Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Craving both apple pie and snickerdoodle cookies? Why not have the best of both worlds with these irresistible Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars! Combining the sweet, buttery base of sugar cookie dough with a luscious apple pie filling, and finished with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe brings together the comforting flavors of a homemade apple pie and the soft, chewy texture of snickerdoodle cookies in a delightful bar form. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests at a party, these cookie bars will become your go-to dessert for the fall season or any time of year when you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting.

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Ingredients for Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delectable treats. All the ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated:

• One 16.5 oz tube of Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough: The base of these bars is made with classic sugar cookie dough, which gives them a soft and chewy texture. Using pre-made dough saves time and guarantees a perfectly sweet foundation for the dessert.
• One 20 oz. can of apple pie filling: The gooey, spiced apple pie filling adds a delicious layer of fruity goodness. It’s the star ingredient that transforms these bars into a fusion of pie and cookies.
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (¼ cup granulated sugar & 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon): The signature snickerdoodle flavor comes from this simple cinnamon sugar blend. It adds warmth, sweetness, and a slight crunch to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll have no trouble creating these delicious bars. Let’s break it down into easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Cinnamon Sugar

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it has time to heat up while you prepare the cookie bars.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan depending on how thick you want the bars to be. The smaller the pan, the thicker the bars. Lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure the bars don’t stick after baking.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will be used to coat the cookie dough and provide that signature snickerdoodle flavor.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough Base

1. Press the Cookie Dough: Take ⅔ of the sugar cookie dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly to form the base layer. If you find the dough is sticking to your hands, try lightly flouring your fingers, or you can use the back of a spoon to press it down evenly.
2. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle ⅔ of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pressed cookie dough. This layer adds a delicious cinnamon-sugar sweetness that enhances the flavor of the cookie base.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

1. Spread the Apple Pie Filling: Open your 20 oz. can of apple pie filling and spoon it over the cookie dough base. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread the filling evenly across the entire surface of the dough. The apples and their syrupy sauce will melt into the cookie base as they bake, creating a rich and flavorful middle layer.
   • Tip: For extra apple goodness, feel free to chop the apple slices into smaller pieces before spreading them, ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of cookie and filling.

Step 4: Add the Top Cookie Layer

1. Add the Remaining Cookie Dough: Take the remaining ⅓ of the sugar cookie dough and break it into small pieces. Flatten each piece slightly between your fingers and place them over the apple pie filling. The pieces won’t completely cover the apple layer, but that’s okay! The gaps will allow the apple pie filling to bubble up and meld with the cookie dough, creating pockets of deliciousness.
2. Sprinkle with More Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer of cookie dough. This will give the bars that perfect snickerdoodle flavor, adding a sweet crunch to the top.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

1. Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; you’ll know they’re done when the cookie dough is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
2. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the filling to set and the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve.
3. Cut into Squares: After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. If you lined your pan with parchment paper, you can lift the entire block of bars out of the pan first for easier cutting.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are ready to be enjoyed! These bars are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Bars

• Homemade Twist: If you prefer to make your own sugar cookie dough from scratch, feel free to substitute the pre-made dough with a homemade version. Simply follow your favorite sugar cookie recipe, but keep the cinnamon sugar topping and apple pie filling for the same irresistible flavor.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture, consider mixing chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough or sprinkling them over the top before baking.
• Spice it Up: To intensify the cozy fall flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture. These spices will give the bars an even more autumnal warmth.
• Use Fresh Apples: If you want to go the extra mile, you can make your own apple pie filling using fresh apples. Simply peel and chop 4-5 medium apples, cook them down with some sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of butter, and use that in place of the canned filling.
• Store Leftovers Properly: These bars store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

These Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts. They have the familiar soft, chewy texture of snickerdoodle cookies combined with the warm, spiced flavor of apple pie. Each bite is packed with comforting flavors, from the cinnamon-sugar dusted cookie dough to the rich, gooey apple pie filling.

What makes these bars truly special is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that looks and tastes like it took much more effort. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at any occasion from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a quick snack on the go, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Conclusion: A Fall Favorite in Every Bite

These Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars are a delightful marriage of two classic desserts, offering the best of both worlds in each bite. Whether you’re a fan of snickerdoodles, apple pie, or simply love delicious treats, these bars will satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up in a pinch and will make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert or need a crowd-pleasing sweet treat for a gathering, give these bars a try. You won’t be disappointed! 🍏🍪🥧