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The Ultimate Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Prepare yourself, because these Snickerdoodle Bars are not just good; they’re truly exceptional. I often praise my creations, but this recipe stands out as one of the finest treats I’ve ever brought to life in my kitchen. If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease, your quest ends here.

For years, I dabbled with numerous snickerdoodle cookie recipes, finding most of them merely ‘okay.’ They lacked that certain wow factor, that perfect balance of soft and chewy. My persistent experimentation, driven by a desire for perfection, led me away from traditional cookies and towards these incredible bars. Not only are Snickerdoodle Bars remarkably simpler to prepare than individual cookies, but they also boast an unrivaled softness complemented by just the right amount of delightful chewiness. When I declare these bars SPECTACULAR, I mean it with every fiber of my being. They are, quite simply, unbelievably delicious.

Crafted in a generous sheet pan, these bars are perfectly suited for feeding a crowd, making them an ideal choice for any large gathering. Whether you’re attending a family reunion, a neighborhood potluck, or any special event, these Snickerdoodle Bars are guaranteed to be a hit, disappearing from the dessert table in record time. Their ease of transport and serving, combined with their irresistible taste, makes them a go-to recipe for effortless entertaining.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Snickerdoodle Bars

Creating truly outstanding snickerdoodle bars begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a detailed look at what makes these bars so irresistible.

Softened Butter: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture

Butter is more than just a fat in baking; it’s a fundamental building block for flavor and texture. For this recipe, using softened butter is crucial. When butter is at room temperature, it creams beautifully with sugar, creating tiny air pockets that contribute to the light and airy texture of the bars. I typically opt for salted butter for almost all my baking needs, as it enhances the overall flavor profile. However, if your preference leans towards unsalted butter, simply add an extra pinch of salt to the recipe to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes.

High-Quality Salt: A Flavor Enhancer

Never underestimate the power of good salt in sweet recipes. It doesn’t just make things salty; it brightens and balances all the other flavors, making them pop. My absolute favorite is REDMOND REAL SALT*. It’s a pure, unprocessed, and mineral-rich sea salt, free from fillers, anti-caking agents, or unhealthy additives. Mined from an ancient seabed in central Utah, it brings a unique depth of flavor that ordinary table salt simply can’t match. You can find this exceptional salt HERE*, and don’t forget to use my affiliate discount code, “AMBERSKITCHEN”, for 15% off your purchase. For those who bake frequently, buying in bulk is a cost-effective option; I personally stock up with a 25 POUND BAG* every few years, storing it in airtight containers like buckets or mason jars to ensure it lasts.

*This is an affiliate link, and I may receive a commission on your purchase. Your support helps me continue to share delicious recipes.

Brown Sugar: For Unbeatable Softness and Chewiness

The secret to the incredibly soft, moist, and delightfully chewy texture of these snickerdoodle bars lies primarily in the use of brown sugar. Unlike white granulated sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which not only imparts a rich, caramel-like flavor but also adds moisture to baked goods. This extra moisture is key to preventing the bars from drying out, ensuring they remain wonderfully soft and retain their signature chewiness bite after bite. It contributes significantly to the overall depth of flavor, making these bars truly irresistible.

Eggs: The Essential Binder and Leavener

Eggs play a multifaceted role in this recipe, acting as both a binder and a leavening agent. The three whole eggs called for help to emulsify the ingredients, bringing everything together into a cohesive batter. They also contribute to the structure of the bars, providing stability while keeping them tender. Furthermore, when beaten into the butter and sugar mixture, eggs incorporate air, which aids in the overall rise and creates that desirable light, yet rich, texture. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and consistency.

Vanilla Extract: Aromatic Depth

Vanilla extract is a non-negotiable ingredient in nearly all dessert recipes, and especially so in these snickerdoodle bars. It adds a warm, sweet, and complex aromatic depth that elevates the entire flavor profile. For the best results, I highly recommend using a high-quality pure vanilla extract. The difference between pure and imitation vanilla is noticeable, with pure vanilla lending a much richer and more authentic taste that truly shines through in the final product, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The Dynamic Duo for Perfect Rise

Achieving the perfect rise and a tender crumb is thanks to the precise combination of baking soda and baking powder. This dynamic duo works together to create an ideal lift for these cookie bars. Baking soda reacts with the acidic components in brown sugar, while baking powder provides an additional boost, ensuring a fluffy yet substantial texture. You’ll notice the bars puff up significantly in the oven, a testament to these leavening agents at work. As they cool, they gently settle, resulting in that uniquely satisfying chewy texture that makes snickerdoodle bars so beloved.

