Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Name: Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

July 12, 2025

Updated:

July 12, 2025

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These Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of snickerdoodles in a convenient bar form. With their soft and moist texture, rich buttery flavor, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top, these bars are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these cookie bars are sure to impress friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These bars come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute desserts.
Soft and Chewy: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with the ideal chewy texture.
Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or simply as an everyday snack at home.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need six basic ingredients to whip up this delicious dessert.
Cinnamon Sugar Delight: The perfect balance of sweetness and spice will have everyone coming back for more.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
8×8-inch baking pan
Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Non-stick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and airy batter by properly creaming butter and sugar.
Baking pan: An 8×8-inch pan ensures even baking and perfect portion sizes for your cookie bars.

Ingredients

These soft, thick, buttery, moist, cinnamon-sugar Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are to die for! Very few ingredients and super easy to make!

For the Cookie Bars

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 & 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Mix until the mixture is pale in color and light in texture.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

Add in the salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Stir until there are no streaks of dry ingredients left.

Step 5: Prepare Dough for Baking

Scoop the thick dough into your prepared baking pan. Smooth it out evenly so it covers the bottom of the pan completely.

Step 6: Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar with the ground cinnamon. Mix well until combined.

Step 7: Sprinkle Topping

Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the dough in the baking pan.

Step 8: Bake Your Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until set. The edges should be just very lightly browned. Avoid overbaking; you want these bars to remain soft and moist.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, cool the bars in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Step 10: Store Properly

Store any leftovers in a sealed container to keep them fresh. But beware—these bars may not last long!

How to Serve Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Their soft texture and cinnamon flavor make them perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creamy milk complements the buttery sweetness perfectly.

Warmed with Ice Cream

Heat the cookie bars slightly in the microwave and top with vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delicious dessert.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence. It adds a lightness that balances the richness of the bars.

Sprinkled with Extra Cinnamon Sugar

For those who love cinnamon, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. This enhances the flavor and adds a lovely crunch.

As Party Favors

Cut the bars into smaller pieces and package them in cute boxes as party favors. They make great treats for gatherings or as gifts.

How to Perfect Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

To ensure your Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft ones.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be set but not overbaked. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and maintains their structure.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

While these cookie bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the bars for an added layer of flavor.
Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce pairs wonderfully, adding an extra touch of sweetness.
Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sugary flavors.
Nut Assortment: A mix of nuts can provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the bars.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, serve with whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free option.
Cinnamon Tea: A warm cup of cinnamon tea can enhance the overall flavor profile while providing warmth.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers freshness and balances out the richness of dessert bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars is simple, but a few mistakes can ruin your delicious treats. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:

Using Cold Butter: Cold butter can make it difficult to achieve a creamy consistency when mixing with sugar. Always use softened butter for the best results.
Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough bars. Stir just until no dry ingredients remain for soft and chewy cookie bars.
Skipping the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: The cinnamon sugar adds that signature flavor. Make sure to sprinkle it generously on top before baking.
Not Baking Long Enough: Undercooking can result in gooey bars that won’t hold together. Bake until the edges are lightly browned for perfect texture.
Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing for neat, clean edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
These cookie bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat with a lid on until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars more chewy?

To achieve chewier bars, consider slightly reducing the flour or adding an extra egg yolk.

Can I add mix-ins to my Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of how they may change the cooking time.

How should I store leftover Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

What is the best way to freeze my Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container before freezing.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are an irresistible treat that combines soft, buttery goodness with delightful cinnamon-sugar flavor. Their simplicity makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite mix-ins or frostings for a personal touch. Try this recipe today and enjoy these tasty bars with family and friends!