Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie that many of us know and love. These bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, chewy texture that makes them utterly irresistible. Originating from the traditional snickerdoodle cookie, which dates back to the 19th century, these bars have become a favorite in many households, offering a convenient way to enjoy the beloved flavors without the fuss of rolling individual cookies.
What I adore about Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars is their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to please. Their chewy texture and rich flavor profile make them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
Preparing the Batter
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy. 2. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the pan with a little butter or cooking spray. 3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your bars will turn out! 4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Next, crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and smooth. 5. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. 6. **Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to stop as soon as you no longer see any flour streaks. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.Cooking Process
7. **Spread the Batter**: Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly. 8. **Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping**: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix well until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. 9. **Sprinkle the Topping**: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter in the baking pan. This will create a deliciously sweet and slightly crunchy topping once baked. 10. **Bake the Bars**: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden and the center to be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. 11. **Cool the Bars**: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.Assembling and Serving
12. **Cut the Bars**: Once the bars are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually go for about 2-inch squares, but you can make them smaller or larger as you like. 13. **Store the Bars**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. 14. **Enjoy**: These chewy snickerdoodle bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends! 15. **Optional Add-Ins**: If you want to get creative, consider adding in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar in a soft, chewy treat. The combination of buttery goodness and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon makes these bars not just a dessert, but a cozy experience that can brighten any day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a potluck, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I love to pair these Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an added touch of sweetness and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a swirl of cream cheese frosting or even some chopped nuts for a delightful twist! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how your Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars turn out and any variations you come up with. Remember, baking is all about creativity and having fun in the kitchen! So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together. Happy baking! Print
Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Enjoy these chewy Snickerdoodle Bars, featuring a soft, cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a delightful twist to the classic cookie. Perfect for any occasion, they make a great treat for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Alternatively, grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; stop when no flour streaks remain.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles as desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Serve these delicious bars at gatherings or enjoy them with coffee or tea.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
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