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Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe

Soft and buttery Cinnamon Roll Bars layered with sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with cream cheese glaze.
An easy dessert recipe perfect for holidays, brunch, or family gatherings.
Ready in under 45 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

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.