I can hardly contain my excitement as I share this recipe for easy Snickerdoodle Bars! If you’re anything like me, there’s just something about the warm, cinnamon-sugar aroma wafting through your kitchen that brings back childhood memories. I can vividly remember my grandma whipping up a batch of these soft, chewy treats while we sat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently with our eyes on the cookie jar. It felt like magic watching her combine the simple ingredients into something delightful.
What I love about these Snickerdoodle Bars is how incredibly easy they are to make, especially when you want a fast and satisfying dessert. Instead of scooping out individual cookies, you can simply spread the dough in a pan, bake, and voilà! A delicious snack that’s ready to be enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or as a sweet pick-me-up after a long day. Seriously, who could resist that?
What’s in Easy Snickerdoodle Bars?
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our bars, flour gives structure. I typically go for unbleached all-purpose flour because it feels a bit more natural, but use what you have!
Sugar: Sweetness is key! I use a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar; the brown sugar adds moisture and the classic Snickerdoodle flavor.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent. It helps the bars rise and get that soft, pillowy texture we’re all after.
Butter: Ah, butter! The magical ingredient that adds richness and flavor. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the bars.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent. I love using room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! If you can find high-quality cinnamon, it makes a world of difference. I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out these bars and adds a wonderful aroma. I swear by pure vanilla extract – it’s worth the splurge!
Cream of Tartar: This great ingredient gives that classic Snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture.
Is Easy Snickerdoodle Bars Good for You?
You might be asking yourself if these delightful bars have any health benefits. Well, while they’re definitely a treat, here’s the scoop:
All-Purpose Flour: It’s a source of carbohydrates, providing the energy you might need for that midday slump. Just remember, moderation is key!
Cinnamon: This spice is known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Butter: While it’s delicious, it’s also high in calories and saturated fat, so don’t go overboard!
These bars are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, but I won’t judge you for sneaking a couple after dinner!
Ingredients for Easy Snickerdoodle Bars
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
– ¼ teaspoon salt
This recipe will make about 16 bars, perfect for sharing – or for indulging all on your own (I promise I won’t tell!).
How to Make Easy Snickerdoodle Bars?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Mix the dry ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt until well combined.
3. **In another bowl**, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon until smooth.
4. **Combine wet and dry**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until it forms a soft dough.
5. **Spread the dough** into your prepared baking pan evenly.
6. **Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon**: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it over the top of the dough in the pan.
7. **Bake** in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. **Let cool** in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Cut into bars**, serve and enjoy!
Sweet Tips for Success!
– If you’d like to add a little twist, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
– These bars store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too good!
– Serve your Snickerdoodle Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat.
These Easy Snickerdoodle Bars are sure to be a hit, whether at your family gathering or just as a cozy dessert for yourself. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try! And when you do, please share your experiences and any fun twists you put on it. Happy baking!
