Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – Soft, Cinnamon-Spiced, and Perfectly Chewy

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars bring the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of traditional snickerdoodles into a convenient, chewy bar form. With a tender crumb, a hint of tang from cream cheese, and a sweet cinnamon coating, these bars are a delightful twist on a beloved favorite. Easy to make and portion, they’re perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor, New Form – All the warm cinnamon goodness of snickerdoodles in easy-to-cut bars.
Chewy Texture – Soft and moist with just the right amount of chew.
Simple and Quick – Whip up the batter and bake with minimal fuss.
Portion Friendly – Bars make serving and snacking easy to manage.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup light butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp light cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla, and cream cheese until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overmix.

6. Spread Batter and Add Topping
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Mix cinnamon with a little granulated sugar and sprinkle over the top.

7. Bake and Cool
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: 130
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake – Aim for a slightly soft center for chewy texture.
• Cream Cheese Adds Moisture – Keeps the bars tender and flavorful.
• Use Fresh Spices – Fresh cinnamon elevates the flavor beautifully.
• Store Properly – Keep bars in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of cream cheese and brown sugar creates a moist, chewy base, while the cinnamon sugar topping delivers that classic snickerdoodle flavor. Baking in bars makes this dessert simple to slice and share, with every bite bursting with warmth and sweetness.

These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of traditional snickerdoodles in a convenient, chewy bar form. Perfectly spiced, tender, and easy to make, they’re a go-to dessert for any occasion that calls for a sweet, cinnamon-sugary treat.