Snickerdoodle Bars: Easy Recipe, Nutritional Info, and Delicious Variations

snickerdoodle flavor dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. This classic flavor combines sugar and cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting taste. Recipe books from the era include snickerdoodle cookies made with basic pantry ingredients. These cookies quickly gained popularity for their simple yet delicious cinnamon-sugar coating.

Key Ingredients in Snickerdoodle Bars

Snickerdoodle bars use common baking staples that you likely already have in your kitchen:

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a slightly chewy texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the soft texture.
• Flour: Forms the base of the bars.
• Cinnamon: Provides the signature flavor.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds tanginess and helps leaven the bars.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

These ingredients work together, ensuring snickerdoodle bars offer the same nostalgic, cinnamon-sugar experience as their cookie counterparts.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Bars

Ingredients Needed

To bake authentic snickerdoodle bars, gather these ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

These ingredients form the perfect base and topping, ensuring a combination of soft texture and cinnamon flavor.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon.

Create Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.

Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut: Allow the snickerdoodle bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

This guide ensures you bake delicious, chewy snickerdoodle bars with a perfect cinnamon-sugar topping.

Variations of Snickerdoodle Bars

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

Transform snickerdoodle bars into vegan and gluten-free treats with a few ingredient swaps. Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free. For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed or applesauce. Mix ground flaxseed with water or use unsweetened applesauce on a 1:1 ratio for an effective egg substitute. Ensure other baking ingredients like baking powder are also gluten-free and vegan-certified to maintain dietary compliance.

Creative Mix-Ins and Toppings

Enhance your snickerdoodle bars with unique mix-ins and toppings. Add white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for texture and flavor. For a festive twist, mix in some crushed candy canes during the holidays. Experiment with toppings like caramel drizzle, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Combine these additions with the classic cinnamon-sugar topping to create customized bar flavors that surprise and delight.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count

A single snickerdoodle bar typically contains around 150-200 calories. The exact number depends on the recipe and portion size. Key ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour contribute to the calorie content. If you’re mindful of your calorie intake, consider cutting the bars into smaller pieces or reducing the amount of sugar used.

Healthier Alternatives

There are several ways to make snickerdoodle bars healthier. For a lower-calorie treat, use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. This swaps empty calories for a natural sweetener. Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. These alternatives offer more fiber and protein. Substitute butter with coconut oil or applesauce to reduce saturated fat. Adding chia seeds or flaxseeds can increase fiber content and nutritional value without altering the flavor significantly.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle bars offer a delightful twist on a classic cookie that can be easily adapted to fit your dietary needs. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or opt for healthier, vegan, or gluten-free versions, these bars are sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. So go ahead and indulge in these soft, chewy bars that perfectly blend the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and sugar.