Oh, Snickerdoodle Bars! Just the mention of them makes me giddy with nostalgia. I remember the first time I baked these delightful bars in my tiny kitchen—flour went flying everywhere, and I somehow managed to mix the cinnamon sugar with the actual dough instead of keeping it separate. But trust me, the result was pure magic! The soft, chewy texture, the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air, and that slightly crisp edge that just begs to be devoured. Seriously, these bars are a hug in dessert form!
What makes these Snickerdoodle Bars special is not just the flavor—though, let’s be honest, it’s pretty phenomenal—but also how easy they are to whip up. No rolling or cutting required! You can have them in the oven in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute bake sale or simply satisfying that sweet tooth. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on creating something scrumptious!
What’s in Easy Snickerdoodle Bars?
Butter: This is the base of our bars, giving them that rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. I like to use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness.
Sugar: For sweetness, we’ll need granulated sugar. You could use a little less if you prefer, but I think a classic Snickerdoodle is meant to be a bit on the sweet side!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and that deep, caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark will give you more flavor.
Egg: An egg brings everything together and adds richness. Always use the freshest eggs you can find!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to new heights—trust me on this one!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our bars. It gives structure and helps create that chewy texture we all adore.
Baking Powder: A small amount of this will ensure our bars rise just enough to stay perfectly soft and chewy.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! This warm spice is what transforms our dough into a Snickerdoodle dream.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the yummy flavors.
Is Easy Snickerdoodle Bars Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question! While these Snickerdoodle Bars are definitely a treat, they do bring some joy to the table.
Butter and Sugar: Sure, these bars are loaded with butter and sugar, which means they should be enjoyed in moderation. Butter provides some fat that can support energy, while sugar gives you a quick boost (but we all know it can lead straight to a sugar crash, right?).
Cinnamon: On the plus side, cinnamon has some health perks! It can help with blood sugar regulation and is loaded with antioxidants. While you won’t find a whole lot in a square of these bars, every little bit counts!
Overall, while this isn’t a health food, sometimes life calls for a little indulgence, and I find that happiness in bite-sized pieces is totally worth it!
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon (plus additional for sprinkling)
– 1/4 tsp salt
This recipe will make about 16 bars, depending on how you slice them!
How to Make Easy Snickerdoodle Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. It will be a bit thick, but that’s okay!
6. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of your dough.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Sweet Tips for Your Snickerdoodle Bars
– You can switch things up by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for some extra texture.
– These bars can be stored in an airtight container; they’ll last about a week (if you can resist them that long!).
– For an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yum!
I hope you give these Easy Snickerdoodle Bars a try! I promise they’re worth every sprinkle of cinnamon. They’re fantastic for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself (just saying). Enjoy baking, and I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy snickerdoodling!
