Ultimate Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with Dreamy Eggnog Frosting: Your Essential Holiday Baking Recipe
Get ready to elevate your holiday baking with these incredible Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, perfectly topped with a luscious Eggnog Frosting. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie base infused with a delightful cinnamon swirl, then generously crowned with a fluffy, rich frosting bursting with the festive flavor of eggnog. These bars are not just a treat; they’re a holiday experience, making them the ultimate addition to any cookie exchange, family gathering, or a cozy evening at home. And don’t miss out on our exciting Holly Jolly Giveaway – it’s your chance to win big this holiday season!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sprouts. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
The holiday season is truly magical, and for many of us, it’s synonymous with the warmth and joy of baking. The aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet sugar wafting through the house creates an atmosphere unlike any other time of the year. Who else finds themselves eager to bake every single delicious thing possible when the festive lights start twinkling?
For me, the holidays have always been the prime opportunity to unleash my inner baker. Back when I was working in the corporate world, I loved experimenting with new recipes and bringing in freshly baked treats to share with my colleagues, spreading a little bit of holiday cheer. Even now, hosting a party isn’t a prerequisite for me to whip up a batch of festive goodies. There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing homemade treats and sharing them with family and friends throughout the season, creating edible gifts that convey love and thoughtfulness.
Have you ever experienced the sheer delight of mailing homemade holiday treats to loved ones who live far away, perhaps across the country or even around the globe? The anticipation of receiving a package brimming with delicious baked goods is truly unparalleled. It’s a wonderful way to connect and share a taste of home, even when miles separate you.
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There’s nothing more exciting than getting a surprise package full of treats!
That’s precisely why my answer was an enthusiastic “YES!” when Sprouts approached me to participate in their holiday treat exchange this season. Any excuse to bake more, share more, and, let’s be honest, receive more delectable treats, is a win in my book. It’s a wonderful way to discover new recipes and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.
My love for shopping at Sprouts is something I frequently rave about, and for good reason! While their fresh produce and organic selections often grab the spotlight, I believe their incredible bulk department is one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, treasures. Picture this: huge, gleaming bins filled with an astonishing array of fresh, high-quality items. From aromatic coffee beans and various types of rice to an extensive selection of nuts, dried fruits, essential pantry staples, and an impressive range of spices – not to mention a tempting assortment of sweet treats and so much more. There’s genuinely something to cater to every shopper’s needs, no matter what culinary adventure you’re embarking on that day.
For me, embracing the bulk section at Sprouts is one of the smartest ways to save money without compromising on quality. The prices are consistently reasonable, making it easy to stock up on essentials. I’ve been purchasing my flour, sugar, and countless other baking staples from this section for years. The beauty of it is the ability to buy *exactly* the quantity you need, rather than being restricted by predetermined package sizes. This not only translates to significant cost savings but also dramatically reduces food waste and packaging waste, aligning perfectly with a more sustainable approach to cooking and baking. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly hack for every home baker.
All these advantages truly come into their own when you find yourself baking up a storm during the bustling holiday season, especially if you’re diving into a recipe as delightful as these snickerdoodle cookie bars. These bars start with a wonderfully fluffy sugar cookie dough base, which is then generously swirled with a ribbon of aromatic cinnamon goodness, delivering that classic, comforting snickerdoodle flavor with an irresistibly chewy texture. But the magic doesn’t stop there! The bars are then crowned with a creamy, cloud-like eggnog frosting, infusing every bite with an extra burst of holiday cheer. The combination is simply too delicious to pass up, making it an instant festive favorite.
So, don’t delay! Make a quick trip to your local Sprouts and gather all the high-quality ingredients you’ll need to create these incredibly soft, perfectly spiced, and utterly swoon-worthy snickerdoodle cookie bars. Your taste buds, and your holiday guests, will thank you!
Essential Tools for Baking These Snickerdoodle Eggnog Cookie Bars
To ensure your baking process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, having the right tools on hand is key. For this delightful snickerdoodle cookie bar recipe, a stand mixer or a reliable electric hand mixer is an absolute must-have. These powerful tools, paired with sturdy mixing bowls, will make light work of both the cookie dough and the fluffy eggnog frosting, ensuring a perfectly smooth and well-combined mixture every time. While you can certainly mix by hand, an electric mixer will save you significant time and effort, especially when creaming butter and sugar or whipping up the buttercream to its ideal consistency.
Once your irresistible cookie bars are baked to golden perfection and have had ample time to cool completely, the final step is frosting. For spreading that creamy, dreamy eggnog frosting evenly across the surface, an offset spatula becomes your best friend. Its angled blade allows for precise and effortless application, guaranteeing a beautifully smooth finish that looks as professional as it tastes.
More Delectable Holiday Cookie Recipes: Gingerbread Cookies with Eggnog Cream Filling / Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies / White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies / Christmas Ale Sugar Cookies with Spiced Buttercream
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Preparing the Irresistible Cookie Dough
Creating the base for these extraordinary cookie bars is a straightforward process, much like many classic cookie doughs you’re already familiar with. The key is to first combine your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt—in one bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, then incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract. This method ensures all ingredients are thoroughly mixed for optimal texture and flavor. Finally, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars instead of the desired chewy texture.
Crafting the Aromatic Cinnamon Swirl Filling
The cinnamon swirl filling is what truly gives these cookie bars their quintessential snickerdoodle essence. It’s a simple yet powerful blend of melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a touch of flour, all whisked together in a bowl until smooth and fragrant. This magical mixture will be swirled into the cookie dough, creating beautiful patterns and infusing every bite with warm, spicy notes. A crucial tip: prepare this filling just before you’re ready to assemble the bars. If you make it too far in advance, the butter will re-solidify, making it difficult to spread and swirl effectively.
