Apple Snickerdoodle Bars

Introduction

Imagine everything you love about a classic snickerdoodle cookie — soft, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar — baked into chewy dessert bars loaded with juicy apple chunks. These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are the ultimate fall treat: quick to make, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully moist.

They’re ideal for cozy weekends, bake sales, or autumn gatherings. With just one bowl and no mixer required, this recipe delivers that warm, nostalgic cinnamon-apple flavor in every single bite. 🍂

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Ingredients

For the Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

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Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Add egg and vanilla, whisking until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

• Sift in flour, cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
• Gently fold in diced apples.

Step 4: Add Topping & Bake

• Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Combine cinnamon and sugar for topping, then sprinkle generously over the top.
• Bake for 23–26 minutes, until golden and set in the center.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

• Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
• Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

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Tips for Success

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
• Don’t overbake — they’ll stay soft and chewy as they cool.
• Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a bakery-style finish.
• Double the batch — these go fast!

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Nutrition (per bar, 12 servings)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 16g

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Variations

• Apple Pie Bars: Add ½ tsp nutmeg and ¼ tsp allspice.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
• Maple Version: Replace 2 tbsp sugar with pure maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea.
• Great for lunchboxes, bake sales, or fall dessert boards.

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Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Conclusion

These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are a cozy twist on a classic — buttery, chewy, and filled with cinnamon-apple goodness. Perfect for autumn baking or when you want that nostalgic homemade flavor, they’re guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

👉 Bake a batch today, and let your kitchen smell like fall! 🍎🍁

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use applesauce instead of apples?
You can replace half the apples with unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture.

Q2: Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–8 minutes.

Q3: What apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or mix both.

Q4: Can I add nuts?
Yes — ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans adds great crunch.

Q5: Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely — they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.