Name: Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened ((room temperature)); 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar ((for topping))

Jump to Recipe

Chewy, warmly spiced, and utterly comforting — these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the dessert hug you’ve been waiting for. With a soft, tender center and just the right cinnamon-sugar kiss on top, these bars turn the classic snickerdoodle cookie into a simple tray-bake everyone can enjoy. Fun fact: snickerdoodles probably originated in New England and were sometimes made with cream of tartar to give them a crinkly texture and tangy finish — a trick we happily use here.

This recipe is special because it takes the beloved flavors of a snickerdoodle and simplifies them into a quick, family-friendly pan dessert that comes together in under an hour. If you enjoy easy bar recipes, you might also like my take on other cookie bars; for a similar crowd-pleaser, see this Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars recipe for another approach. Whether you’re baking for a school event, a cozy weekend treat, or a last-minute gathering, these bars are fast, forgiving, and perfect for sharing. Get your oven prepped — you’re going to love how simple and rewarding this one is.

What is Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars?

Have you ever asked, “What happens when a snickerdoodle cookie goes to bar school?” The answer: Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars. Think of this as your favorite cinnamon-sugar cookie, stretched out into a soft, sliceable bar—easier to share and less fussy than rolling and chilling individual cookies. Why the name? Maybe the baker was in a hurry, or maybe someone joked that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and the rest is history. Either way, these bars are sweet, slightly tangy from the cream of tartar, and irresistibly chewy. Give them a try and see if they don’t become your new go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible texture: Soft and chewy in the center with a tender crust on the edges — it’s the best of both cookie and bar worlds.
Wallet-friendly baking: Basic pantry ingredients create bakery-quality results without expensive specialty items. Making a pan at home saves money versus store-bought treats and yields more to share.
Flavor-packed simplicity: Classic cinnamon-sugar topping and the subtle tang of cream of tartar make each bite nostalgic and satisfying.

If you’re a fan of chewy, richly flavored bars like the popular butterscotch toffee cookie bars, you’ll find similar comfort here with a spiced twist. Try making these for potlucks or dessert plates — they’re fast, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-comforting. Ready to bake? Let’s get into the details.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: a quick dry-ingredient whisk, creamed butter and sugar, a single egg and vanilla for richness, then a gentle fold to form a soft dough. The standout element is the cinnamon-sugar topping that caramelizes slightly in the oven while the bars bake to a chewy finish. Total time is about 35 to 45 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20–25 minutes bake, plus a few minutes cooling).

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper so bars lift out cleanly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor.
In another large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar together using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly paler in color — about 2 to 3 minutes by hand or 1 to 2 minutes with a mixer.
Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; do not overmix or you’ll lose that tender, chewy texture. A few small streaks of flour are okay.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch pan, pressing it gently with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the top. Aim for an even thickness so bars bake uniformly.
Sprinkle the top evenly with 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar for that classic snickerdoodle crunch and aroma.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the interior chewy.
Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve warm for a gooey experience or cool to room temperature for neat slices.

Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

What to Serve With:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or salted caramel gelato for a sweet contrast.
Fresh berries or a simple berry compote to add brightness and cut the sugar.
A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte — the cinnamon pairs beautifully with warm drinks.
For brunch, serve alongside yogurt and fruit or a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Butter temperature: Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming. Too cold and it won’t incorporate; too soft and the batter will be greasy.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined to keep bars tender and chewy.
Cinnamon-sugar variation: Increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons and use a coarse sugar for a crunchier topping.
Even baking: If your pan heats unevenly, rotate it halfway through baking.
Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Common mistake: Overbaking dries the bars. Remove them when the center still looks slightly soft; they set while cooling.

Include a friendly reminder that this recipe is forgiving — small timing differences won’t ruin the batch.

Try our butterscotch toffee cookie bars if you want another rich, family-friendly bar recipe to compare textures and flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm a single bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel, or reheat a few bars in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore a slightly crisp edge and soft center.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still chewy and delicious.

What can I use instead of cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, use 1/4 teaspoon baking powder plus 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar substitute (or just a touch more baking powder), though the classic snickerdoodle tang may be milder.

Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?
Absolutely. For a 9×13 pan, double all ingredients and bake for 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness at the 22-minute mark.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes. Bake them the day before and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Rewarm briefly before serving if you prefer them warm.

Are these bars suitable for kids’ lunches?
Yes. They’re portable, easy to slice, and a kid-friendly sweet treat. Just be mindful of sugar content in school settings.

Conclusion

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are easy to make, budget-friendly, and deliver big on flavor and nostalgia — the perfect treat to bake for family, friends, or a cozy night in. If you’d like to compare this version to another well-loved recipe, check out this trusted version from a fellow baker at Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – The Salted Sweets. Give the recipe a try, share a pan, and enjoy the simple happiness that comes from baking at home.