Cinnamon & Cane Sugar: The Iconic Snickerdoodle Topping

What would a snickerdoodle be without its signature cinnamon-sugar topping? This classic combination is not just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the snickerdoodle experience. The warm, inviting aroma and subtly spicy flavor of cinnamon, perfectly balanced with the sweet crunch of pure cane sugar, create an irresistible crust on top of each bar. This topping adds a textural contrast and an aromatic flourish that defines the snickerdoodle flavor profile, making every bite a delight.

All-Purpose Flour: The Structural Backbone

All-purpose flour forms the essential structure of these snickerdoodle bars. Its balanced protein content provides just enough gluten development to give the bars their chewiness without making them tough. For my cookie bars, I trust and use LEHI MILLS*, a brand known for its quality. Remember, when measuring flour, it’s best to spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing the flour, which can lead to dense, dry bars. Don’t forget to use affiliate coupon code “AMBERSKITCHEN” for 10% off your Lehi Mills order!

How to Make the Best Snickerdoodle Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these snickerdoodle bars is a straightforward process that yields truly spectacular results. Follow these steps for homemade perfection.

1. **Prepare Your Oven and Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, generously grease a 17×13 inch standard jelly roll sheet pan. This recipe is designed for a thinner bar, similar to a Texas Sheet Cake, ensuring a delightful chewiness throughout. If you prefer thicker, blondie-style bars, you might consider using a smaller 9×13 inch pan, though you’d need to adjust baking time and potentially refer to this alternative Snickerdoodle Blondies recipe here for specific instructions.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a handheld or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed for a full 2 minutes. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the bars’ light and tender texture. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. **Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Leavening:** To the creamed mixture, add the eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well on medium speed until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. **Gently Mix in Flour:** Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, just until the flour is incorporated. It’s important not to overmix the dough at this stage, as over-developing the gluten can lead to tough bars. A few streaks of flour are acceptable, as it will continue to mix as you spread the batter.
5. **Spread the Batter Evenly:** Pour the sticky batter into your prepared sheet pan. This batter will be quite thick and sticky, making it challenging to spread evenly. A helpful trick is to place a piece of parchment paper lightly on top of the dough and gently pat it down with your hands or a flat spatula, working from the center outwards, until the batter forms an even layer across the pan.
6. **Create the Signature Topping:** In a small separate bowl, combine the cane sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Mix them together thoroughly, then generously sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the entire surface of the batter in the pan. This step is essential for that iconic snickerdoodle flavor and texture.
7. **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 17-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Don’t be alarmed if the bars puff up significantly in the oven; they might look like they’re about to overflow, but they will settle back down as they cool.
8. **Cool Completely Before Cutting:** Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. Resist the temptation to cut into them immediately! Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is critical. As they cool, they will deflate slightly and firm up, developing that wonderfully chewy texture. The top surface might appear wrinkled, which is perfectly normal and a sign of their delicious chewiness to come. Once fully cooled, cut them into squares and savor your homemade treat!

Why Snickerdoodle Bars Are a Game-Changer Over Cookies

While traditional snickerdoodle cookies hold a special place in many hearts, their bar counterparts offer several distinct advantages that make them a preferred choice for busy bakers and large gatherings alike.

