If you love the classic cinnamon-sugar magic of snickerdoodle cookies but crave an easier, crowd-pleasing treat, Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine dense, chewy cookie bars brimming with cozy cinnamon flavors, generously slathered with fluffy vanilla-cinnamon frosting—the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or just because, these bars deliver all the nostalgic charm of snickerdoodles with a bakery-style upgrade that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about these bars is that they come together with everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. From pillowy butter to a fragrant, spicy sprinkle of cinnamon, every element adds to the signature taste, texture, and golden color of your Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and the perfect chewy-crisp texture in both the bars and frosting.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives classic sweetness and helps the bars bake up soft yet sturdy.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moistness and subtle caramel notes that make each bite intriguing.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while keeping the bars tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the bars and frosting with a warm background flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for thick, satisfying cookie bars.
- Cream of Tartar: This classic snickerdoodle ingredient lends a signature tang and soft crumb.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and stay light instead of dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: The soul of a true snickerdoodle—warm, spicy, and utterly comforting.
- Powdered Sugar: Whips into a dreamy, cloud-like frosting that pairs perfectly with the cookie base.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Gives the frosting its creamy, spreadable feel.
How to Make Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things toasty, then line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or a light coat of grease. This little step is your ticket to bars that release cleanly and look gorgeous with every slice.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon, beat until the mixture gets light, fluffy, and paler in color. This is what makes those bars so soft and melt-in-your-mouth irresistible!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and fully blended, ensuring those rich flavors run through every bite.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This dry mix is what distinguishes classic snickerdoodles from your everyday sugar bar—it’s the fantastic foundation for flavor and structure.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! The dough will be thick and scoopable, perfect for spreading in the pan.
Step 6: Spread and Top with Cinnamon
Press and spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish. For that signature snickerdoodle flair, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon) all over the top for a warm, inviting finish.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a set, only-just-firm center. Let the bars cool completely right in the pan—the wait will be worth it!
Step 8: Mix and Spread the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whip until fluffy and velvety smooth. Once the bars are completely cool, lavishly spread the frosting over the top, then slice into squares for the ultimate Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars experience.
How to Serve Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars
Garnishes
For a little flourish, dust the tops with extra cinnamon or a very light sprinkle of powdered sugar. A few white chocolate curls or a drizzle of caramel can turn your Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars into a bakery-worthy treat, and if you’re feeling festive, toss on a pinch of colored sugar sprinkles for fun.
Side Dishes
These bars are a star all on their own, but if you’re serving a dessert spread, pair them with a big bowl of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a frothy cappuccino. The warm spice and buttery sweetness play beautifully alongside coffee or a bold black tea, highlighting the classic flavors even more.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, stack the bars on a tiered stand or arrange them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. If you’re feeling extra, cut them into themed shapes using cookie cutters, or package them in cellophane for sweet little gifts. However you share them, Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars bring a homemade touch that always delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, these bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just layer parchment or wax paper between rows to keep the frosting pristine and the bars soft and chewy.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap each bar tightly or stack with parchment in a freezer-safe box. Store them for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a fresh-baked taste whenever you need it.
Reheating
Prefer your bars warm? Pop individual squares in the microwave for just a few seconds—enough to soften but not melt the frosting. They’ll taste like they came straight from the oven (but with a dreamy, gooey edge!).
FAQs
Can I make Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars without cream of tartar?
While cream of tartar is traditional for that subtle tang, you can swap it for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar in a pinch. The flavor will be a touch different, but you’ll still get wonderful bars!
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! While homemade frosting adds an extra special touch, a tub of vanilla frosting with a pinch of cinnamon stirred in can be a handy shortcut that still captures the signature flavor of Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Wait until the bars are completely cool and use a sharp knife, rinsing it with warm water and wiping between cuts for the cleanest, neatest squares. It’s a small step that makes every piece look bakery-perfect!
Are Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars okay at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve them at room temperature for several hours at parties or gatherings. For longer storage, pop them back in the fridge just to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
You bet! Mini white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of caramel can all add a fun twist to your Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars, just don’t overload the batter so you keep their signature bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars that feels like a homemade hug. Whether you’re indulging your nostalgia or treating friends and family to something new, these bars always spark big smiles. So go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the cinnamon-sugar bliss—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars that are soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion and will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (divided)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Bars: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, spread in baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake for 22-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, then spread over cooled bars.
- Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance the cinnamon flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter and frosting.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
