Prepare to fall head over heels for these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, the dreamiest way to enjoy all the joy of classic snickerdoodle cookies without the fuss of rolling dough. Each bar is soft, buttery, and laced with vanilla and tangy cream of tartar, crowned with a sparkling crackle of cinnamon sugar. They’re the best of both worlds: the caramelized edges of brownies and the unmistakable flavor of your favorite cinnamon cookie. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing treat or a nostalgic bite with your afternoon coffee, these bars have you covered in the most delicious, chewy way.

Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars comes from a handful of everyday ingredients working together to create pure cookie bliss. Every element pulls its weight, from the creaminess of butter to the warming swirl of cinnamon on top.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy, rich butter is the backbone of these bars, ensuring fantastic softness and flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons for topping): Regular sugar gives classic sweetness and helps create that signature snickerdoodle texture plus the essential cinnamon-sugar topping.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds depth and boosts chewiness, thanks to a hint of molasses.
Large eggs (2): These provide structure and extra richness, making every bite delightfully tender.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): Reliable flour gives these bars their soft yet sturdy crumb, perfect for slicing and serving.
Cream of tartar (1 ½ teaspoons): The signature snickerdoodle tang and satisfying chew come from this magical little ingredient.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavener to give your bars just the right lift and texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch to brighten all the sweet and spicy notes.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons, for topping): The iconic spiced crown for that classic snickerdoodle flavor profile.

How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Get things started by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with butter or non-stick spray. This step guarantees that your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars will lift out beautifully and slices will be perfect every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until everything is smooth, fluffy, and pale. This process introduces air, creating the tender foundation that sets these cookie bars apart from the rest.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in those eggs one at a time, giving each a good mix before adding the next. Follow up with a generous tablespoon of vanilla extract. This not only binds everything together but also imparts a warm, cozy aroma to your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix delivers the signature chew and distinctive tang of snickerdoodles—there’s really nothing else like it.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix patiently just until the two come together to form a thick, cohesive dough. Hold off on overmixing to ensure every bar comes out ultra tender and chewy.

Step 6: Spread and Top with Cinnamon Sugar

Scrape the dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula or your fingers to gently coax it into an even layer. In a small bowl, blend the remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon, and then sprinkle this magical mixture across the top. This cinnamon-sugar crust is the secret to snickerdoodle bliss!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for about 22 to 26 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just turning golden and a center that’s just set—don’t be tempted to overbake. The true beauty of these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars is in their moist, soft center!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Patience is key here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set up (this is what gives you perfectly crisp-edged, chewy-centered slices), then cut them into squares or rectangles, ready to share and savor.

How to Serve Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cinnamon scent will still shine through, and every bite will feel like a bakery treat.

Side Dishes

Creamy sides like a cup of hot chocolate, spiced chai latte, or a cold glass of milk pair beautifully, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the comforting warmth of the cinnamon. These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars also tuck perfectly onto a holiday dessert tray with brownies or lemon bars for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into festive shapes with cookie cutters, layer them into parfaits with whipped cream and berries, or wrap them individually with rustic twine for adorable party favors. Stack and serve them on a pretty cake stand to turn your kitchen table into a little cookie bakery.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for up to five days—which means you can nibble on nostalgia all week long!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Simply layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep their chewiness and cinnamon charm for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love warm, slightly gooey cookie bars, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The sugar topping softens into a fragrant crust, and you get that fresh-from-the-oven feeling all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is essential for that classic snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try a teaspoon of lemon juice as a last resort—though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Why are my Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars dry?

The most common culprit is overbaking. Pull the bars from the oven as soon as the center is set and the edges are golden. Cooling in the pan helps them finish setting up and stay irresistibly moist.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! A handful of white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or toffee bits mix in beautifully without overpowering the classic cinnamon flavor. Keep add-ins to about a cup in total for best results.

How do I make these bars gluten free?

Use a good 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten free, so you can enjoy Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with just one easy swap.

Can I double the recipe for a big party?

Yes! You can absolutely double the batter and bake it in two pans or a larger baking dish, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on the center for perfect chewiness.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to smile when you have a plate of Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars in front of you, their cinnamon sugar shimmer calling for just one more square. Whip up a batch and share them with friends, family, or just yourself—every bite is a little celebration of home-baked happiness!

Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars that are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. A twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, these bars are chewy, cinnamon-sugary, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Spread Dough: Spread the dough into the pan evenly.
Add Topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle over the dough.
Bake: Bake for 22–26 minutes until set in the center and lightly golden on the edges.
Cool and Serve: Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.