that are soft instead of tough. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for spreading.
Step 6: Spread and Top with Cinnamon Sugar
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine the topping: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the dough, ensuring every inch gets that classic crunchy cap.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Take care not to overbake; the bars set up as they cool and stay wonderfully soft.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off—they’ll set neatly for perfect slices. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Snickerdoodle Bars
Garnishes
A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of white icing turns each bar into a bakery-worthy treat. For an even fancier flair, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a decorative swirl of whipped cream alongside each serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Snickerdoodle Bars with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or apple wedges, to complement the cinnamon. A steaming cup of coffee, chai, or cold milk also highlights the sweetness and makes for a comforting combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars as part of a dessert platter at parties, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for adorable bake sale treats. For something extra special, cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or layer them with softened ice cream for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Snickerdoodle Bars soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy for up to four days, making them an ideal bake-ahead option for busy weeks or last-minute cravings.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Stored this way, your Easy Snickerdoodle Bars will keep their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked softness, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their chewy texture and brings out the buttery-cinnamon scent, making them taste wonderfully fresh.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! If you use salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe by half. The flavor will still be deliciously balanced for Easy Snickerdoodle Bars.
Do I have to use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is key to the classic snickerdoodle flavor and extra-soft texture. If you don’t have it, the bars will still bake up, but they won’t have that unique tang and softness that makes Easy Snickerdoodle Bars stand out.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you need a big batch for a party or bake sale, simply double the quantities and bake in two pans. The bars bake evenly and always disappear fast.
How do I keep the bars soft?
Don’t overbake them, and always store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re in a dry climate, adding a slice of bread (it absorbs excess moisture) in the container keeps Easy Snickerdoodle Bars extra soft.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute a good-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture in Easy Snickerdoodle Bars.
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Easy Snickerdoodle Bars is a ticket to comfort, nostalgia, and cinnamon-sugar bliss. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, these bars always bring a smile. Give them a try and see just how irresistible homemade can be!
Print
Easy Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Snickerdoodle Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering all the cozy cinnamon-sugar flavors in a convenient, handheld bar form. Perfect for a quick treat or for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dough: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Spread Batter: Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Add Topping: Combine 2 tbsp sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra softness, avoid overbaking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
