Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, bringing everyone together. When I think of Christmas, I can’t help but reminisce about my family’s gatherings, where these delightful Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars would always steal the show. The combination of soft, chewy texture and that sweet cinnamon-sugar topping is pure bliss! I remember my cousin sneaking back for seconds (or thirds!) while we all laughed and shared stories around the table. Trust me, these bars are a must-have during the festive season, and they’re so easy to whip up! You’ll definitely want to make them part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients List
To make these scrumptious Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a holiday treat that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s get started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for those bars to bake beautifully. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help your bars come out easily once they’re baked. Trust me, you want to avoid any sticky situations!
Mixing the Dough
Now it’s time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Next, add in those two large eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. This step is crucial—make sure there are no lumps! A smooth mixture means a smooth bar, and we want that.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any clumps in your dough. You want everything evenly distributed for that perfect texture. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, just to keep it manageable. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Baking Process
Now, spread the delicious dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. I find it helps to use a spatula to get it nice and smooth. Next, sprinkle that lovely cinnamon sugar on top—it’s like a warm hug for your bars! Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan, then cut them into bars and get ready to enjoy a holiday favorite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—not melted! This is key for that fluffy texture. Also, don’t skip the cream of tartar; it gives those bars that classic snickerdoodle tang and soft chewiness. When mixing the dough, be gentle—overmixing can lead to tough bars. And here’s a little secret: let your bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set perfectly and prevents any crumbling. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a holiday treat that everyone will adore!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate. For each Christmas Snickerdoodle Bar, you can expect around 180 calories, with 14g of sugar and 8g of fat. If you’re tracking nutrition closely, it’s best to check the labels of your ingredients for a more precise breakdown. Enjoy these treats in moderation during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars?
Absolutely! These Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Easy peasy!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! Your bars are done when they’re a lovely golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, they need a bit more time in the oven. Just keep an eye on them, as every oven can be a little different. Trust your senses!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, you can absolutely get creative with your Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. You could also throw in some chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a festive twist. Just keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may alter the texture slightly, but it’ll be delicious nonetheless. Mix it up and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly easy to make with simple ingredients
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon that screams holiday cheer
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings and parties
- Can be made ahead of time and frozen for future enjoyment
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch
- A family favorite that will create lasting memories around the table
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars are perfect on their own, but why not take it up a notch? I love to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—trust me, it’s heavenly! You can also pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a rich coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, dust the bars with a little extra cinnamon sugar before serving, or add a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles on top. They also make a fantastic gift when packaged in a cute holiday tin. Enjoy them however you like, and watch them disappear!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. No need to reheat—these bars are delicious served at room temp!
Print
Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars: 7 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars with cinnamon and sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Great for holiday parties.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Snickerdoodle Bars, holiday dessert, snickerdoodle recipe