Name: Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486417H57M23S
Total time: PT-486417H57M23S
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups flour; 2 cups apple pie filling, chopped; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Blending the comforting warmth of a classic apple pie with the irresistible charm of snickerdoodle cookie bars creates a dessert that feels like a sweet hug.

Cinnamon-dusted layers melt together in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp autumn apples nestle between soft, buttery cookie bases, promising a treat that sparks instant memories.

Homemade goodness radiates from each square, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Crumbly edges and gooey centers promise a texture adventure that defies ordinary dessert expectations.

Whipping up these bars takes minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a playground of pure sugary magic.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure the bars are heated through but not overcooked, which can make them tough.
Warm bars at 325F (160C) for 5-7 minutes. Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes, dice fresh apples and toss them with a bit of cinnamon and sugar before layering in the bars for a homemade touch.

Is cream of tartar necessary for this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps create the classic snickerdoodle flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with a mixture of baking powder and lemon juice if needed.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour, which should work well in this recipe.

Craft Delightful Fusion: Combines the beloved flavors of apple pie and snickerdoodle cookies in one irresistible dessert bar, creating a unique and exciting treat for cookie lovers.
Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, these bars offer a warm, nostalgic taste that brings people together with their comforting apple-cinnamon essence.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as an after-school snack, weekend treat, or make-ahead dessert that can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A soft white flour that creates the classic cookie bar texture.
Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie bar ingredients together.
Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy consistency.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bar's structure.

Spice and Leavening Agents:

Cinnamon: Delivers warm, classic flavor that complements the apple pie filling.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the baking soda and adds a subtle tangy note.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall cookie bar flavor.
Apple Pie Filling: Introduces sweet and fruity apple notes throughout the dessert.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud. Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract, stirring until everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently fold into the creamy mixture:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Cream of tartar
Ground cinnamon

Stir until a soft, pillowy dough forms that’s easy to spread.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Spread half the cookie dough evenly across the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped apple pie filling generously over this first layer. Top with remaining cookie dough, creating a delectable sandwich effect.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into irresistible squares.

Ensure butter is truly softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough texture.
Dice apple pie filling into smaller, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the bars for consistent flavor in every bite.
Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before baking to enhance the warm, aromatic profile and create a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, precise bar edges that look professionally made.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal moisture and soft cookie texture.

Pecan Paradise: Replace apple pie filling with caramelized pecans and add a drizzle of maple syrup for a nutty, rich variation.
Berry Bliss: Swap apple pie filling with mixed berry compote and sprinkle almond slivers on top for a fruity, crunchy alternative.
Chocolate Chunk Cinnamon: Mix chocolate chunks into the dough and reduce cinnamon amount, creating a decadent chocolatey version of the original recipe.
Salted Caramel Crunch: Layer homemade salted caramel sauce between cookie dough layers and top with crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty experience.

Pair with Warm Vanilla Latte: Complement the cinnamon-apple flavors with a creamy, sweet vanilla latte that echoes the dessert's warm spices and rich undertones.
Serve Alongside Caramel Bourbon Whipped Cream: Elevate the cookie bars with a decadent dollop of caramel bourbon whipped cream, adding depth and a luxurious grown-up twist to the dessert.
Match with Cinnamon Chai Tea: Balance the sweetness with a spicy cinnamon chai tea that highlights the cookie's warm notes and provides a comforting, aromatic companion.
Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a classic dessert experience by topping the bars with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, offering a cool contrast to the warm, spiced cookie base.

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.