Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet treat craving without all the rolling and chilling. Plus, they are soft, chewy, and still full of that cinnamon sugar flavor you love from this traditional cookie.

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These chewy Snickerdoodle bars have become my kids’ favorite cookies. They’re so simple to make and taste just like the classic Snickerdoodle cookies, but in a bar form.

If you love Cinnamon recipes, then next you should try this Cinnamon Swirl bread recipe, these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, or these Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins.

Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our snickerdoodle bars, giving them the structure they need to stay together. Measure your flour carefully—using too much can make the bars dry instead of soft and crumbly.
Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda: These two ingredients work together to give the bars their slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture, just like classic snickerdoodle cookies. Cream of tartar also helps the bars rise a bit so they don’t turn out too dense.
Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors, balancing the sugar’s sweetness and the cinnamon’s warmth. It may be a small amount, but it makes a big difference.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness.
White and Brown Sugar: White sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar has a little molasses flavor that keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Eggs add moisture and help hold the bars together. Using both whole eggs and an extra egg yolk makes them soft and chewy. Vanilla adds a nice aroma and flavor to round out the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the main flavor in snickerdoodle bars. Mixed with sugar, it forms a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that adds texture and tons of flavor.

Instructions

This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.

flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt mixed in bowl

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.

butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar mixed in bowl

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars cooked cooling on rack

Bake until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Storage

Storage – Once cooled, the Snickerdoodle bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing – To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Wendy’s Tips

Keep Ingredients at the Right Temperature: Use room temperature butter and eggs for the best texture. This helps everything mix together smoothly, so the dough isn’t too stiff or too runny.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing too much can make the bars tough. Just mix until everything is combined for a soft and chewy texture.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a cream cheese frosting to make these bars extra special.

What To Serve With Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

A Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair these bars with vanilla or Black Forest ice cream for a classic dessert combo. The cool ice cream with the warm, cinnamon-spiced bars is an unbeatable match.

Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars with a warm cup of coffee like this Caramel Brulee Latte or tea. The flavors combine perfectly, making it great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Fresh Fruit: Serve these bars with sliced apples or berries for a fresher option. The tart fruit balances the sweetness, adding a refreshing twist.

FAQs

What if I Don’t Have Cream of Tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. This will still provide the tanginess and help with leavening.

How Can I Prevent My Bars from Being Too Dry?

To keep your bars moist, do not overbake them. When you remove them from the oven, they should be just set in the center. Using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately can also prevent adding too much flour.