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To make Snickerdoodle cookie bars, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons cream of tartar - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) These ingredients blend together to create a soft, chewy, and flavorful treat. The butter adds richness, while the sugars provide sweetness and moisture. Cream of tartar gives that classic snickerdoodle tang, and cinnamon adds warmth. You can make your Snickerdoodle bars even more fun with these optional add-ins: - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts - Mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist - Dried fruit like cranberries for a tart flavor Feel free to get creative! These add-ins can change the texture and taste, making your bars unique. If you have allergies, here are some great substitutions: - Use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version. - Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). - Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. These substitutions keep the essence of Snickerdoodles while making them safer for those with dietary needs. 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 2. Cream the Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should look light and fluffy. 3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs to the butter mix. Do this one at a time. Make sure each egg blends in well before adding the next. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. The mix should look smooth and well-blended. 4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold it in gently. Stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks. 5. Spread the Dough: Pour the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the dish. 6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dough. Make sure it covers the surface evenly. 7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. To check if they're done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they're ready. 8. Cooling Time: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 9. Serve the Bars: Once cool, cut the bars into square pieces. They pair great with a glass of milk or your favorite drink. For a fun touch, serve them on a nice plate. You can even sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top or drizzle melted chocolate for a treat! To get that perfect texture in your Snickerdoodle cookie bars, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the butter cream well with the sugars. Beat them until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overmix once you add the flour. A few flour streaks are fine. This keeps the bars soft and chewy. One mistake is not using enough flour. Always measure it correctly. Too little flour makes the bars too gooey. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but not dry. You can add extra flavors to your bars. Try mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for a twist. You could also add a dash of nutmeg for warmth. Another idea is to use brown butter for a richer taste. This adds a lovely depth to the classic snickerdoodle flavor. {{image_4}} You can make Snickerdoodle cookie bars healthier by swapping some ingredients. Here are a few simple changes: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Substitute half of the sugar with applesauce to cut calories. - Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for more fiber. These swaps keep the bars tasty while adding some nutrition. Snickerdoodle cookie bars are great to customize! Try these fun flavors for a twist: - Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. - Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor. - Peanut Butter: Mix in a half cup of peanut butter for a nutty twist. These additions can make each batch unique and fun. You can change the flavor of Snickerdoodle cookie bars for different seasons. Here are some ideas: - Fall Spices: Add nutmeg and ginger to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. - Winter Treats: Mix in crushed peppermint for a festive touch during the holidays. - Spring Citrus: Add lemon zest for a fresh, bright taste in spring. These adaptations keep your baking exciting year-round and suit any occasion. To keep your snickerdoodle cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keeping them at room temperature works well for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. You can freeze your cookie bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature. To enjoy warm snickerdoodle bars, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the texture soft and chewy. You can also microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat. Snickerdoodle bars are thicker and chewier than cookies. They bake in a pan, not on a tray. This gives them a soft, cake-like texture. While cookies have crisp edges, bars stay soft all around. You can easily slice them into squares, making them great for sharing. Both have the same sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor, but bars offer a unique twist. Yes, you can make these cookie bars gluten-free! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for better texture. Always check labels to ensure no gluten is present in other ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweet taste of Snickerdoodle bars. You know the cookie bars are done when the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. The bars should feel firm but slightly soft to the touch. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before cutting. This ensures they stay moist and delicious. In this post, we explored how to make tasty Snickerdoodle bars. We covered the key ingredients and helpful add-ins. You learned easy steps for prep, baking, and serving. I shared tips for a great texture and how to avoid common mistakes. We also discussed fun variations and proper storage. With these tips, you can bake bars that wow friends and family. Enjoy the process and share your delicious creations!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Indulge in these irresistible Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars that blend warm cinnamon flavors with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these easy-to-make bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion! With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you'll have a delicious treat ready in just 40 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and add a delightful twist to your dessert lineup!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    Cream the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-blended, about 2-3 minutes.

      Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

        Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are fine.

          Spread the Dough: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, smooth the top evenly so that it spreads out uniformly across the dish.

            Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the cookie dough, ensuring even coverage for that delightful cinnamon flavor.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cookie bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                Cooling Time: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Serve the Bars: When cool, cut into square pieces for serving. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 24 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve these delicious cookie bars on a decorative platter, and feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an added touch!