If you love the warm, cinnamon-sugar magic of classic snickerdoodles but want a quicker, easier way to enjoy them, these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are just what you need! They’re buttery, soft, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon—without the hassle of rolling individual cookies. The best part? They stay deliciously chewy for days!
This recipe brings all the cozy nostalgia of traditional snickerdoodles into a simple, fuss-free bar form. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar topping gives them that signature crackly top that makes snickerdoodles so irresistible. Ready to bake up a batch? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Bars
- Chewy & Buttery: Each bite is soft and rich, with just the right amount of chew
- Easy to Make: No need to chill the dough or roll individual cookies—just press into a pan and bake
- Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, cozy flavor
- Great for Sharing: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or holiday trays
What Do These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Taste Like?
Think of classic snickerdoodles, but even softer and chewier! They have that buttery, slightly tangy flavor (thanks to the cream of tartar) and are packed with cinnamon goodness. The cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a slightly crisp, crackly top that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Large mixing bowl
✔️ Whisk or electric mixer
✔️ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔️ Parchment paper or non-stick spray
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
✔️ Spatula
How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined
Step 3: Press & Sprinkle
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top
- In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the topping
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough
Step 4: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set for that perfect chewy texture
What to Serve with Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
These bars are amazing on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try:
🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with creamy vanilla
☕ A cup of coffee or hot chocolate – Perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up
🍏 Caramel sauce drizzle – For extra indulgence, a little caramel on top is heavenly!
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
✅ Don’t overbake! These bars will look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, but they’ll continue to set as they cool
✅ Use fresh cream of tartar. This ingredient gives snickerdoodles their classic tangy flavor—don’t skip it
✅ Let them cool completely before cutting. It’s tempting to slice in right away, but cooling helps them hold their chewy texture
✅ Want thicker bars? Use a smaller 9×9-inch pan and bake a few minutes longer
How to Store Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- In the Fridge: Keeps well for about a week, but let them come to room temp before serving
- In the Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these snickerdoodle bars without cream of tartar?
Yes! If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can replace both the cream of tartar and baking soda with 2 tsp of baking powder
Can I add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even toffee bits would be delicious additions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger sheet pan (10×15 inches) or use two 9×13-inch pans
Why are my bars dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Try baking for a minute or two less next time, as ovens can vary
Final Thoughts – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Any Occasion!
If you’re a fan of snickerdoodles, easy desserts, or chewy cookie bars, this recipe is a must-try! They come together in minutes, require no rolling or chilling, and deliver the perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness in every bite
Looking for more cozy, cinnamon-spiced treats? You might also love:
- Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake – A soft, spiced cake topped with a caramelized coconut topping
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Oatmeal Cake – A mashup of cookies and cake in one delicious bite
- Flourless Apple Cinnamon Cake – A gluten-free delight bursting with apple and cinnamon flavors
Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it goes—leave a review, snap a pic, and share it on Pinterest! 🍪✨ Happy baking!
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