Irresistible Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

There’s something magical about biting into a warm Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bar. Imagine sweet cinnamon, buttery dough, and tender apples melding together in perfect harmony. This dessert evokes memories of cozy family gatherings, where the smell of freshly baked treats fills the air and laughter dances around the kitchen. You can’t help but feel that happy tingle in your stomach—it’s pure bliss.

Now picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you decide to whip up these delicious cookie bars. As you stir the ingredients together, the aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in a comforting hug. Your loved ones gather around, their eyes wide with anticipation, ready to indulge in this delightful treat. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or simply a sweet Sunday afternoon, these cookie bars are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are simple to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion.
  • The flavor burst combines warm spices and sweet apples for an irresistible taste.
  • With their beautiful golden-brown top, they make a stunning addition to any dessert spread.
  • Versatile enough for casual snacking or festive celebrations, these bars will definitely be a crowd favorite!

I remember the first time I made these cookie bars; my daughter couldn’t stop raving about how they tasted like a hug from Grandma.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the overall saltiness of your bars for better flavor balance.
  • Granulated Sugar: This is essential for achieving that sweet base that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the cookie bars; light or dark works well.
  • Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar’s rich texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A must-have ingredient; it forms the structure of your cookie bars while keeping them soft.
  • Baking Soda: This leavening agent gives your cookie bars that fluffy texture we all love.
  • Cinnamon: The star spice here! It adds warmth and sweetness reminiscent of classic apple pie.
  • Apple Pie Filling: You can use store-bought or homemade filling; just make sure it’s chunky for great texture!
  • Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon to sprinkle on top for an extra flavor kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

How to Make Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Create Your Cookie Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy; about 3-5 minutes should do it.

Add Eggs and Mix Well: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy—like a silky blanket of sweetness!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined—no over-mixing here!

Spread Half of the Dough in Your Pan: Divide your dough into two portions; press half into the prepared baking pan evenly across the bottom—this will be your base layer.

Add Your Apple Pie Filling: Spoon dollops of apple pie filling over the dough base while keeping some gaps for that lovely cookie crust above. Spread it evenly but don’t worry if it’s not perfect!

Cover It Up with More Dough: Take the remaining dough and drop spoonfuls over the apple filling as best as you can; it doesn’t have to be pretty—it’ll bake beautifully!

Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar on Top: Mix some cinnamon with sugar in a small bowl then sprinkle generously over the top of your unbaked bars to create that delightful crunch.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Be patient—the aroma will drive you wild!

Allow these delightful Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars to cool before cutting them into squares; this helps maintain their shape while giving you those oh-so-satisfying clean edges every baker craves.

These cookie bars are more than just dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring people together. Enjoy every last crumb!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture.
  • Fresh apples create a deliciously juicy filling that captures the essence of fall.Don’t overmix the cookie batter.
  • Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft, chewy delights.Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
  • This prevents messy cuts and allows flavors to meld beautifully..

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the apple filling while you mix the cookie dough. Bake the cookie layer first, then add the filling and top it with more dough for even cooking and flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different fruits like peaches or pears, or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon in the dough will enhance warmth and depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate, and reheat in a warm oven for the best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
  • Always check your oven temperature to avoid uneven baking.
  • Remember, patience is key—let them cool before diving in!

I once brought these cookie bars to a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “apple pie.” My cousin even asked me if I had hidden a secret ingredient—besides love, of course!

FAQ

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?

Frozen apples work but may release excess moisture during baking.

How do I prevent my bars from getting too dry?

Avoid overbaking; keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

What’s the best way to slice these cookie bars?

Use a sharp knife after they’ve cooled completely for clean cuts without crumbling.

Print

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon, sweet apples, and buttery cookie dough. These delightful bars are perfect for cozy gatherings or casual snacking, evoking nostalgia with every bite. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
  • 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar mixture (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Spoon apple pie filling over the dough base evenly.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the filling.
  8. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more complex flavor. Add nuts for extra crunch or swap for different fruit fillings like peaches or pears.

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