Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars don’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cream of tartar. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, which is crucial for a well-baked bar.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes using an electric mixer. The process of creaming is important as it helps to create a light texture for the bars.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bars. You want the dough to come together without being too dense or crumbly.

Step 6: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Spread the snickerdoodle cookie dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula to press the dough into the corners and smooth out the top. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick—it’s meant to be!

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the dough, ensuring even coverage. The cinnamon-sugar will create that iconic, slightly crisp top layer we all love.

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft and slightly chewy in the middle, with a nice golden crust around the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, use the parchment paper (if used) to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

1. Don’t Overbake: These bars should remain soft and chewy, so be sure not to overbake them. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid them becoming too dry or crispy.
2. Soft Butter Is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold or melted butter won’t yield the same soft, chewy texture in the bars.
3. Add a Little Extra Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a bit more cinnamon to the dough to really bring out that flavor.
4. Storage: These bars will stay fresh for about 4-5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you want to make them ahead of time!

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect for any snickerdoodle fan who loves the familiar flavors but wants a more convenient and shareable version. They combine all the cinnamon-sugar goodness of classic snickerdoodles but with the soft and chewy texture of a cookie bar.

They’re great for bake sales, parties, and casual get-togethers, or simply as a delicious after-dinner treat. Once you try these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, they will quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen!

Final Thoughts

With their irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust and soft, chewy center, these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for every occasion. They’re simple to make, delightful to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try them out, and get ready for your new favorite sweet treat!