Description

These Apple Snickerdoodle Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apple pieces. They offer the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodles in a rich, bar format—perfect for fall or anytime you want a comforting treat.

Ingredients

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Topping:

2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the finely diced apple gently.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Swap granulated sugar with all brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom adds a nice spice twist.

Finely chopped pears or drained canned apples can be used if fresh apples aren’t available.

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.

These bars freeze well for up to 2 months when individually wrapped.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg