Are you ready for a dessert that perfectly marries two beloved classics? Our Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars are a dreamy fusion, designed for anyone who adores soft, chewy sugar cookies and has a special place in their heart for the comforting warmth of cinnamon, all crowned with a luscious sweet cream cheese frosting. These bars aren’t just good; they’re absolutely incredible!
If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, you know that craving for its delightful spice can strike at any moment. Our entire family shares this love, which constantly inspires me to explore new recipes that deliver that satisfying cinnamon fix. Recently, I found myself pressed for time, needing a quick and effortless treat that didn’t compromise on flavor.
I had initially planned to bake some classic sugar cookie bars that weekend. However, with my recurring cinnamon obsession, a brilliant idea sparked: why not transform those already delicious sugar cookie bars into something even more extraordinary? And so, these positively delectable Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars were born. The result? A phenomenal hit with everyone who tasted them!
It might be evident by now, but I’ve been on a major cinnamon kick lately. Honestly, I can only attribute it to preparing so many cinnamon-infused recipes for my son; his deep affection for the spice seems to have rubbed off on me! These bars capture all the delightful goodness of a traditional cinnamon roll, neatly compacted into an easy-to-handle bar. Oh, my word, they are truly divine! The convenience of simply grabbing one to enjoy while I go about my day makes them dangerously appealing.
That said, perhaps it isn’t the best idea for me to create treats that are quite so effortlessly enjoyable! But that’s precisely what I adore about sugar cookie bars. They are incredibly easy to make. There’s no cumbersome rolling, no meticulous cutting, no waiting around for chilling, and definitely no individual cookie decorating. You simply press the dough into a pan and bake, then finish with a generous layer of frosting. It’s even simpler than baking classic chocolate chip cookies! It’s no wonder I’ve fallen in love with creating cookie bar recipes.
The Magic of Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars
This post may contain affiliate links. Please click here to read my full disclosure policy.
I absolutely cherish the authentic cinnamon roll flavor infused into these bars. Honestly, I crave cinnamon rolls almost constantly – and who wouldn’t? While I do have some incredibly easy One Hour Cinnamon Roll recipes that I truly love and cherish, sometimes I desire that distinct cinnamon goodness without the extensive preparation typically involved in baking a batch of those delightful breakfast treats. That’s precisely where these sugar cookie bars step in, offering all the flavor with minimal fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I make these with margarine instead of butter?
In short, no. For the best results, I strongly advise against using margarine. Margarine contains more water and different fat compositions than butter, which will significantly alter both the consistency of your dough and the required baking time. More critically, it will change the overall texture of the cookie bars once they are baked, often resulting in a less tender and flavorful product. When it comes to baking, especially for recipes like these that rely on fat for texture and richness, always stick to butter unless the recipe explicitly calls for margarine. Trust me, the difference is worth it for that perfect soft and chewy bar.
Is it okay to grease the pan instead of using parchment paper?
While you *could* grease the pan, it would need to be very heavily greased to prevent sticking. I cannot stress enough how highly I recommend using parchment paper for these bars. For optimal convenience and a seamless baking experience, line your 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step creates “handles” that enable you to effortlessly lift the entire batch of cookie bars out of the pan once cooled. This way, you avoid the hassle of having to dig a spatula into the bars and meticulously remove them one by one, which can often lead to messy or broken pieces. It truly simplifies the process and ensures beautifully intact bars every time.
What’s the best way to store these cinnamon bars?
To keep things simple and minimize extra cleanup, I prefer to store my bars directly in the baking dish after they’ve been served and cooled completely. Just cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Before refrigerating, make sure to label it with the date. These delicious bars should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As with most perishable foods, it’s crucial to get them into the refrigerator within 1 hour after serving to prevent any bacterial growth and ensure they remain safe and tasty.
Can this recipe be frozen for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! These delightful cookie bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or simply ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand. You can freeze these bars for up to 2 weeks. I often do this and only thaw the exact portion we intend to enjoy for the evening. This strategy is excellent for managing portions and helps me avoid over-indulging in these irresistible goodies. To freeze, ensure the bars are completely cooled, then cut them into individual servings. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
How many bars does this recipe typically yield?
The number of bars you get from this recipe truly depends on your preferred serving size. However, for a standard portion, I usually cut them into a 3×3 grid, which results in 9 perfectly sized bars. Of course, you have the flexibility to adjust this to your liking. If you prefer smaller portions, you could cut 4×4 rows to make 16 bars. Alternatively, for a truly decadent treat, you could go with a 2×2 cut, yielding 4 super-large bars. Remember, when I say 3×3, I’m referring to cutting 3 rows by 3 columns, not a specific dimension like 3 inches by 3 inches. It’s entirely up to you and how you prefer to enjoy your sweet treats!
