Snickerdoodle Bars
There’s something about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. It’s comforting, familiar, and always welcome. That’s the feeling you get when you take on the delightful task of making Snickerdoodle Bars.
A Twist on a Classic
Snickerdoodles have been a staple in the cookie jar for generations, but sometimes, we crave that same taste with a little less effort. Enter the Snickerdoodle Bar: all the flavors of your traditional snickerdoodle cookie, but with the ease of pressing into a pan and baking into chewy, golden perfection.
The Joy of Baking Simplified
The process begins with the simple joy of mixing up a buttery, sweet batter infused with the distinct tang of cream of tartar – the secret ingredient that gives snickerdoodles their signature taste. As you spread the mixture into a baking dish, there’s no need to worry about individual cookies spreading or keeping batches even. It’s just one pan and done.
A Texture to Crave
Once baked, the texture of these bars is something to write home about. The edges are slightly crisp, providing that satisfying contrast to the soft, dense center. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures that cookie lovers know and adore.
The Final Touch
Before these bars make their way to the oven, they’re sprinkled with a generous helping of cinnamon sugar. This final flourish creates a delicate, crackly top layer that sparkles and entices. It’s this simple yet thoughtful touch that elevates the humble snickerdoodle to something extraordinary.
Sharing the Love
One of the best parts about making Snickerdoodle Bars is how effortlessly they can be shared. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or a treat for the office, these bars are made to be cut into squares and enjoyed by all. They’re a testament to the fact that some of the most cherished recipes are those that bring people together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
A Sweet Endnote
As the bars cool and you slice through the soft, yielding center, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride. With the smell of cinnamon still lingering in the air, it’s clear that Snickerdoodle Bars are more than just a dessert. They’re a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, a sweet square of nostalgia, ready to be savored with each tender crumb.
Snickerdoodle Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar – packed light or dark brown sugar is fine
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Arrange oven rack to the center of the oven. Then preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-2” overhang to allow for easy removal of the bars.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until combined. Scape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Add the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to level the top in an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dough.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes or until the edges are set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the bars should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.