• **Effortless Preparation:** The most significant benefit of baking snickerdoodle bars is the sheer simplicity of the process. Instead of rolling individual cookie dough balls and monitoring multiple batches in the oven, you simply spread one large batch of dough into a single pan. This streamlines the baking process significantly, saving valuable time and effort.
• **Consistent Texture Every Time:** Achieving uniform texture with cookies can be tricky, often leading to some being crispier and others softer. With bars, the baking environment is more consistent across the entire batch, resulting in a perfectly even soft and chewy texture from edge to center. Every square is a testament to perfect consistency.
• **Ideal for Crowds:** Baking in a sheet pan means a much larger yield in one go. This makes snickerdoodle bars the ultimate dessert for potlucks, parties, school events, or family reunions. There’s no need to fuss with multiple cooling racks or oven cycles; just one pan delivers dozens of delicious servings, making entertaining a breeze.
• **Easy to Transport and Serve:** Once cooled and cut, these bars are incredibly easy to pack, transport, and serve. They hold their shape beautifully and can be arranged neatly on a platter, offering a convenient, grab-and-go treat for your guests without the risk of breakage often associated with individual cookies.
• **Customization Friendly:** The broad surface of a bar makes it a fantastic canvas for additional toppings or variations. While we stick to the classic cinnamon-sugar here, bars can easily accommodate drizzles of icing, sprinkles, or even a layer of cream cheese frosting for future variations.

For these reasons, once you try making snickerdoodle bars, you might find yourself reaching for the sheet pan more often than the cookie sheet!

Expert Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Bars Every Time

To ensure your snickerdoodle bars turn out flawlessly, keep these expert tips in mind:

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Always start with softened butter and room temperature eggs. These ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent final texture. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and a denser bake.
• **Don’t Overmix the Flour:** Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can result in tough, dry bars instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• **Use Parchment Paper:** For super sticky dough, placing a piece of parchment paper on top and pressing down gently helps spread the batter evenly without it sticking to your hands. It also makes for incredibly easy removal and cleanup after baking.
• **Evenly Distribute the Topping:** Take a moment to ensure the cinnamon-sugar topping is sprinkled uniformly across the entire surface of the batter. This guarantees that every bite will have that signature snickerdoodle flavor and a beautiful sugary crust.
• **Do Not Overbake:** Snickerdoodle bars are best when slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven. Look for lightly golden edges and a center that looks just set, with perhaps a few moist crumbs when a toothpick is inserted. Overbaking will lead to dry, hard bars.
• **Cool Completely:** Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is essential for them to set properly and develop their intended chewy texture. Cutting into them too soon can result in a crumbly mess.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Snickerdoodle Bars are delightful on their own, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. To store, place cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Delicious Dessert Bar Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of dessert bars, be sure to explore some of my other favorite recipes:

• Browned Butter Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• S’mores Bars

Happy Baking! Connect with Me!

I genuinely hope you cherish this Snickerdoodle Bars recipe as much as I do. It truly is a showstopper! If you’d like to join me on more culinary adventures, discover new recipes, and get behind-the-scenes glimpses of my kitchen, please follow me on Instagram @AMBERSKITCHEN. I love connecting with fellow food enthusiasts!

Snickerdoodle Bars

After testing over ten different snickerdoodle blondie recipes, this one emerged as the clear winner! These bars are incredibly soft, perfectly chewy, and packed with that classic cinnamon-sugar flavor. I’m confident this will become your new favorite snickerdoodle recipe!

4.60 from 5 votes

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Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes
minutes

Servings:

20
squares

Ingredients

• 3 sticks softened butter (salted, or add extra salt if using unsalted)
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp cane sugar

Instructions

• **Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 17×13 inch standard jelly roll sheet pan.
• **Cream Butter & Sugar:** In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, whip the softened butter and brown sugar together for a full 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
• **Add Wet & Leavening Agents:** Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
• **Fold in Flour:** Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Gently mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
• **Spread Batter:** Pour the sticky batter into the prepared baking sheet. For easier spreading, lay a piece of parchment paper over the dough and gently pat it down evenly across the pan.
• **Apply Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the 1 tsp cinnamon and 3 Tbsp cane sugar. Mix well, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the entire surface of the batter.
• **Bake:** Bake for approximately 17-20 minutes. The bars will puff up significantly in the oven but will settle as they cool. Look for lightly golden edges.
• **Cool & Serve:** Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This ensures they set properly and develop their signature chewy texture. The top will naturally be wrinkled – that’s a sign of a perfect snickerdoodle bar! Enjoy your spectacular treat!