Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars Better Than Individual Cookies
Nothing beats the simple comfort of a warm kitchen and a tray of Chewy Snickerdoodle Bars fresh from the oven. These bars have everything we love about the classic snickerdoodle cookie: a crackly cinnamon-sugar top, soft buttery texture, and that signature tangy flavor from cream of tartar. Best of all, they come together quickly and bake in one pan, so there’s no need to roll individual cookies.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
1 Cup Unsalted Butter, 1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar, ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar
Add the eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, almost like whipped frosting.
2 Large Eggs, 1 Large Egg Yolk, 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
1 Teaspoon Salt, 2 ¾ Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar, 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or clean hands. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the dough evenly into the pan, using a small piece of parchment paper to press the dough smooth.
Combine the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the entire mixture evenly over the dough. Gently press it into the surface.
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be puffed and lightly golden, and the center should appear just set.
Do not overbake. If the bars look completely done in the oven, they may become dry after cooling.
Allow the bars to cool in the hot pan for at least 30 minutes. This carryover cooking helps create the soft, chewy center.