Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Hey there, cookie lovers! If you’re craving a treat that’s soft, chewy, and packed with the comforting flavor of cinnamon and sugar, you’re in for a real treat! These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are like your favorite snickerdoodle cookies, but even better—no rolling dough into balls, just a quick bake that results in a pan full of warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness. Trust me, this is the kind of dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Why You’ll Love Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Let’s talk about why these bars are the absolute best thing to bake right now. Once you make these, you’ll understand why they’re a total crowd-pleaser:

• Effortless: Unlike traditional snickerdoodle cookies that require rolling dough into little balls, these bars are so easy. Just mix, pour, and bake! No fuss, no mess—just pure cinnamon-sugar bliss.
• Chewy Perfection: These bars have that perfect chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. Every piece is just the right balance of soft and tender, and that sweet, cinnamon-y crunch on top? Heaven.
• Family Favorite: Whether you’re baking with the kiddos or making a batch for a gathering, these bars are always a hit. They’re perfect for snack time, dessert, or whenever you need something sweet to share with friends and family.
• Quick to Make: These bars come together in under an hour, making them ideal for when you need a dessert in a hurry. And the best part? You only need one pan—less cleanup!
• Customizable: While these bars are already delicious on their own, you can mix in some white chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra special twist.

Ingredients

Okay, let’s break down the ingredients for these chewy, cinnamon-sugar wonders. It’s a mix of pantry staples that come together in the most perfect way:

• Butter: Adds richness and that buttery flavor we all love in a good cookie bar.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and that essential base for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the bars a subtle molasses flavor, making them extra chewy.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and gives the bars a nice, soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla takes these bars from good to great with its warm, aromatic flavor.
• Flour: The base for the dough, creating that perfect bar-like texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and gives them a fluffy, light crumb.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! Adds that signature warm spice that makes snickerdoodles so irresistible.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these chewy snickerdoodle cookie bars? Let’s get baking with these simple steps!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars cook evenly and come out just the right texture.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated and you have a smooth dough.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the bars don’t stick and make cleanup a breeze.

Spread the Dough in the Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it covers the bottom completely.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough. It’ll form that sweet, slightly crisp cinnamon sugar crust as it bakes.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be slightly soft in the center but firm around the edges.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles, and get ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 35mg
  Sodium: 150mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
  Protein: 2g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect as-is, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:

• With Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a dessert that’s next-level indulgent.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon flavor in the bars makes them a perfect match with your morning brew or afternoon pick-me-up.
• For a Crowd: These bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or gatherings. Simply cut them into small squares and watch them disappear!
• Drizzle of Caramel: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of these chewy snickerdoodle bars:

• Keep the Bars Chewy: Make sure you don’t overbake these bars! They should still be soft in the center. The slightly underbaked texture is what gives them that chewy goodness.
• Experiment with Add-ins: For a fun twist, try adding some white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough. You can even swap in a bit of brown butter for an extra depth of flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them well before storing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these bars without brown sugar?
A1: While brown sugar adds to the chewy texture and flavor, you can substitute it with more granulated sugar if needed. Just note that the texture might be slightly different.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

Q3: How can I make these bars a bit healthier?
A3: You can try using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe. You could also swap out the butter for a healthier fat, like coconut oil.

Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Yes! These bars freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Q5: Can I make these bars without eggs?
A5: Yes! You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

Q6: What’s the best way to store these bars?
A6: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them!

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
A7: Absolutely! Add a handful of your favorite chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist. White chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips would be fantastic!

Q8: How can I get the perfect chewy texture?
A8: Don’t overbake the bars! Pull them out of the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. The bars will continue to cook slightly while cooling, so they’ll stay chewy.

Q9: What should I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
A9: If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan, but the bars will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes of baking time.

Q10: Can I add a cream cheese frosting on top?
A10: Yes! A light cream cheese frosting would pair beautifully with these cinnamon bars for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are everything you love about snickerdoodles, packed into an easy, no-fuss bar. Soft, chewy, and with that perfect cinnamon-sugar flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, you’ll love how simple they are to make and how delicious they turn out. Happy baking!

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