I love cookies of all kinds but I have a soft spot for snickerdoodles cookies.
However, it’s faster to make bars than it is to make cookies.
As I always say with bars, they are wham-bam-slap-it-in-a-pan whereas cookies require individual loving and more one-on-one attention.
And the frosting on top makes me extra happy.
I do like sugar cookies but I like snickerdoodle cookies more so I tweaked the ingredients and reduced the yield to an 8 x 8 pan because I didn’t “need” a 13 x 18 pan of bars.
I knew this post was going to be revealed on the day before Valentine’s Day, so I made pink vanilla cream cheese frosting, sprinkled the bars with red sanding sugar, and added red, white, and pink candy bits.
I hope Cupid approves.
These bars are like snickerdoodle cookies, but in bar form.
The cinnamon and sugar and the vanilla undertones tickled my snickerdoodle fancy.
The texture is soft and chewy, like a deep dish cookie.
The frosting is vanilla-infused, and has a little bit of a tang from the cream cheese, balancing the sweetness.
And everything tastes better when it’s pink and has candy bits and sprinkles on top.
Pin This Recipe
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
Easy, no-mixer bars that taste like snickerdoodle cookies. Soft, chewy, moist and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 1/2+ cups powdered sugar
- splash of milk or water, if needed
- (pink) food coloring, optional
Instructions
Bars – Preheat oven to 375F and prepare a 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan by lining it with foil and then spraying it with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and mix until combined. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. The batter will be very thick and sticky, like cookie dough. Use your hands if necessary to spread it evenly. Bake at 375F for 19 to 22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan comes out clean. While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting.
Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting – In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter and cream cheese until combined and it begins to fluff. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar (one-half cup at a time after 3 cups) and mix until desired frosting consistency is reached. I like very thick frosting and used 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar with a splash of half and half. Carefully add the food coloring, one drop at a time, until desired color is reached. After the bars have cooled, frost them. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles, candy bits, sanding sugar, or any optional garnish of your choice. Consider storing the bars in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese and butter in the frosting; the bars freeze well and will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 63mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 1gSugar: 60gProtein: 4g
And if you haven’t already completed your Valentine’s Day baking (or springtime, baby-shower, bridal shower, Easter, or girlie birthday party baking needs), there’s:
Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies with PB Cups & PB M&M’s
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies (No-Bake, Vegan, GF)
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
And here’s a Valentine’s Day Roundup post with Food, Kitchen items, and shoes
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I am eating one of these as I’m writing this and oh my goodness, it’s criminally good! So sweet, I may even reduce the sugar in the frosting next time, but just what I wanted on this icy December morning. Thanks so much for the recipe! Perfect!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad these hit the spot on an icy December morning!
next time I will add either making powder or baking soda as the recipe did not call for either….. Which would you recommend? I bake at 9000′!
I could only recommend baking the bars just as written in the recipe since that’s the way I did it and cannot speak to what to add or alter. You’d have to play around with things on your own if you want to change the recipe. Good luck!
Just wanted to clarify that there’s no raising agent in these, right? Or did I just miss them in the recipe?
No rising agent (i.e. baking power or baking soda), correct. They would make the bars cakey and I don’t like cakey bars so it’s not included.
Thank you for the nice recipes.
I made these last night! I’ve been sick for a while and eating has been a chore. I figured cooking/baking might help bring back my hunger so I made these, and the chocolate ganache cake. They look amazing in the picture and mine look similar but I have a problem with not reading directions well. I read the ingredients and then my mind goes blank and throw everything together and mix away. They fell flat and very gooey in the middle… oops! that’s my fault. And I guess I need more cream cheese in my frosting. But besides almost putting all my roommates into a sugar coma they were tasty lol. I had chocolate cake mix so I cheated and just used that for the cake. I had a lot so I made a two layer cake in pie dishes(i didn’t know there was a difference between pie and cake!) so they had weird shapes. And I stacked them on top of each other and made a strange butter frosting for the middle cus I had no more chocolate and the ganache for the top. The ganache is tasty but it looks like a mud pie mountain and nothing like yours lol. I’m just learning to cook/bake so I need way more practice but I had fun attempting your pretty recipes!
Yes the most important thing you can do with cooking if you’re trying to follow a recipe is actually read it :) I get so many comments from people who don’t fully read them all the way through but hey, at least it worked out somewhat for you with the bars.
As for the cake…ganache frosting isn’t really a ‘layer cake’ frosting b/c it’s runnier and thin, compared to buttercream or cream cheese frosting. I’m sure it tasted good but I bet it was messy. And yes, there’s a big difference between pie plates and cake plates.
