Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie? Now, imagine that deliciousness in an easy-to-make, thick, and chewy bar form. That’s exactly what these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars deliver! They have all the flavors of classic snickerdoodles but with a gooey, soft texture that melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place.
1. What Are Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?
Snickerdoodles are classic cinnamon-sugar cookies with a soft and slightly tangy flavor, thanks to the addition of cream of tartar in traditional recipes. This bar version keeps all that cinnamon-sugar goodness but transforms it into a thick, chewy dessert that’s easier to make and serve.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No rolling dough into balls; just press into a pan!
- Chewy and soft – Perfect texture in every bite.
- Full of cinnamon-sugar flavor – The best part of snickerdoodles!
- Great for sharing – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home.
3. Ingredients Needed
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Combine Everything
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Press the Dough
- Spread and press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool & Cut
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares.
5. Tips for the Perfect Cookie Bars
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—this keeps the bars soft.
- Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
6. Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate Chips – Add a handful for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Twist – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
- Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle with caramel for extra decadence.
7. How to Store & Freeze
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
8. Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy them warm with ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Serve at parties for an easy-to-share treat.
9. Pairing Ideas
These bars pair well with:
- Hot Chocolate – A rich, chocolatey drink complements the cinnamon flavor.
- Apple Cider – The perfect fall-inspired combination.
- Vanilla Latte – Enhances the warm vanilla notes in the bars.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will add more moisture and a slight caramel-like flavor.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
4. What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch pan works best for thick bars, but a 9×9-inch pan can also be used for slightly thinner bars.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 30-35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert. With a soft, chewy texture and an irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!
