Name: Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Sweet and soft snickerdoodle cookie bars bring nostalgic comfort to any dessert table.

These delectable treats combine classic cinnamon-sugar warmth with a perfectly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Butter-rich and generously spiced, this simple recipe delivers bakery-style goodness right from your kitchen.

Cinnamon swirls through each tender bite, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone nearby.

Each bar promises a delightful balance of crisp edges and soft, tender centers that cookie lovers adore.

The simple ingredients list and straightforward method make these bars accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a fast favorite.

Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with Mediterranean ingredients like roasted red peppers, olives, and feta, this dish delivers an explosion of vibrant tastes that dance on your palate.
Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients based on preferences or pantry availability, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking adventures.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, from sautéing to baking, reducing post-meal dish washing hassle.
Nutrient-Rich Meal: Combines protein-packed eggs with nutrient-dense spinach and vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that supports healthy eating goals.

Base Ingredients:

Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the golden brown color.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

Leavening Agents:

Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie bars.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides the signature snickerdoodle taste and aroma.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (180C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

Mix thoroughly until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir carefully until a soft, delectable dough forms.

Step 6: Spread the Love

Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan.

Use your fingers or a spatula to press and spread the dough evenly across the pan’s surface.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.

Generously dust this aromatic mixture over the entire dough surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the cookie bars cool completely inside the pan.

Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangular bars.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Creation

Serve and savor these irresistible snickerdoodle cookie bars with friends and family!

Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure creamy, smooth texture.
Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
Do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dry cookie bars; mix just until ingredients are combined.
Rotate the baking pan halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and consistent doneness across the bars.
Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy, soft texture.

Variations To Try With Snickerdoodle Bars

Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Cinnamon Cookie Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure plant-based ingredients throughout.
Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Variation: Fold in chocolate chips before spreading dough, creating a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.

Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: Complement the warm cinnamon notes of the snickerdoodle bars with a smooth, spiced chai latte that echoes the cookie's comforting flavors.
Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by serving the warm, chewy bars alongside a scoop of cold, rich vanilla bean ice cream for a heavenly texture combination.
Enjoy with Hot Cocoa: Curl up with a mug of rich hot cocoa, letting the chocolatey warmth enhance the cinnamon-sugar sweetness of the cookie bars.
Serve with Caramel Macchiato: Balance the cookie's sweetness with a caramel macchiato, whose espresso undertones and caramel swirls provide a sophisticated complement to the classic snickerdoodle flavor.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and fresh.
Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5 minutes to restore original chewy texture.

FAQs

What makes these cookie bars different from traditional snickerdoodle cookies?

These bars are easier to make since you spread the dough in a pan instead of forming individual cookies, and they deliver the same classic cinnamon-sugar flavor in a more convenient format.

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. The cinnamon-sugar topping will help balance the flavors.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can make the bars dry and less chewy.

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.

Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.