Description

These pillowy-soft bars combine a tender cake-like base with a tangy cream cheese swirl and a crackly cinnamon-sugar topping. They are easy to make, require no rolling, and offer the classic snickerdoodle flavor in a convenient bar format.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for topping)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the short ends, and grease lightly.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Dollop over the dough and swirl gently with a fork or knife.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer.
Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the top and drizzle with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour) before lifting out and cutting into 16 squares.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bars. Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. The bars taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 26
Sodium: 180
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 3

Keywords: snickerdoodle bars, cinnamon sugar bars, cream cheese swirl bars, easy dessert, weekend baking, bar cookies