If there’s one treat I find myself baking on repeat for friends, family, and impromptu celebrations, it’s these Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes]. They capture everything we all love about the classic snickerdoodle cookie—tender, buttery crumb and that signature cinnamon-sugar sparkle—but in an easy, no-fuss bar form that comes together in just over half an hour. Whenever you need a quick but deeply satisfying dessert, you’ll be hooked on how these bars pack nostalgic flavor and crowd-pleasing comfort into each chewy bite.

Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] truly counts, working together to create that irresistible soft texture and warm, spiced flavor. Gather these pantry staples and you’ll be amazed how such modest ingredients turn into something so magical.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bars, delivering the perfect structure so every bar slices cleanly yet stays tender.
Baking powder: Just the right lift for a soft, cakey crumb that’s still satisfyingly dense.
Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors and balancing all that sweet cinnamon goodness.
Ground cinnamon: Divided for extra punches of warmth in both the dough and the finishing sugar topping—so classic and so cozy!
Unsalted butter, melted: Delivers a rich, buttery base that also helps the bars stay moist for days.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while also providing that irresistible, crackly cinnamon-sugar top.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and result in those perfectly chewy centers.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and brings those bakery vibes front and center.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes]

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides. Trust me, this simple trick makes lifting the bars out and cutting clean squares an absolute breeze later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures your favorite cinnamon flavor is perfectly distributed in every bite of your Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes].

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and blend the melted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. You’ll be rewarded with a base that smells so deliciously rich—almost like brown sugar fudge.

Step 4: Combine and Spread the Batter

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Take care not to overmix! Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for that perfect layer.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with the last teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the batter, making sure every inch is lightly dusted. This is the secret to that bakery-style crackly top on your Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes].

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden and a center that’s just set—a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake! The soft, chewy texture is pure comfort.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Use your parchment handles to lift them out in one piece. Now comes the fun—slice into squares or rectangles and savor the sight (and scent) of these golden, cinnamon-swirled beauties.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes]

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. If you’re making these for a party, a pinch of extra cinnamon or a few sprinkles on top add playful color and even more aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve your Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh strawberries. They’re also perfect with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider for a playfully nostalgic afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized cubes for a dessert tray, stacking them with a ribbon for gifting, or adding them to a cookie platter for potlucks. You can even use them as the base for a dreamy ice cream sundae, topped with caramel sauce and more cinnamon sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] keep wonderfully fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Layer parchment or wax paper between stacks to prevent sticking and keep that cinnamon sugar top intact.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bars cool fully, then slice and wrap each piece tightly. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep at their best for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for a grab-and-go treat any time.

Reheating

If you love warm treats, pop a bar or two in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked aroma and an extra gooey bite. Or cover and reheat in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes to revive their straight-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13 inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time—check for doneness around the 28-35 minute mark. Everyone will be thrilled to enjoy more of these Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes]!

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

You can substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor and a moister texture. The bars will be just as delicious, with a slightly different spin.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. The bars might be a little trickier to remove, but letting them cool fully before slicing helps keep the bottom intact.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check the texture as you go, and bake just until set for chewy, gluten-free Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] everyone can enjoy.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling necessary! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s all about speed and simplicity, so you can enjoy warm, chewy bars without the wait.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing homemade Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes]—they’re unfussy, comforting, and universally loved. I hope you’ll give this easy recipe a try and make it a regular part of your own baking adventures. Trust me, these bars are too good not to share!

Snickerdoodle Bars [35 Minutes] Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Snickerdoodle Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering all the cinnamon-sugar goodness in a convenient bar form. Perfect for snacking or sharing!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang the sides for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain the soft, chewy texture.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American