Thanks for LMK you tried a couple recipes and hey, you gotta start somewhere :)
it was messy! i actually named it ‘chocolate blob mountain’… very tasty though! i ate the whole thing by myself
This is such a mouthwatering post! Everything looks lovely, but I am really taken with those Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars. They sound so delicious, and I love how you have decorated them.
Glad you enjoy the looks of things!
i missed this recipe from last week! so glad i stumbled upon it. i just made and posted about sugar cookie bars a few days ago! i love the snickerdoodle touch though… and of course, i love anything with frosting. awesome recipe!
Glad you saw them :)
I made the SnickerDoodle cookie bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for Valentine’s Day. All I need to say is DELICIOUS!!! Thanks for the recipe and your awesome website. I too love veggies & yoga!
Glad you liked them and thanks for reading and the nice compliments! Enjoy your weekend…and the bars (if there are any left!)
Your bars look amazing and oh, so pretty! Your photography is incredible!
Thanks, and your ability to make mini desserts is astounding!
Wow, what a treat! Snickerdoodles used to be one of my favorites as a kid. You’ve just stepped this up to a whole new level.
Made these tonight!! I have been wanting to try some of your recipes for a long time!! This was an awesome start! Thank you!
Oh thanks for the compliments and feedback and if you make anything else, LMK!
Made these last night, super easy and extremely delicious! Hoping my husband didn’t eat them all, but I think he has a new favorite!
New to your blog and absolutely love it.
Thanks for saying hi and reading and glad you liked these! And that your husband did, too :)
Love these Averie!! They’re so pretty, and just perfect for V-Day! I made some snickerdoodle bars a while ago, but no frosting on mine so these are definitely an upgrade :)
I tell my hubby not to buy me expensive roses from the local florist – they just don’t last (Walmart roses are way cheaper and last much longer).
On to your snickerdoodle bars – yummy!!! I love snickerdoodles, but don’t think I’ve ever tried them in bar form. I’ll be pinning this recipe for the future. If you haven’t had a chance, please stop by and visit my SRC post for Giant Chocolate Toffee Cookies
http://butteryum.blogspot.com/2012/02/giant-chocolate-toffee-cookies.html
:)
ButterYum
Just saw your cookies…they look chocolatey and fabulous! Thanks for the Pin and glad you like the snickerdoodle bars!
I made your strawberry cookies with cream cheese icing for valentines day and they were yummy! The whole family loved them. I’m enjoying your desert recipes, tasty but not too difficult!
So happy to hear you loved them!! Thanks for the feedback!
Oh my word, Averie! These look ah-mazing!!!!
Snickerdoodle cookies are my favorite! My cousin and I made white chocolate peanut butter cups with some sprinkles on top. Other than that, nothing this year. :/
I could tell which recipe was yours by the thumbnail! Gorgeous as always! (and i’m LOVING those Toms!) I just launched my new site seasonalpotluck.com February is oranges month. I’d be honored if you’d link up any orange recipes you may have! Talk to you soon!
This is crazy but I have an orange-themed post coming out tomorrow!! I will link it up!
Thanks for this “could tell which recipe was yours by the thumbnail! Gorgeous as always!” — makes my day to know that!
Averie! What are you doing to me? Snickerdoodles is my #3 favorite cookie and you made them into a bar cookie with frosting! Looks like a perfect Sunday cookie for me to make! They look amazing!!
and girl, soooo much faster/easier than cookies. Make them!
those look very pretty – and I like the cream cheese as part of the icing.
this recipe is so beautiful, love the layers and of course the pink frosting ;)
Oh man those bars look like mouthwatering goodness!
Oh yum!! Definitely cupid and Fallon approved over here!
Thanks for mentioning me, Averie! I *love* the thought of snickerdoodle cookie bars. And that pink cream cheese frosting, yum!
No valentines day plans really … I am not a huge fan of valentines day. The hubby and I will probably cook dinner together and then I am going to work on my thesis. We go out together all the time, so no need to fight the crowds tomorrow!
I agree, bars are so much easier than cookies. These are gorgeous and i love the pink! My daughter is squealing for me to make these!!!
Hi Averie,
Your Sinckerdoodle Bars from Crumbs and Choas look awesome, I love the pink touch for Valentine Day.
It is fun cooking with you in the SRC!
Miz Helen
SRC #7
These look so good and moist!!
Those bars are SO pretty -and I’m a huge Snickerdoodles fan, so I know I’d love them!
I love this idea! Snickerdoodles are my favorite and they must taste even better with frosting and sprinkles.
Love this twist on the ordinary sugar cookie bar! So festive and delicious – such a great choice!
