Snickerdoodle Bars

Soft and chewy snickerdoodle bars give you everything you want out of a snickerdoodle cookie, but with a much easier process! Topped with cinnamon sugar, this easy one-pan dessert skips the rolling and chilling with sacrificing flavor.

about these snickerdoodle bars

Who doesn’t love a classic snickerdoodle? The chewy texture and warming flavor will always hold a soft spot in all of our hearts… but let’s be honest. It’s a lot of work to roll each cookie in cinnamon sugar after letting the dough chill sufficiently in the refrigerator.

That’s where these chewy snickerdoodle bars come in! They are chewy, soft, and have all the flavor of snickerdoodles, but in bar form. You get all the same highlights of your favorite cookie, with way less effort and in a lot less time.

Don’t worry, that crunchy cinnamon sugar topping is still in play because it gets sprinkled on top of the dough. You get a soft chewy center to each bar, with a little crunch on top. The perfect balance of textures and flavors is just so delicious.

Whether you need dessert in a hurry or a simple sweet treat to feed a crowd, this recipe can be made anytime. Cut the into big bars or small bites, depending on how many people you want to feed!

Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with regular snickerdoodles!

ingredients

butter. Use unsalted butter in this recipe, making sure that it is softened to room temperature before using it in the recipe. If you prefer to use salted butter, be sure to omit the salt called for in the recipe.

sugar. You will need a combination of both granulated sugar and light brown sugar for the dough. You will also need some additional granulated sugar for the topping.

eggs. Large eggs are always preferred for baking recipes! Make sure to bring them to room temperature first.

vanilla. Using a high-quality vanilla extract for your recipes is a must! We make our own homemade vanilla extract, which is incredibly easy. You can also purchase this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey.

flour. All-purpose flour is all you need to use. You could also use cake flour.

cream of tartar. Cream of tartar is essential to making these bars nice and chewy!

salt. Fine kosher salt is recommended for baking recipes. You want it to easily incorporate into the dough.

cinnamon. Ground cinnamon is what gives the topping for these cookies bars the warm flavor you expect from snickerdoodle cookies!

this recipe’s must haves

To make this recipe, I love to use a stand mixer! It’s super easy for any baking recipe, so it’s always a must in my kitchen. If you prefer, you can also use a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer.

I like to bake these bars in a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also use a couple smaller square baking pans, if you prefer.

here’s how to make snickerdoodle bars

make dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Note that you can also use a handheld mixer and large bowl if you have that on hand instead. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until combined.

Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Beat until just combined, without over mixing. Set aside.

make cinnamon sugar

Stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon sugar topping.

bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. If you prefer to line the pan with parchment paper, you can do so. Just be sure to leave the paper hanging over the edges for easy removal. Add the cookie dough and lightly press it into an even layer in the pan.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture in an even layer on top.

Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, making sure not to over bake the bars. The top should be just set and lightly golden brown.

Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

tips and variations

do not over mix! After adding the flour and other dry ingredients, only mix until the dough comes together. If you mix the dough too much, the bars will be tough and dense, instead of moist and chewy.

do not over bake! If you over bake these bars, they will come out dry and crumbly. You want to make sure they have the perfect chewy texture, and to achieve that you need to remove them once they are just set. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, removing them from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden on top.

More chewy cookie recipes: Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies | Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies | Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies | Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

why do I need to use cream of tartar for snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar is the key ingredient to getting that chewy texture that is so indicative of snickerdoodle cookies. While you can omit the cream of tartar, the end result of the baked good will not be as good. It’s the important factor to make these bars so chewy!

how do I know when the bars are done?

As soon as the top is set and turns a light golden brown, the bars are ready to be removed from the oven. Be sure to keep an eye on them! If you bake them too long, they will end up dry and crumbly.

what does snickerdoodle flavor taste like?

If you haven’t enjoyed a snickerdoodle cookie or bar before, the flavor is all about cinnamon. The cinnamon sugar on top of the vanilla and buttery bars is what makes the flavor so comforting and iconic. There’s also a slight tang from the cream of tartar, giving the recipe its distinctive flavor.

can you freeze snickerdoodle bars?

Yes, you can freeze the baked snickerdoodle bars! Place them in a single layer after wrapping them in plastic in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. The bars will freeze for up to 1 month.

Need some inspiration for desserts? Check out my dessert recipes page!

how to store and reheat

Store. Store the cooled snickerdoodle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap them with plastic wrap tightly.

Freeze. To freeze, add them in a single layer wrapped in plastic wrap in a bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Thaw. Thaw at room temperature until ready to consume.

more cinnamon-inspired desserts to make

Crunchy crockpot cinnamon almonds are the best sweet snack for anytime of year! They are perfect for gatherings or an afternoon treat.

Love cinnamon? Whip up some cinnamon whipped cream for all your favorite desserts from ice cream to pie.

Smooth and creamy cinnamon coffee ice cream is the ideal balance of flavors for a cool and refreshing dessert.

Finally, if you make this snickerdoodle bars recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!