Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! If you love soft, chewy cookies with a hint of warm cinnamon, these Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars will be your new favorite. They taste like classic snickerdoodles but in bar form—so much easier and just as delicious!

I’ve made these bars so many times, and they never last long. They have that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and a crackly cinnamon-sugar topping. Plus, no rolling dough into balls—just mix, bake, and slice!

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery bar with a cinnamon-sugar crunch on top. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! And the best part? One pan makes plenty to share (or not—no judgment here).

Ready to bake a batch? Let’s get started! You’re just a few simple steps away from pure cinnamon-sugar happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Cinnamon and Sugar: These bars deliver that irresistible cinnamon-sugar flavor in every bite.
• Soft and Chewy: The texture is perfectly tender and moist, making them ideal for a satisfying snack.
• Easy to Make: Skip the hassle of shaping individual cookies – it’s all about the bars!
• One-Bowl Wonder: This recipe is quick, requiring just a few simple steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a potluck dessert, or a gift for a loved one, these bars fit every occasion!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two, one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream together the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• 9×13 Baking Pan: To bake these delicious bars to perfection.
• Parchment Paper (optional): To make clean-up easier and for easy bar removal.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the bars after baking and make slicing easier.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful bars (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature. This provides the base of flavor and moisture for your bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps create that crunchy, sugary exterior.
• Eggs: The binding agent that brings everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: For a deep, aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the bars their structure.
• Cream of Tartar: This helps create that signature snickerdoodle flavor and texture.
• Baking Soda: For the right amount of lift and fluffiness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: This is what gives these bars their irresistible cinnamon kick.
• Extra Cinnamon Sugar (for topping): A mix of cinnamon and sugar, generously sprinkled on top before baking for that perfect crunchy finish.

Variations for Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the cinnamon flavor.
• Add Chopped Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and egg replacers to make this a dairy-free treat.
• Switch to Brown Sugar: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
• Add a Dash of Nutmeg: Spice up your bars by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal after baking.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

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

4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and granulated sugar. Set aside for topping the bars before baking.

5. Spread the Dough into the Pan

Evenly spread the snickerdoodle dough into the prepared baking pan. You can use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even layer. Once spread out, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top of the dough.

6. Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bars to ensure they don’t overbake, as they can become dry. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven.

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled down, slice them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• With a Glass of Milk: They’re perfect with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve as a Party Treat: Slice them into smaller pieces and serve at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Top with Ice Cream: Make it a dessert by serving a warm slice of these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Storing Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars

These bars are great for storing and will keep for several days:

• Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, store the bars in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Part 2: Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1 bar, based on 16 bars):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	2g

These bars are sweet and indulgent, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm you up with their comforting cinnamon flavor. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and versatile enough to fit every occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a holiday dessert, or a potluck treat, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these soft, chewy bars that bring all the classic snickerdoodle flavors in an even easier-to-make form. Don’t forget to share the love by making a big batch—these bars disappear quickly, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Bars FAQs

Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?

Absolutely! You can add up to 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the batter for a chocolaty twist.

How do I make these bars thicker or thinner?

To make the bars thicker, use a smaller baking pan (such as an 8×8). For thinner bars, spread the dough in a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I freeze snickerdoodle bars?

Yes! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Why are my snickerdoodle bars dry?

Overbaking is often the culprit. Be sure to check the bars around the 20-minute mark and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.