Introduction

If you love the flavors of cinnamon rolls but want an easier treat to make and share, these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars are perfect. With a tender shortbread base, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy frosting on top, they offer all the indulgence in a portable bar form.

Viral Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars You Need Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed lightly)
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 tablespoons Turbinado Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Cream 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 2: Gradually mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined to form a tender crust dough.
Step 3: Press about two-thirds of the dough into a prepared baking pan and chill for 15-30 minutes to set.
Step 4: Bake the crust at 350°F for about 15 minutes until it is very lightly golden. This pre-bake helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Step 5: Combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
Step 6: Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the warm crust and gently spread it evenly.
Step 7: Roll or press the remaining dough thinly and loosely place it over the cinnamon filling. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar on top for extra crunch.
Step 8: Bake again at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 9: Let the bars cool in the pan to set up before frosting.
Step 10: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly cooled bars for a classic cinnamon roll finish.
Step 12: Cut into squares and enjoy these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars!

Tips & Variations

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth frosting.
Use turbinado sugar on top for a nice crunchy texture that mimics the sugar crust of traditional cinnamon rolls.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon filling for extra flavor and texture.
For a gooier center, slightly underbake the bars in the second bake and let them cool completely in the pan.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving or warm gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days before assembling. This helps the flavors develop and makes handling easier.

Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter topping.

Viral Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars You Need Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 557 reviews

These Viral Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars combine a tender shortbread crust with a sweet cinnamon filling and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly baked to deliver a delightful mix of crunchy, gooey, and creamy textures, these bars are a must-try for cinnamon roll lovers looking for a portable treat.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt

Cinnamon Filling

1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed lightly)
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Topping

2 tablespoons Turbinado Sugar

Instructions

Cream the crust mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt just until combined to form a tender shortbread dough.
Prepare the crust base: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan. Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up the crust, ensuring a perfect base.
Par-bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is very lightly golden. This step prevents the bottom from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
Make the cinnamon filling: In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
Spread the cinnamon layer: Dollop the cinnamon filling over the warm par-baked crust and gently spread it into an even layer, being careful not to disturb the crust.
Add the top crust layer: Roll or press the remaining one-third dough thinly and loosely lay it over the cinnamon filling. Lightly sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for a sweet and crunchy finish.
Bake the assembled bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling deliciously.
Cool the bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a while so they can set up before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the slightly cooled bars, covering the top generously for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Serve and enjoy: Cut the bars into squares of your desired size and savor these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Notes

Use softened butter and cream cheese for best texture in dough and frosting.
Chilling the crust before par-baking prevents shrinking and ensures a crisp base.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the shortbread tender and crumbly.
Let the bars cool adequately before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the bars fresh and the frosting firm.

Keywords: Cinnamon roll bars, shortbread bars, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon dessert, baked bars