Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
It’s no secret that we are big dessert fans around here. The post-dinner sweet cravings hit just about every night, and nothing satisfies quite like a baked good. Cookies, cakes, brownies, bars… we don’t discriminate. And when I’m in need of a treat but not feeling up for a full night of baking, this is one of the recipes I whip out! These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are pretty much a one-bowl recipe. All it takes is just mixing everything together, then topping with that famous cinnamon sugar mixture that has us all hooked.
Start to finish, they’ll take you less than 40 minutes. Though, that might feel like ages when your house is filled with the heavenly sweetness of baking cinnamon goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Most importantly… it’s a thing called “Time-saver”. Basically, you are mixing up the cookie dough, spreading it into an 8×8 pan. Once that is done, sprinkle the top with the cinnamon-sugar. Pop it into the oven and presto – you’re baking!
Remember all that rolling of the dough into balls and then dipping each one into the cinnamon-sugar mixture? Yes, it’s fun or boring, depending on the person(s) making them, but more than anything, it’s kind of time-consuming. I love snickerdoodles, but I hate the whole process of rolling and rolling. If you are looking for ‘simple jack’ easy but still want quality, some of the steps can be omitted. Lucky you! Now you’ve eliminated all that time involved in rolling those balls and rolling them in cinnamon-sugar!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or electric mixer
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup butter, fully melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and thoroughly grease a 9×13 pan.
- Mix the melted butter and sugars together in a large bowl until smooth. While continuing to mix, add the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt to the bowl of wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is just turning golden.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the butter is fully melted to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
Additional Tips or Variations
- For a chocolate twist, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar topping for extra warmth.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 210 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture might slightly differ.
How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dessert. They capture the essence of the classic cookie with half the effort. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out for you! Share your experience in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!