Cranberry apple snickerdoodle bars are a festive twist on the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie. These chewy dessert bars combine juicy apples, tart cranberries, and the irresistible warmth of cinnamon sugar that makes snickerdoodles so beloved. The result is a dessert that’s both cozy and elegant—perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just curling up by the fire with a warm drink.
Unlike traditional cookies, these bars bake in one pan, making them simple to prepare while still delivering bold seasonal flavors. Fresh apple chunks keep the bars moist, dried cranberries add bursts of tartness, and the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a sweet, crackly crust. Each bite is chewy, spiced, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
If you’re searching for a dessert that highlights the best flavors of fall and winter, cranberry apple snickerdoodle bars are guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add Apples and Cranberries
- Fold in chopped apples and dried cranberries evenly into the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- Mix ¼ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle generously over the top of the dough.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
🌟 Variations
- Fresh Cranberries: Swap dried cranberries with fresh for extra tartness.
- White Chocolate Twist: Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Glazed Bars: Drizzle cooled bars with cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Cooking Notes
- Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodle bars their signature tang and chewiness.
- Granny Smith apples balance sweetness with tartness, while Honeycrisp adds a juicy bite.
- Bars continue to firm up as they cool—don’t overbake!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or mulled wine for a holiday treat.
- Cut into small squares and add to holiday cookie platters.
- Wrap individually for festive gift bags.
Tips
- Dice apples into small chunks so they bake evenly into the bars.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and slicing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- To refresh leftovers, warm bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, approx. 16 servings)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
- Yes! Just chop them slightly and fold them into the batter. You may want to add 2–3 tablespoons of extra sugar to balance tartness.
Q2: Can I freeze snickerdoodle bars?
- Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q3: What apples are best for this recipe?
- Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet, crisp texture. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious.
Q4: How do I keep the bars chewy?
- Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container. Slightly underbaking keeps them moist and soft.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
- Yes! Bake in two pans or a larger baking dish. Keep an eye on baking time as it may need a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry apple snickerdoodle bars are the perfect dessert to bring festive cheer to your holiday table. With chewy cinnamon-sugar dough, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, these bars balance flavors beautifully and are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat. Whether you serve them at a holiday party, pack them in treat boxes, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee on a chilly day, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.