Soft, buttery, and swirled with warm cinnamon sugar — these cookie bars are pure comfort in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender bars with a classic snickerdoodle flavor.

• Easy to make in one pan — perfect for gatherings.

• Sweet cinnamon swirl adds warmth and nostalgia.

• Perfect for dessert, snacks, or gifting.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp fine sea salt

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16–20 bars

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream butter and both sugars for 3 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Make Cinnamon Swirl

Mix cinnamon swirl ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 5: Layer & Swirl

Spread ⅔ of the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with ¾ of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Dot remaining dough over top and swirl with a knife. Top with remaining cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes until edges are golden (center will look slightly underdone).

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Cool completely in pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking.

• Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts pair well with the cinnamon swirl.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Store at room temperature or in the fridge; they taste even better the next day.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger pan or bake in two pans separately.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a buttery, soft, and cinnamon-packed treat that’s perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself!