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Viral Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars You Need Recipe

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
  10. Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the slightly cooled bars, covering the top generously for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
  11. 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

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/viral-cinnamon-roll-shortbread-bars-you-need-recipe/