Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *snickerdoodle cookie bars*! They’re like a cozy hug in dessert form, with a delightful twist of cinnamon that just makes your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made these; my kitchen was filled with the most incredible smell, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! They’re super easy to whip up, too—no fancy techniques required here! Just mix, spread, and bake, and before you know it, you’ll have a tray of warm, gooey cookie bars ready to share (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!). Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion!
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars. Trust me, you probably have most of them in your pantry already!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft for that perfect creamy texture when mixing. And don’t skimp on the cinnamon—it’s what gives these bars that classic snickerdoodle flavor!
How to Prepare Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these scrumptious snickerdoodle cookie bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy before you know it.
Preheat the Oven
The first step is crucial: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is so important because it helps your cookie bars bake evenly and get that lovely golden color we all love. Plus, there’s nothing like the anticipation of a warm oven when you’re about to bake something delicious!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is key because it ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which makes for a perfectly fluffy texture in your cookie bars!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it. You can use an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong! The fluffy texture is important because it adds air to the mixture, making your bars soft and chewy.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract into your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. This step adds moisture and flavor, making your bars irresistible. Trust me, that hint of vanilla is going to be a game-changer!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Do this slowly, stirring gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix here—just until you can’t see any more flour. This keeps your cookie bars tender and delicious!
Prepare for Baking
Spread the dough evenly into a greased baking pan. I like to use my hands or a spatula to make sure it’s smooth and even. Then, mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it generously over the top. This is where the magic happens—it gives that classic snickerdoodle crust!
Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Remember, they’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so be patient before cutting into those mouthwatering bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these snickerdoodle cookie bars are a game-changer! Here’s why you’re going to love making them:
- They’re super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Each bar is soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible cinnamon flavor.
- They bake up quickly, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
- These bars are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just as a treat for yourself.
- You can easily adjust the cinnamon to your taste—go crazy if you want!
- They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the week (if they last that long!).
Honestly, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your snickerdoodle cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t rush the creaming process; it’s really important to get that butter and sugar light and fluffy for the best texture—trust me, it makes a difference!
If you love that cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. Want it extra spicy? Go ahead and add a bit more! Just remember, a little goes a long way, so taste as you go.
Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined is key to keeping those bars soft and chewy. And if you can resist, let them cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape—and I promise it’s worth the wait!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snickerdoodle cookie bars is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long, of course! I find that they actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors have a chance to meld together. If you want to keep them for longer, you can absolutely freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months!
When you’re ready to enjoy a bar, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, you’ll get that gooey, melty goodness back! Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm snickerdoodle cookie bar to brighten your day!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers for those curious about the nutrition in these delightful snickerdoodle cookie bars! Each bar is approximately 180 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find 24 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar in every treat. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific brands. But don’t let those numbers fool you—these bars are worth every calorie when you take a bite of that cinnamon goodness!
FAQ About Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Got questions about these delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use different types of flour?
You can certainly experiment with different flours, but I recommend sticking with all-purpose flour for the best texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend might work, but keep an eye on the texture!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s too wet, give them a couple more minutes.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips for a delicious twist on the classic snickerdoodle flavor. Just keep in mind it’ll change the flavor profile a bit!
How do I cut them neatly?
Once they’ve cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges. It makes a big difference!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance! Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious. They might even get better as the flavors meld together!
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars: 7 Irresistible Tips to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars with a cinnamon twist.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread the dough in a greased baking pan.
- Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle, cookie bars, dessert
