Name: Cinnamon Roll Bars: A Sweet and Easy Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

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If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend time rolling dough or waiting for it to rise, these Cinnamon Roll Bars are your new best friend. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll, but in the form of a simple, easy-to-make bar that’s ready in just under 45 minutes. No yeast, no kneading, just a rich, cinnamon-swirled dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

These bars are everything you love about cinnamon rolls—the soft, buttery dough, the sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and of course, the dreamy glaze on top. But instead of all the work, you get a fuss-free dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

What makes these bars so great is that they’re both quick and delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself or serving guests, they’re the perfect treat that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. And with a few pantry staples, you can create an irresistible dessert that will fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla.

WHY THESE CINNAMON ROLL BARS ARE A WINNER:

There’s a lot to love about these bars:

No yeast required: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these bars don’t require any yeast or time for the dough to rise. It’s a quicker way to get that cinnamon roll flavor with less effort.
Soft, buttery crust: The base of the bars is a buttery dough that’s soft and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a perfect foundation for the cinnamon swirl and glaze.
Customizable: Want to add a bit of extra flavor? You can fold in nuts, raisins, or even add a little extra cinnamon to the swirl for that extra kick.
Perfectly balanced glaze: The glaze is the finishing touch, providing just the right amount of sweetness to complement the cinnamon swirl without overpowering it.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Cinnamon Roll Bars:

For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the bars and gives them structure.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly, making it soft and light.
1/4 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness of the dough.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
1 large egg – Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Provides a warm, aromatic flavor.

For the cinnamon swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the swirl.
2 tsp ground cinnamon – The key ingredient that gives the bars their signature cinnamon roll flavor.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough and create a delicious marbled effect.

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar – The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
1-2 tbsp milk – Adjust the amount to get your desired glaze consistency.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the glaze with a touch of sweetness and aroma.

STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN AND PREPARE THE PAN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake these bars until they’re golden brown and just slightly firm in the center. While your oven is heating, grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’ve cooled and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

STEP 2: MAKE THE DOUGH

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly combined. Next, add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a soft dough. This dough will be slightly sticky but should come together nicely when you press it into the pan.

Once it’s mixed, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth it out into an even layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan. This dough will form the crust that holds the cinnamon swirl and glaze.

CREATING THE CINNAMON SWIRL AND FINISHING THE BARS:

Now that we’ve got the dough pressed into the pan, it’s time to bring the magic of cinnamon and sugar into play. The cinnamon swirl is what makes these bars taste like a cinnamon roll, and it’s so easy to do! Let’s finish these bars off with that perfect marbled effect and get them baking.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE CINNAMON SWIRL

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir well to combine until you have a smooth cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will be the swirl that infuses your bars with that signature sweet cinnamon flavor.

Once the swirl mixture is ready, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the dough, making sure to cover it as evenly as possible. You can also go a little extra and add a little more cinnamon if you like things extra-spicy, but the standard 2 teaspoons gives the bars the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

STEP 4: SWIRL THE CINNAMON MIXTURE

Now comes the fun part—creating that marbled swirl effect! Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the dough. You don’t need to overdo it; just gently swirl so the cinnamon mixture is swirled throughout the dough without completely mixing in. The key is to keep some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, so you get those beautiful, cinnamon-swirled layers when they bake.

Be careful not to swirl too aggressively. A gentle swirl will create a marbled effect, giving you the classic cinnamon roll look that’s both visually stunning and deliciously flavorful.

STEP 5: BAKE THE BARS

Now that your cinnamon swirl is complete, it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown. The smell of cinnamon and sugar will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know they’re close when you start seeing golden edges and a slight firmness in the center.

Make sure to check them around the 25-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake. The bars will continue to firm up slightly as they cool, so it’s important to remove them once they’re lightly golden.

STEP 6: PREPARE THE GLAZE

While the bars are baking, take a moment to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the milk to achieve your desired glaze consistency—use less for a thicker glaze and more for a thinner, drizzly one.

Once the glaze is smooth and ready, set it aside. You’ll drizzle it over the bars after they cool, giving them that final touch of sweetness.

STEP 7: COOL AND DRIZZLE THE GLAZE

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This short cooling period helps them set, making it easier to cut them into neat squares.

After the bars have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon to drizzle it in a zigzag pattern or pour it evenly over the bars for a more uniform coating. Either way, the glaze will add that extra sweetness and make these bars feel even more indulgent.

FAQ AND FINAL THOUGHTS ON THESE CINNAMON ROLL BARS:

Now that you’ve made these delicious Cinnamon Roll Bars and drizzled them with a sweet glaze, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to help ensure your bars come out perfectly every time. Plus, I’ll share a few final tips on storing them and ideas for making them your own.

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cinnamon roll bars can be made ahead of time! You can prepare them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’re great for meal prep or making a day before a gathering. You can also store the baked bars in the fridge for a slightly firmer texture if you prefer.

2. Can I freeze the cinnamon roll bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze wonderfully. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or heat them gently in the microwave. You can drizzle the glaze on after they’ve thawed or just enjoy them without it.

3. Can I add nuts or raisins to these bars?
Yes! If you like nuts or dried fruit in your cinnamon rolls, feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the cinnamon swirl mixture. Just fold them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture before swirling. Adding these ingredients will give the bars extra texture and a deeper flavor.

4. How do I adjust the glaze consistency?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk by 1/2 tablespoon. For a thinner glaze, simply add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth enough to drizzle over the bars but not too runny.

5. Can I make these bars without the glaze?
Absolutely! If you want a simpler treat or prefer them without the extra sweetness, you can skip the glaze entirely. The cinnamon swirl alone provides plenty of flavor, and the bars will still be delicious without the glaze. You can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter topping.

6. Can I use a different pan size?
While I recommend using an 8×8-inch baking pan for the perfect thickness and texture, you can use a larger or smaller pan if needed. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the pan. If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark. If you use a smaller pan, they may need a few extra minutes.

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