Easy Snickerdoodle Bars

Easy Snickerdoodle Bars bring all the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of classic snickerdoodle cookies into a soft, chewy bar form. These buttery, sweet bars are simple to make in one pan—no chilling, rolling, or scooping required—making them perfect for a quick dessert, bake sale, or cozy treat anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic snickerdoodle flavor with less effort
• Soft, chewy texture with a cinnamon-sugar crust
• One-bowl, one-pan simplicity
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or slicing for snacks
• Great for holidays, lunchboxes, or casual baking days

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for batter and topping)
• Additional granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar topping)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
7. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 22–28 minutes
Cool time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips for a fun twist
• Swirl in cream cheese for a tangy layer
• Use browned butter for a richer, nutty flavor
• Top with a simple vanilla glaze after baking
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice depth

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep longer, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
No reheating is required, but a quick warm-up in the microwave makes them extra soft.

FAQs

What makes these snickerdoodle bars?

They feature the classic flavors of a snickerdoodle—cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and a chewy texture—all in bar form.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They store well and can be made 1–2 days in advance.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling needed—just mix, spread, and bake.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Are these bars chewy or cakey?

They’re chewy with a soft center and slightly crisp edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger pan or in two 9×13 pans for a crowd.

Can I use a glass baking dish?

Yes, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on doneness.

What kind of cinnamon should I use?

Ground Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon both work well—use what you have.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking.

Do these bars need to be frosted?

Not at all—they’re delicious on their own, but a light glaze is a tasty optional upgrade.

Conclusion

Easy Snickerdoodle Bars are everything you love about the classic cookie—sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and buttery—in a simple, fuss-free bar form. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a treat, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these bars are a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

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