Name: Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe: Chewy, & Buttery
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 133 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs + 1 yolk; 1 tbsp vanilla; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp cream of tartar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ⅓ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cinnamon (for swirl & topping)

Introduction

Table of Contents

These Snickerdoodle Bars are everything you love about the classic cookie, but in thick, chewy, easy-to-share blondie form. Soft vanilla dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection—no chilling, no rolling, just pure snickerdoodle joy in under an hour. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, these bars offer a crackly cinnamon top and cozy aesthetic that disappears the second you set them down.

Ingredients

For the Snickerdoodle Bars (9×13 pan, 20–24 bars): • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar (the secret tang!)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl & Topping: • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Serving: • Extra cinnamon sugar dusting or vanilla ice cream

Step-by-Step Process

Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 metal pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with baking spray.
Make the cinnamon sugar.
In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and 2 cups sugar until smooth. Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla; whisk vigorously 30–60 seconds until light and glossy.
Add dry ingredients
Sprinkle flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Fold with a spatula just until combined—do not overmix.
Layer and swirl
Spread half the dough in the prepared pan (it will be thick—use wet hands or an offset spatula). Sprinkle with 3–4 tbsp of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Dollop the remaining dough on top and gently spread. Sprinkle generously with remaining cinnamon sugar.
Bake
Bake 26–32 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still slightly soft (a toothpick should have moist crumbs). For chewiest texture, err on the slightly under-baked side.
Cool & cut
Cool completely in the pan (at least 2 hours). Lift out using parchment, dust with extra cinnamon sugar if desired, and cut into squares.

Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Bars

• Don’t skip the cream of tartar—it’s what gives that signature tangy snickerdoodle flavor
• Melted butter + extra yolk = insanely chewy texture
• Slightly under-bake for fudgy centers—carry-over heat finishes them
• Use a metal pan—glass takes longer and can make the edges dry
• Line with parchment—makes removal and cutting clean
• Double the cinnamon sugar topping—people love the crackly crust

Variations and Customization

• Brown Butter Snickerdoodles: brown the butter for nutty depth
• Cream Cheese Swirl: dollop softened cream cheese mixed with sugar before baking
• Pumpkin Spice: add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar
• Chocolate Chip: fold 1 cup white or cinnamon chips into the batter
• Salted Caramel: drizzle cooled bars with caramel + flaky salt
• Gluten-Free: use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (Bob’s Red Mill works perfectly)

Storage and Serving Tips

• Stay chewy for 5–6 days at room temperature in an airtight container
• Fridge up to 10 days (warm 10 seconds in microwave to revive chew)
• Freezer up to 3 months—wrap individually for grab-and-go treats
• Reheat 8–10 seconds in microwave for that fresh-baked softness
• Quick refresh: dust with fresh cinnamon sugar before serving
• Perfect with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Nutritional Information

Based on 24 bars:

Calories: 210 kcal
Total Fat: 9g (Saturated 5g)
Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugars 20g)
Protein: 2g

Conclusion

These snickerdoodle bars are dangerous—soft, chewy, cinnamon-crackly perfection that tastes like the best snickerdoodle cookie grew up and got even better. One pan and suddenly your kitchen smells like pure happiness, and everyone’s hovering around the oven asking, “Are they cool yet?” Make them once, and they’ll become your signature “I brought dessert” move.