These Cinnamon Roll Bars are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make dessert bar form. Soft, buttery layers swirled with rich cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze create the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy with a gooey cinnamon swirl
- Easier and faster than traditional cinnamon rolls
- Perfect for family gatherings and holidays
- Sweet cream cheese glaze adds bakery-style flavor
- Great make-ahead dessert bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Layer the Cinnamon Roll Bars
Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl mixture. Drizzle half of it over the dough and gently swirl with a knife.
Spread the remaining dough on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add an additional ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough.
- Chill the bars slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve warm for a gooey cinnamon-roll texture.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or cold milk.
- You can substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla icing if preferred.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 28g
FAQ
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be baked a day in advance and glazed before serving.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger sheet pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Similar Recipes
Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 1 –2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Layer the Cinnamon Roll Bars
- Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl mixture. Drizzle half of it over the dough and gently swirl with a knife.
- Spread the remaining dough on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for a gooey cinnamon-roll texture.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or cold milk.
- You can substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla icing if preferred.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Bars deliver all the cozy flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with far less effort. Soft, buttery, and loaded with sweet cinnamon goodness, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite dessert for holidays, brunches, and everyday baking.