If you’re a cookie lover searching for the ultimate cozy treat, I can’t recommend the One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe enough. These bars capture all the cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional snickerdoodles but transform them into a deliciously soft, chewy, and easy-to-make dessert that comes together in just one bowl. Perfectly spiced with a hint of cream of tartar, these bars are a nostalgic delight, ideal for sharing with friends or sneaking a sweet bite whenever you need a little pick-me-up. You’re going to fall head over heels for this effortlessly charming dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these charming snickerdoodle bars, you’ll use a handful of simple pantry staples that each play a special role. The butter provides richness and moisture, sugars add sweetness and texture, spices bring warmth and flavor, and the flour mixture creates that perfect chewy crumb we all adore.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Melting this first ensures your batter is smooth and well-mixed, adding buttery depth to every bite.
- 1 ¼ cups sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bars and helps create a tender texture.
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed): This adds a lovely caramel note and moisture, keeping the bars delightfully chewy.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Room temperature eggs incorporate easily for a smooth, cohesive batter.
- 2 tsp vanilla: Vanilla brings out the sweetness and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 2¼ cups flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 4 tsp corn starch: Helps create that classic snickerdoodle texture—soft but with a little bite.
- 1¼ tsp cream of tartar: A must-have for that tangy note unique to snickerdoodles.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Blended into the batter for subtle spice throughout.
- 2 tsp cinnamon & 3 tbsp sugar: Mixed together as a topping to create that signature snickerdoodle crust.
How to Make One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and lining an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars bake evenly and remove from the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars
In a large bowl, melt the butter fully, then let it cool just a bit so it’s warm but not hot. Stir in both the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar until well combined. This mixture forms the sweet, buttery foundation of your bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the room temperature eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a glossy, creamy batter. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything is smoothly incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In the same bowl, add the flour, corn starch, cream of tartar, salt, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir gently but thoroughly—your batter will become thick, thick enough to spread but still soft and pliable.
Step 5: Spread Batter and Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Spoon the thick batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the surface evenly with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the remaining cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle generously over the top of the batter—this creates the classic snickerdoodle sparkly crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Set
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. They’re done when the center is set but still soft and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it—this guarantees that gloriously chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Squares
Allow your snickerdoodle bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares. Now, the hardest part is resisting grabbing one (or two) right away!
How to Serve One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Though these bars are fantastic just as they are, sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a charming snowy touch. For an extra indulgent experience, a drizzle of warm caramel or a dollop of whipped cream makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
These snickerdoodle bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of cinnamon-spiced tea. Their soft, cinnamon-rich flavor complements creamy or fruity sides perfectly, turning an everyday snack into a memorable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange bars on a rustic wooden board, interspersed with fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks. You could even cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful twist. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine also makes for delightful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The pliable texture holds up well, and they’ll remain moist and tasty without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This warms the cinnamon sugar topping and revives the soft, comforting texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter for oil in this One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe?
Butter is key for that rich flavor and slightly crisp edges in these bars. While oil can be used in a pinch, it will change the texture and the classic snickerdoodle taste, so it’s best to stick with butter if possible.
Why is cream of tartar important in this recipe?
Cream of tartar adds a distinct tang that defines true snickerdoodle flavor and helps the bars have their signature soft chew with a slight tanginess. It’s an authentic element that’s hard to replace.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
With some careful substitutions using gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free lifestyles, but be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it to maintain the texture.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
Look for a center that’s set but not dry, and a toothpick inserted that comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges might be golden, but the middle should retain chewiness to capture that snickerdoodle essence.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a quality plant-based butter alternative. Just be aware the flavor and texture will have subtle differences, but it’s a great way to make this recipe accessible for dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe. It’s a wonderfully straightforward way to enjoy all the warm, cinnamon-scented goodness of classic snickerdoodles in a soft, chewy bar form. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or sharing with friends and family, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy your sweet tooth. Go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft, chewy One Bowl Snickerdoodle Bars that combine classic cinnamon-sugar flavors with a tender texture. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert and require just one bowl and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, (packed)
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp corn starch
- 1¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter either on the stove or using a microwave. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Mix Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar to the melted butter and stir thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the room temperature eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to incorporate fully. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, corn starch, cream of tartar, salt, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms, making sure everything is well mixed.
- Transfer Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter for that classic snickerdoodle crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Do not overbake to maintain the bars’ soft and chewy texture.
- These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine.
