Description
A small-batch dessert recipe that yields exactly 9-12 chewy, cinnamon-sugar coated bars. Perfect for one or two people, this recipe requires only one bowl and an 8×8 inch pan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with a fork or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon. If using, brush melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
- Cool completely in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened but not melted to prevent flat bars. Spoon flour into measuring cup and level off to avoid dry bars. Bars continue to cook on the hot pan after removal, so slightly underbaking in the center is intentional. Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: snickerdoodle bars, small batch dessert, chewy cookie bars, cinnamon sugar bars, easy baking, one bowl recipe