I can’t help but smile every time I think about snickerdoodle cookie bars. As a kid, I remember the joyous Fridays spent at my grandma’s house, where the air was always filled with the heavenly aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar. Grandma had a secret recipe that she guarded fiercely, but over the years, I’ve managed to replicate that sweet nostalgia in my very own kitchen. Snickerdoodle cookie bars are the perfect, gooey bridge between cinnamon sugar cookies and delightful dessert bars. They’re incredibly easy to make, and they bring all those heartwarming memories flooding back!
What’s not to love about a dessert that’s both chewy and soft with that signature cinnamon-sugar topping? These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you deserve a sweet treat. So, pull out your mixing bowls and preheat your oven – it’s time to whip up a batch of goodness!
What’s in Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie bars. I prefer using unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar ensures that we get that delightful chewiness. The brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor that plays nicely with the cinnamon.
Cinnamon: It wouldn’t be a snickerdoodle without this essential spice! I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its sweet, delicate flavor, but if you can only find regular cinnamon, that’s perfectly fine too.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient gives our bars a nice rise, making them fluffy and soft.
Butter: I’m a big fan of unsalted butter, as it allows me to control the saltiness of the bars. Plus, melted butter mixes in so smoothly – it’s a game-changer!
Egg: This binds everything together and contributes to the chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Because everything tastes better with a splash of vanilla! I always go for pure vanilla extract; it’s worth the investment.
Now, let’s dive into how these delightful treats can be surprisingly good for you!
Are Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Good for You?
These snickerdoodle cookie bars probably aren’t winning any health awards, but they do have their perks!
All-Purpose Flour: Provides carbohydrates for quick energy, although gluten-sensitive folks might want to opt for a gluten-free flour blend.
Cinnamon: This superstar is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulation, making it a little less guilty when indulging in these bars!
Butter: While it adds flavor, moderation is critical here. Choose high-quality butter for better taste, and consider cutting calories by reducing the quantity slightly.
While snickerdoodle cookie bars won’t replace a balanced meal, life’s too short not to enjoy some sweetness now and then!
Ingredients List
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
*Serves: About 16 bars*
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything comes together into a smooth dough. It will be a bit thick – that’s okay!
4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. As I like to do, you can dip your spatula in a bit of flour to make it easier to spread.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon) over the top of the dough.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are perfectly fine).
7. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Sweet Suggestions for Serving Up Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
– For an indulgent treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me; it’s an absolute dream!
– Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for variations.
– These bars store beautifully; just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft for days.
I hope you give these snickerdoodle cookie bars a try! They’re a blend of nostalgia and magic baked right into a bar. Remember to pause and enjoy the little moments, just like grandma used to teach me. And when you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Happy baking!