Simple Steps to Create Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars
Can this recipe be halved for a smaller batch?
While it’s tempting to halve recipes for smaller households or just to reduce temptation, cutting this recipe in half would drastically change the baking time and potentially the texture, making it tricky to get perfect results without extensive experimentation. For the best possible outcome, I recommend making the recipe as written. If you find yourself with extra bars, you can always share them with friends, family, or co-workers – they’ll be delighted! Alternatively, remember that these bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, providing ample time to enjoy every delicious piece.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe can certainly be doubled when you need to feed a larger group or simply want more of these amazing bars! When I double the recipe, I prefer to bake it in two separate 9×9 inch pans rather than trying to fit it all into one larger pan. This approach allows me to keep the baking time consistent with the original recipe, eliminating the need to guess how much longer to increase the time for a larger, thicker batch. Additionally, I really appreciate the specific thickness that this recipe yields, and doubling it into a single, larger pan would alter that perfect texture. Using two pans ensures consistency and optimal results every time.
What baking pan do you recommend for these cookie bars?
For these delicious cookie bars, I highly recommend this sturdy metal baking pan. It’s not only the perfect size for achieving that ideal bar thickness but is also incredibly easy to clean and very affordable. A good quality metal pan ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for uniform baking and that wonderfully soft, chewy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Bars
- ½ cup butter – softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 1-½ tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2-½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp table salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese – room temperature
- 8 tbsp butter – room temperature (1 stick)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-½ cups confectioners sugar
For the Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture (for topping)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Tools and Products I Love for Making These Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars
This homemade cinnamon sugar dessert recipe is surprisingly easy to create, and chances are you already have many of the necessary ingredients on hand, just like I do! However, if you’re new to making sugar cookie bars, you might feel a little hesitant. Don’t be! You’re absolutely going to fall in love with how incredibly delicious and straightforward this cookie bar recipe is. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of my absolute essential tools and ingredients that I simply can’t bake without when whipping up this delightful treat.
- Baking Pan
- Granulated Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Almond Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cinnamon
- Baking Powder
- Table Salt
- Confectioners Sugar
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Spatulas (for mixing and spreading)
This truly is such an easy and incredibly delicious recipe!
More Irresistible Cookie Bar Recipes to Explore
- M&M Sugar Cookie Bars
- Cherry Pie Bars
- Birthday Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- St. Patrick’s Day Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
- Classic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Patriotic Cookie Bars
- Easter Cookie Bars
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe
If you adore these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars as much as we do, you’re going to love discovering these other awesome bar recipes too. Each one offers a unique and delicious twist, perfect for any occasion or craving. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe and expand your dessert repertoire!
Blueberry Pie Bars
Marshmallow Easter Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
No Bake Peppermint Oreo Bars
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Birthday Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Homemade Crunch Bars
M&M Sugar Cookie Bars
Sugar Cookie Bars
More Delicious Cinnamon Recipes
- Cruffins
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- TikTok Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Cookies
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- One-Hour Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
- Copycat Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter
- Snickerdoodle Cake
If you love these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars as much as I do, please take a moment to write a five-star review below, and be sure to help me share this delightful recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! Your support helps me continue creating and sharing more delicious treats.
CONNECT WITH KLEINWORTH & CO!
Be sure to follow me on my social media channels, so you never miss a post!
Facebook,
Pinterest,
Instagram,
Email Subscription
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars: Your New Favorite Dessert
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for those who swoon for soft & chewy sugar cookies & have a love for cinnamon topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. These are incredible!
Course: Dessert
Yields: 9 squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- ½ cup butter – softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 1-½ tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2-½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese – room temperature
- 8 tbsp butter – room temperature (1 stick)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-½ cups confectioners sugar
For the Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
For the Cookie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large mixer bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the whole egg, egg white, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined and a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming a flat layer.
- Use a fork to gently poke holes across the top of the dough. This helps ensure even baking.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to add the frosting.
For the Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Set this mixture aside until you are ready to decorate the frosted bars.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a clean mixer bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and light.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting in an even layer over the top.
- Lightly sprinkle the reserved cinnamon/sugar mixture over the frosted bars for that classic cinnamon roll finish.
- Keep the finished Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars refrigerated until ready to serve.
- *Note: For cleaner cuts, I often find it easier to slice the cooled cookie base first, then frost each individual bar.
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.