Irresistible White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Obsession
Get ready to welcome the cozy embrace of autumn with a truly spectacular treat! We’re talking about the ultimate blondie mashup: luscious White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars. Imagine the classic comfort of a snickerdoodle cookie, transformed into a chewy, golden bar, generously studded with creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, perfect for ushering in those crisp fall days.
This recipe was proudly developed in partnership with Diamond of California, bringing you the finest quality nuts for your baking adventures.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall
There’s a special magic in the air when fall arrives. The vibrant hues of changing leaves, the invigorating chill in the breeze, and the irresistible aroma of warm spices filling our kitchens. After clinging fiercely to every last moment of summer, I find myself utterly thrilled to dive headfirst into all things autumn, especially when it comes to baking. Last weekend, a scenic drive up into the mountains confirmed that the leaves had indeed begun their spectacular transformation, filling me with immense joy. And you know what else brings me pure happiness? These incredible White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars.
The Brilliant Idea: A Triple Flavor Fusion
A few weeks ago, a thought sparked in my mind, a culinary epiphany if you will. White chocolate and macadamia nuts are a time-honored, beloved combination, renowned for their creamy, buttery harmony. Separately, snickerdoodle cookies, with their signature cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, chewy texture, are a beloved classic. And I’ve always found that the warm spice of cinnamon in snickerdoodles beautifully complements the richness of white chocolate. So, the question became: why not bring all these delightful elements together into one magnificent, unforgettable dessert? The result? These bars are nothing short of brilliant, a testament to how incredible a well-executed flavor mashup can be!
Why These Snickerdoodle Blondies Will Steal Your Heart
From the very first bite, these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars will captivate your senses. They are incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy, a perfect blondie base that melts in your mouth. Each bar is heavily scented with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, a hallmark of any great snickerdoodle. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Throughout the tender crumb, you’ll discover generous pockets of creamy white chocolate chips, adding a sweet, luxurious counterpoint. And then, the delightful crunch of roughly chopped macadamia nuts, providing a satisfying texture and a rich, buttery flavor that elevates every morsel. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with these, just as I did. They are truly the perfect treat to share, or to savor all by yourself, this happy fall season!
Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Blondies
Baking Tip: Understanding White Chocolate: Chips vs. Baking Bars vs. Melting Wafers
Choosing the right type of white chocolate can make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your baked goods. Be sure to read the labels carefully, as not all “white chocolate” products are created equal. Here’s a quick guide:
- Real White Chocolate: To be labeled “white chocolate,” a product must contain at least 20% cocoa butter. This is crucial for its superior flavor, creamy texture, and smooth melting properties. While it melts beautifully (though it requires careful tempering for some applications), it’s ideal for desserts where you want the rich white chocolate flavor to truly shine, such as frostings, ganaches, or fillings in cakes like a Raspberry White Chocolate Layer Cake.
- White Baking Chips: These are often made with a substitute fat like vegetable oil or palm oil instead of cocoa butter. You’ll notice the words “white chocolate” are typically absent from the label. They include stabilizers designed to help them hold their shape during baking, preventing them from melting too smoothly. While they may contain vanilla extract for flavoring, their texture is firmer. They are perfectly suited for applications like cookies and bars, where you want distinct pockets of “chocolate” rather than a fully incorporated melt.
- White Melting Wafers/Chips: Formulated with a higher amount of fat and fewer stabilizers than baking chips, these are specifically designed to melt very easily and smoothly. They often have a slightly waxy texture and are flavored with artificial vanilla or other extracts. They are best used for dipping, coating, or drizzling over treats, where a fluid, consistent melt is desired for a polished finish.
For these Snickerdoodle Bars, white baking chips are ideal as they maintain their shape and provide delightful pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the bar. If you want to add a drizzle on top, real white chocolate or melting wafers would work best for a smooth finish.
General Tips for Baking Delicious Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better texture in your finished bars.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Lining your baking pan with greased foil or parchment paper is crucial for easy removal of the bars once cooled. Leave an overhang on the sides to create “handles.”
- Watch for Doneness: Blondies and bars can go from perfectly baked to dry very quickly. Look for golden edges and a center that appears set but might still have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into your bars too soon! Allowing them to cool completely at room temperature (or chilling as instructed) helps them set properly, making them easier to cut and improving their texture.
The Ultimate White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars Recipe
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars
16
bars
15 minutes
30 minutes
15 minutes
1 hour
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Ingredients
-
¾ cup
unsalted butter
, at room temperature (200 grams) -
1 cup
packed light or dark brown sugar
(215 grams) -
⅓ cup
granulated sugar
(66 grams) -
2
large eggs -
2 ¾ cup
all-purpose flour
(330 grams) -
2 teaspoons
cream of tartar -
½ teaspoon
baking soda -
½ teaspoon
salt -
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
, divided -
1 cup
white chocolate chips
(170 grams) -
1 cup
macadamia nuts
, roughly chopped (150 grams) -
½ cup
white chocolate
, melted (optional) (85 grams) -
Additional macadamia nuts
, for topping (optional) -
2 tablespoons
granulated sugar
, for sprinkling
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Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with greased foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to act as handles.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar on high speed. Continue mixing for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
-
Add the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in the white chocolate chips and roughly chopped macadamia nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, then generously sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature in the pan.
-
If desired, once cooled, drizzle the bars with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with additional macadamia nuts for an extra touch of decadence. For a cleaner slice, chill the bars in the fridge for about 15 minutes to allow any melted chocolate to set before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 46g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 21g,
Saturated Fat: 10g,
Cholesterol: 47mg,
Sodium: 135mg,
Potassium: 188mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 29g,
Vitamin A: 299IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 59mg,
Iron: 2mg
American
Dessert
Annalise Sandberg
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Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Snickerdoodle Bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, for a gooey, comforting experience, or let them cool completely for a firmer, chewier texture that’s perfect for slicing and sharing. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. These bars also make a fantastic edible gift for friends, family, or neighbors – just wrap them individually in cellophane bags or pack them in a decorative tin.
To keep your snickerdoodle bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.
Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking. Here are a few essentials that will help you create these perfect blondie bars:
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. We are grateful for partnerships with brands we genuinely love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. Rest assured, all opinions expressed are always 100% our own.
To explore more fantastic recipes featuring nuts, be sure to visit the Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them on their social channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.