And very nice to “meet” you through SRC, Becca!
So pink and pretty. Love it!
MMmmmmm… I want all of those delicious snickerdoodle bars, please?
Your wood board is perfect. Great photos :)
Thanks, Kiran!
Quick recipe question. Is that supposed to say “1 cup white sugar”? It currently says “1 1 cup white sugar.” Just wanted to be sure, because I’m making these tonight. Thanks!
Yes fixed to one cup. Thanks for the catch. I re-read my posts like 19 times and still manage to apparently type too fast for my own good :)
Please report back and LMK how you like them if you end up making them! Thanks for reading :)
I made them and they turned out so delicious. They were a great alternative to traditional brownies and cookies that everyone else makes for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for the idea and recipe!
I’ve noticed the sugar cookie bars making the rounds on the blogs I read. Turning them into snickerdoodle bars is a great idea! Love snickerdoodles!
Yes, so many sugar cookie bars…I wanted to mix it up plus I prefer snickerdoodles so it was a win-win.
saw these this morning while sipping my coffee and just had to give ’em a whirl – so festive! ;) I was home visiting for the weekend, and my three younger brothers (all in their super-hungry teen years) DEVOURED them. This recipe would be perfect to send in with the kiddos to school, too – the recipe came together quickly & easily!
I’m all about quickly & easily & devoured :)
Yum! These look delicious! I wasn’t planning on baking anything for Valentine’s Day, but might be making a quick run to the store!
Hopefully there’s almost nothing you “need” that you don’t have on hand (you can use storebought frosting, too, obvi if you’re short on time). LMK if you do make ’em!
Wow, these look amazing….almost too pretty to eat! And I’m with you on the shoes comment too…as much as I love flowers I love shoes even more. My wardrobe is testament to that!
Shoes (or kitchen supplies) trump flowers, any day. Flowers die and the other stuff lives on. lol
I also have a soft spot for snickerdoodles. Fond childhood memories and me, my grandma, and mom in the kitchen making these for school bake sales. I haven’t made any in a while though! No plans for valentine’s day…just eat some chocolate or some of my mocha muffins with the family and cheers to love! hope you enjoy ur day :)
mocha muffins sound fab!
I love the bars instead of cookies idea, I think I am just going to quit making cookies and go bars all the way!!! I am eternally busy and any way I can save time is a great thing. These look fantastic, I was the snickerdoodle queen in high school, haha, my home economics teacher used to pull me out of class (like science and math yay!!) to make my famous snickerdoodles :)
cute story about your econ teacher and yes, cookies are great but bars are so much faster!
These look so pretty..too good to eat!
love this and LOVE your comment over on cr…thanks for such PERFECT looking treats averie!
I’m guessing CR meaning Gena’s site? But anyhoo…just checked your site, great lookin’hummus!
I had to laugh when I saw that you wrote that you don’t ~need~ a 13 x 18 pan of these :) They look so cute (I’m a sucker for pink baked goods). Let’s see whether I can get my act together and make a gluten-free version tonight! And how cute are those Toms?
9 x 11 or 9 x 13 is my max size these days, so 13 x 18 was out of the question! I like VARIETY in my desserts :)
Fabulous recipe and great pics, the colors are so pretty! I haven’t made anything for vday yet, but will hopefully change that tonight. :-)
What a gorgeous bar for V-day!
I felt bad for Aubrey when we were first dating because he had no idea what to buy me for Valentine’s Day. I don’t get a whole bunch of candy or flowers and I don’t really wear jewelry. Thankfully, he now knows we just need to spend the day together, doing nothing particular at all.
What a great Valetine’s day recipe! I love cookies, but I love cookie bars even more!
Oh wow, what a dessert! You’ve taken one of my favorite cookies and made it even better, Averie! So glad to have found you through your gorgeous guest post on Marla’s blog. Thanks for sharing and happy Valentine’s day!
Your pink desserts are making me very excited for Valentine’s day :-)
I love these, Averie!
I love all your festive treats! Now I just have to decide which ones to make!
Thanks, Cara!
Another amazing dessert created by Averie. Love all your creativity and Skyler must love how everything you make is pink! A little girl’s dream :)
My hubby and I have never been big Valentines Day celebrators. We call it the “Hallmark Holiday.” I do make sure i have a box of candy and a little something on the side for the kids, since Valentines Day means a lot to them. I will be picking up their cupcakes from my favorite bakery tomorrow (so sad) since I have no time to bake this week. I wish you lived closer by so I could grab some treats from your house :)
I will be making dinner though, so that makes up for store bought cupcakes, I guess :)
Happy Valentines Day Averie.
I wish you lived closer, too. Trust me, I have plenty of extras on hand that I’d love to share!
