Get ready to bake some delicious Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars! This easy recipe combines soft, chewy texture with the classic flavors you love. I promise you’ll impress friends and family with these sweet treats. In this post, I’ll share step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and fun variations. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned baker, these bars are simple to make and hard to resist. Let’s dive right in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
- Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious blondies baking in no time.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The end result is a wonderfully soft and chewy treat that is hard to resist!
- Versatile Topping: The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful sweetness that complements the blondies perfectly.
Ingredients
Detailed ingredient list
To make Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars, you need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar (for topping)
Important ingredient notes
Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. Melt it for a rich base. Brown sugar adds moisture and sweetness. A large egg helps bind the bars. Vanilla extract gives a nice aroma. For the flour, all-purpose works great. Baking powder helps the bars rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Cinnamon gives that classic snickerdoodle taste.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar. You can mix in some maple syrup for a unique twist. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter. If you want to skip the egg, you can use a flax egg. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms the oven for even baking.
2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or use parchment paper. This makes removing the bars easier.
3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar together. Stir them until smooth.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir again until everything blends well.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. This helps to mix dry ingredients evenly.
6. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
Baking process
7. Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures even baking throughout.
8. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the batter. This adds a sweet, spicy flavor.
9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
10. Be careful not to overbake. The blondies should remain soft and chewy for the best texture.
Cooling and serving tips
11. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up without falling apart.
12. Transfer the bars to a wire rack for complete cooling. This prevents sogginess on the bottom.
13. Once cool, cut into squares. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation.
14. You can dust them with cinnamon or add extra chocolate chips for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
How to achieve the best texture
For soft and chewy blondies, mix your batter just enough. Overmixing makes them tough. Use melted butter for a rich flavor and a moist texture. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are done but still soft.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is using cold butter. Always melt your butter first to ensure even mixing. Don’t skip the cinnamon topping; it adds great flavor. Also, let the blondies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly.
Storage tips for freshness
Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and butter to come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, yielding a smoother texture.
- Check for Doneness Early: Since ovens vary, start checking your blondies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape and texture when serving.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture variations.
Variations
Adding chocolate chips
You can make your Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars even better by adding chocolate chips. I suggest using semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. Stir in about a cup of chips when mixing the batter. This adds a rich taste and a gooey texture. The chocolate pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar topping.
Gluten-free options
If you need a gluten-free version, it's simple! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that work cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars without worry.
Spices and flavor variations
You can play with flavors to create new twists on this recipe. Try adding nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. You can also mix in some pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat. For a fun touch, add a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla. Each variation gives you a new way to enjoy these bars!
Storage Info
Best ways to store the bars
To keep your Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste. If you live in a hot area, store them in the fridge.
Freezing instructions
You can freeze these bars for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They freeze well for up to three months.
How long they last
When stored properly, Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars last about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. If frozen, they can keep their flavor and texture for three months. Enjoy them at their best!
FAQs
Can I make Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. They will taste just as good when you thaw them.
What can I serve these bars with?
These blondie bars are great on their own. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes them even better. For a fun twist, pair them with hot cocoa or a cup of coffee. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for added flavor.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Check your blondies after 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Be careful not to overbake them. The bars should feel soft and chewy to the touch. Let them cool before cutting for the best texture.
This post covered all you need for Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars, from ingredients to baking. Understanding ingredient swaps helps you customize the recipe. Following the step-by-step instructions ensures tasty results. Use my tips to avoid common mistakes and enjoy perfect texture. Explore variations to keep things fun. Remember to store and freeze properly for the best taste.
Now, it’s your turn to bake and share these delicious treats!
