Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – Soft, chewy, and packed with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, these Snickerdoodle cookie bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, perfectly sweet, and will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These Snickerdoodle cookie bars are a total game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love them:

Chewy Texture: Forget crunchy cookies—these bars have that perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. You won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness: The irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cozy nights or any time you’re craving a sweet treat.
Easy to Make: No need to scoop out individual cookies. These bars are quick, easy, and require just a few simple steps.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a party, a family gathering, or a simple afternoon snack, these cookie bars are perfect for sharing with others.
Customizable: You can tweak the cinnamon-sugar ratio to your liking or even add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these perfectly chewy Snickerdoodle cookie bars:

Butter: The foundation of any good cookie bar. It adds that rich, buttery flavor and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar for sweetness.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the dough together and give the bars structure.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds that warm, aromatic flavor that makes everything better.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to give the bars their texture.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
Cream of Tartar: A must for classic Snickerdoodle flavor and that signature tangy taste.
Cinnamon: For both the dough and the topping, cinnamon brings the warmth and spice to these bars.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Additional Sugar for Rolling: A mix of cinnamon and sugar to roll the bars in before baking for that signature Snickerdoodle crunch.

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

Instructions

Making these chewy Snickerdoodle cookie bars is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Transfer the Dough to the Pan

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it into the corners. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the dough.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to stay soft and chewy!

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars, and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190 calories (depending on serving size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These chewy Snickerdoodle cookie bars are perfect just as they are, but if you want to elevate them, here are a few ideas:

With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm, chewy cookie bar with a cold glass of milk.
A La Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
With Tea or Coffee: Pair these bars with your afternoon tea or coffee for the perfect snack.
For a Party: Arrange the cookie bars on a serving platter for an easy and elegant treat at parties or gatherings.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan.
Don’t Overbake: For the best chewy texture, keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. They should be golden on the edges but soft in the center.
Make Them Your Own: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins to make these Snickerdoodle bars your own. The base recipe is super adaptable!
Leftover Bars: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these Snickerdoodle cookie bars ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy!

Q2: Can I freeze these cookie bars?

A2: Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap the cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.

Q3: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A3: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor, but it may make the texture a little more moist and chewy.

Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A4: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure to also check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

A5: Absolutely! If you love chocolate, fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a delicious twist.

Q6: How do I store leftover Snickerdoodle cookie bars?

A6: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q7: Can I make these cookie bars in a smaller pan?

A7: Yes! If you use a smaller pan, keep in mind that the bars will need a bit more time to bake. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A8: While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine in place of butter if needed. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great!

Q9: How do I make sure these bars stay soft and chewy?

A9: To keep the bars soft and chewy, be sure not to overbake them! Once the edges are golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan.

Q10: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

A10: Yes! A hand mixer works just fine to cream the butter and sugar and mix in the dry ingredients. Just be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Conclusion

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are everything you want in a dessert—soft, cinnamon-sugar perfection in every bite. They’re super easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, they’ll be a hit every time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the chewy goodness!