Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Combination – Buttery snickerdoodle cookie dough pairs perfectly with spiced apple filling.
• Easy to Make – No need to roll out pie dough; these bars come together with simple ingredients.
• Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night at home.
• Customizable – Switch up the apples, add nuts, or drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well and can be made in advance for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Snickerdoodle Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Snickerdoodle Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Spread half of the snickerdoodle dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
6. Spread the apple pie filling over the snickerdoodle dough in the baking dish.
7. Drop the remaining snickerdoodle dough in small spoonfuls over the apple filling. Use a spatula to gently spread and cover as much of the filling as possible.
8. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the cookie dough.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per bar

Variations

• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Spiced Twist – Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper, warm spice profile.
• Chocolate Touch – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a chocolatey twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them soft and gooey.

FAQs

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too soft?

Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing, as this helps them set properly.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute homemade filling with canned apple pie filling for a quicker version.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make this without cream of tartar?

Yes, but the snickerdoodle base may lose some of its signature tangy flavor. You can substitute with lemon juice or vinegar.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife to cut even squares. Wiping the knife between cuts helps too.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze can add extra sweetness and a pretty finish.

What other fruits can I use?

Try pears, peaches, or berries for a different fruity twist.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon-sugar cookies and warm apple pie in an easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these chewy, spiced bars will be a hit. Try different variations, store them for later, and enjoy a slice of fall-inspired goodness anytime!

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars blend the best of snickerdoodle cookies and classic apple pie into a soft, chewy dessert. With a buttery cinnamon-infused cookie base, a spiced apple filling, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, these bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a cozy treat anytime.

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Ingredients

Snickerdoodle Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Make the Snickerdoodle Base:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.

3. Assemble the Base:

   • Spread half of the snickerdoodle dough evenly in the prepared baking dish.

4. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

   • In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Spread the apple mixture over the snickerdoodle base.

5. Top with Remaining Dough:

   • Drop the remaining snickerdoodle dough in spoonfuls over the apple filling.
   • Gently spread to cover as much as possible.

6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

   • Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
   • Sprinkle evenly over the top.

7. Bake:

   • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve:

   • Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

• Best Apples: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Variations: Try adding caramel drizzle, nuts, or a powdered sugar glaze for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American