Assembling Your Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Assembling these delightful bars is a visually appealing step that brings all the flavors together. Begin by pressing half of your prepared cookie dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. The dough can be a bit sticky, so a lightly greased spatula or your fingertips can help make this process smoother. Next, dollop spoonfuls of your freshly made cinnamon filling evenly over this first layer of dough. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the dough, creating beautiful marbled patterns that promise a burst of flavor in every bite. Finally, carefully spread the remaining cookie dough over the cinnamon-swirled layer, ensuring it forms an even top. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; it will bake beautifully!
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once assembled, your snickerdoodle cookie bars are ready for the oven. Bake them until they are gloriously puffy and achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue on top. A simple test: insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked. Be mindful not to overbake, as this can lead to a drier texture. The goal is a chewy, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting stage. Patience is key here, as frosting warm bars would result in a melty mess!
The Grand Finale: Frost, Decorate, and Serve
The crowning glory of these cookie bars is the homemade eggnog frosting. Once your bars are thoroughly cooled, whip up the rich, creamy frosting according to the recipe. Spread it generously and evenly over the cooled cookie base using your offset spatula. For an extra touch of holiday festivity, scatter some vibrant red and green sprinkles over the frosting. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fun, celebratory feel. With the frosting set, all that’s left is the joyful task of slicing the bars into your desired portions and serving these irresistible treats. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of chewy cookie, spiced cinnamon, and creamy eggnog perfection.
Shipping Your Holiday Cookie Bars: Expert Tips
Good news for those with distant loved ones: these delicious snickerdoodle cookie bars are remarkably sturdy and ship wonderfully! To ensure they arrive in pristine condition, proper packaging is crucial. Start by selecting a sturdy box that is appropriately sized for your bars. Line the bottom of the box with a layer of festive tissue paper or crinkle paper to provide a soft cushion. Carefully arrange the cooled and frosted cookie bars in an even layer. For added protection, you can individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in the box. Once arranged, gently cover the bars with another layer of plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent movement. If there’s any remaining empty space in the box, fill it with additional tissue paper, crumpled newspaper, or even packing peanuts. The golden rule for shipping baked goods is to ensure there is no room for the bars to shift or “slam around” during transit, which could lead to breakage or damage. Seal the box securely and consider adding a “fragile” label for extra care.
Freezing These Snickerdoodle Eggnog Cookie Bars: What You Need to Know
While some baked goods fare well in the freezer, I generally recommend against freezing these particular snickerdoodle cookie bars, especially after they’ve been frosted. The reason lies in their exceptionally soft and fluffy texture, which is a key characteristic that makes them so incredibly delectable and “swoon-worthy.” Freezing and subsequent thawing can significantly alter this delicate texture, often resulting in a slightly drier, more crumbly bar that lacks its original melt-in-your-mouth quality. The eggnog frosting, with its creamy consistency, can also become somewhat grainy or watery upon thawing, detracting from the overall experience. For the best enjoyment, these bars are truly best savored fresh or stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days. If you absolutely must prepare ahead, consider freezing the un-frosted cookie base, then thaw and frost just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Looking for another delightful cookie bar recipe? You might love these sinfully rich double chocolate chip cookie bars. They’re a chocolate lover’s dream!
Holly Jolly Giveaway: Celebrate with Sprouts!
My dear friends, the holiday season is officially upon us, and that means it’s time for the much-anticipated Holly Jolly Giveaways right here on Cake ‘n Knife! We’re excited to bring you some extra festive cheer this year.
No matter what your holiday shopping list entails this season – whether it’s for baking ingredients, fresh produce for your festive feast, or unique gifts – you can always find the highest quality items at exceptional prices at your local Sprouts Farmers Market store. This year, I am thrilled to be partnering with Sprouts to make your holidays even brighter! One incredibly lucky winner will receive a $50 Sprouts gift card, giving you a fantastic head start on all your holiday needs and allowing you to finish the year with everything you desire.
To enter this fantastic giveaway, simply head down below the recipe card! The entry widget is waiting for you.
Be sure to stay tuned and keep up with all the exciting giveaways happening this year – you won’t want to miss a single one! Check out this dedicated page for all the current posts and upcoming opportunities to win. We’ll have several new giveaways rolling out in the coming week, so keep a close watch on all our new posts or subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly in your inbox. Happy holidays and good luck!
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with Eggnog Frosting Recipe Card
equipment
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Offset Icing Spatula
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KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
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9 x 13 inch Cake Pan
ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted if lumpy
- 5 Tbsp eggnog
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: red and green sprinkles for festive decoration
instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring all sides are covered to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add both granulated and brown sugars, then continue beating on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
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Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie bars tough.
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Spread approximately half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Since the dough can be quite sticky, lightly greasing your spatula or hands with cooking spray can help you achieve a smooth, even layer.
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In a small separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour for the cinnamon filling. Dollop this aromatic mixture evenly over the first layer of cookie batter in the pan. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the dough, creating beautiful patterns.
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Carefully spread the remaining cookie batter over the cinnamon-swirled layer, ensuring it forms an even top layer.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookie bars appear puffy and golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they are perfectly baked. -
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you attempt to frost them, which will take approximately 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
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Once the bars are cool, prepare the frosting. Add the softened unsalted butter for the frosting to a clean bowl of your stand mixer (or use an electric hand mixer). Beat on high speed with the whisk attachment until the butter is creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon to the butter. Begin mixing on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to high speed and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting seems a little too dry, add more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
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Spread the finished eggnog frosting generously over the cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula. For a festive touch, sprinkle with optional red and green sprinkles. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade holiday masterpiece!