I am making these the MOMENT I get a chance. I love everything about it, the texture looks so dreamy!
I was looking at your recent oatmeal cookie recipe and realized that shy of 1/4 cup of oats and 1/4 + 2 tbsp PB vs. 1/3 c, our recipes are pretty much..the same!
http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2011/10/peanut-butter-oatmeal-white-chocolate-cookies.html
We both tweaked the Cooks Illustrated recipe and came up with PB and oatmeal cookies…I put white choc in mine and you put the candies in yours, but the base is nearly identical. Great minds think alike :)
Oh that’s funny! I adore that recipe!
ohhh decadent! snickerdoodles are a great choice, and the pink frosting is obviously the cutest thing. Happy V day! I won’t be doing anything super special except hanging with friends, maybe indulging in a pint of ben and jerrys ;) only half kidding.
enjoy your B & Js. Sounds a lot easier and cheaper than a big fancy restaurant meal out. And probably much more enjoyable :)
Would you even believe me if I said I’ve never had a snickerdoodle? Sad but true. These look a million times better than the cookie version though! And love that pink frosting!
You need to start compiling this stuff…
Never had a snickerdoodle
Never made muffins til like 2 weeks ago.
And a few others you told me but I’ve forgotten but considering how much you bake, I am floored by some of your factoids!
A-DORBS.
Just made your Snickerdoodle White Chocolate Chip cookies yesterday. The family raved! I think there is maybe 2 left :) No plans for Valetine’s Day here either. I’d much rather be at home all cozy with dinner and movie on the TV!
Glad they were a hit! Thanks for the feedback!
snickerdoodles are my favorite and these look extra delicious. :) I hope you have a wonderful valentine’s day!
We don’t do anything big for Valentines day – but I’d be happy to gobble up a few of these!!
And thanks for pinning them…you’re so sweet!
So fun! What a great SRC recipe!! The bars are just perfect for Valentines day…I’m loving it! Those Toms are seriously so adorable, I want to get them! No vday baking yet- hopefully today
I love your SRC reveal recipes, too!
Those are so pretty – I mean really gorgeous Averie! When are you opening up a bakery???
If only. But it would take care of some of the goodies that are busting out of the cupboards :) Good thing our friends and Scott’s coworkers aren’t complaining. Lol
I love that the frosting layer is nearly as thick as the cookie. :D
I have no V-Day plans and couldn’t care less. I’m not anti-VDay, but not pro either. It’s kind of like President’s Day to me. In college, my roommates and I used to go to Rocky Rococo’s for their heart-shaped pizza every year. That was the only reason I really liked it.
Rocky Rococo’s…BLAST from the past. Havent thought about that place in about 20 years!
I love thick frosting…the thicker, the better. At least as thick as the dessert itself :)
I have no idea how you come up with all of these amazing treats
I wish you lived closer and you could be my taste tester and I could send stuff home with you for your kiddos!
Thanks for the linky love!
I am a snickerdoodle addict, is that a thing?
I pinned your 2 ingredient ice cream last night and everyone’s been loving it…seriously, it looks so good!
Look at that dense buttery moisture in those bars! These look like just the right kind of cookie bar.
Those look dense and delicious!!
Frosting is simply the best part of any dessert. I swear nothing is ever too rich or sweet for me so those bars appear to have an appropriately thick layer for my taste! No Valentine’s Day plans–we are both working and I don’t want to be out in a crowded restaurant. A quiet evening at home is where it’s at for me!
nothing is ever too rich or sweet for me either! I like my frosting about as thick as the dessert itself!
Those look amazing!
My mouth is watering as I eat my boring cereal with blueberries for breakfast (would much rather a cookie bar). It is great to have bar recipes for when time doesn’t allow for drop cookies. Thanks for sharing!
Yes cookies are great but bars are so much faster!
DROOOOOOOOOL! I love, love, love the THICK layer of frosting. That is gorgeous. I want to sink my teeth into it. Yum. :)
I like the frosting to be almost as thick as the bar itself. Case in point, these nutella brownies with cream cheese frosting. The frosting is almost thicker than the brownies :)
http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2011/05/fudgy-nutella-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting.html
What a good idea – I love how chewy and delicious that cookie looks and the pink frosting is just too cute!
Pink is where it’s at for me :)
“I’d rather have $50 bucks to spend on shoes than roses, truth be told.” – couldn’t agree more, flowers are so overpriced on Valentine’s Day that it’s such a waste. I’d much rather have something I could get some good use out of. Although that being said, I wouldn’t turn down a box of chocolates!
Nor would I turn them down…but your chocolates trump all!