- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: sprinkle on top before baking or dust after cooling
💡 Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better rise.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease a 9x13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla — mix well.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Stir until fully combined — don’t overmix!
Step 5: Press Into Pan
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Top with Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 20–25 minutes , or until lightly golden and set.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
💡 Pro tip: These stay chewy longer when stored in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
💡 Expert Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the cream of tartar — it gives snickerdoodles their signature flavor and texture.
- For extra chew, use a mix of white and brown sugar .
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Store with a piece of bread to keep bars soft and moist.
- Double the batch and freeze half — they thaw beautifully!
📦 Creative Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists:
Try a Pumpkin Spice Version in the fall or a Lemon-Zest Style for a fresh twist.
🥣 How to Serve Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
These versatile bars pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk or coffee
- As part of a cookie tray or dessert buffet
- With ice cream for a soft-serve sandwich
- At baby showers, school events, or bake sales
- Wrapped individually for homemade gifts
Perfect for holiday baking , school lunches , or afternoon tea breaks !
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Proper storage keeps your bars tasting great:
- Room Temperature : Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days .
- Freezer : Freeze individual slices or whole pan for up to 3 months .
- Meal Prep Hack : Make ahead and slice for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats.
Great for gifting , freezer-friendly desserts , or easy breakfast bites !
📈 Monetization Hacks for Bloggers & Content Creators
If you run a food blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, this type of content is perfect for monetization . Here’s how to maximize its earning potential:
1. AdSense Optimization
- Use clear headings and subheadings for better readability.
- Insert ads between sections or after the first 300 words.
- Use high-performing ad units like in-article banners or native display ads .
2. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommend kitchen tools like cookie pans , wooden spoons , or baking kits .
- Link to ingredient brands or specialty products (e.g., organic cinnamon, artisan sugars).
- Earn commissions via Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.
3. Email List Building
- Offer a free printable recipe card or themed eBook behind an email opt-in.
- Create a “Holiday Cookie Collection” or “Classic Bar Desserts Guide” as lead magnets.
4. YouTube & Social Media Strategy
- Film a short-form video showing the step-by-step process (ideal for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts).
- Use keywords like “snickerdoodle cookie bars,” “chewy cinnamon sugar cookies,” and “easy bar cookie recipes” in your titles and descriptions.
- Include affiliate links in your description box or pinned comment.
5. Sponsored Content Opportunities
- Pitch this recipe to spice brands, dairy companies, or snack sponsors.
- Showcase branded ingredients or appliances in your photos/videos.
📊 SEO Tips for Maximum Reach
To help your post rank higher in search engines, optimize for these keywords:
- "Chewy snickerdoodle cookie bars"
- "Snickerdoodle bar recipe"
- "Cinnamon sugar cookie bars"
- "Easy bar cookie recipes"
- "Snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar"
- "Classic snickerdoodle variation"
Use them naturally throughout your content, especially in:
- Headings
- Image alt text
- Meta descriptions
- Video titles and tags
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes — but real butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Q: Is cream of tartar necessary?
A: It gives snickerdoodles their unique flavor and soft texture — don’t skip it!
Q: Why did my bars turn out cakey?
A: Over-mixing or over-baking can dry them out — keep mixing low and time short.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Do I have to refrigerate them?
A: No — store at room temperature in an airtight container.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars prove that sometimes the simplest tweaks make the biggest difference. By turning a classic drop cookie into a sliceable bar, you get more flavor per bite, less cleanup, and a crowd-pleasing treat that’s always a hit.
So go ahead, preheat your oven, crack open that bag of flour, and enjoy a batch of cinnamon-sugar heaven — one soft, chewy bar at a time.