If you're a fan of the classic snickerdoodle cookie, you're in for a treat! These snickerdoodle bars take all the flavors you love from the traditional cookie and transform them into a soft, chewy bar that's perfect for sharing. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert to bring to a gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need to whip up these delicious snickerdoodle bars:
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- 1 Egg at room temperature: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup White Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup Unbleached Flour: The base of your bars.
- 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar: Gives that classic snickerdoodle tang.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup White Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch.
- 2 tsp Cinnamon: The star spice that gives snickerdoodles their signature flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the baking process. Follow these simple steps to create your snickerdoodle bars:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together for about a minute until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them just until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Press the snickerdoodle dough mixture into a nonstick or lined baking dish. Make sure the dough is spread evenly to ensure uniform baking.
6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dough.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The bars should be set and slightly doughy in the middle.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set and makes slicing easier. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Bars
- Room Temperature Egg: Using an egg at room temperature helps it incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cooling Time: Letting the bars cool completely before slicing ensures they hold their shape and makes for cleaner cuts.
Enjoy Your Homemade Snickerdoodle Bars!
These snickerdoodle bars are a delightful twist on a classic cookie, offering a chewy, flavorful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends and family, they're sure to be a hit. My family ate them all in one day, so you know they’re good!! Happy baking!