Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars

A cozy twist on a classic you’ll want to make again and again.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. It’s that warm, sweet aroma that fills the whole house and makes everyone wander into the kitchen, hoping something delicious is waiting on the counter. I grew up loving cinnamon rolls, but as a busy mom, I don’t always have the time to make yeasted dough from scratch. That’s exactly why I adore these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars they capture everything I love about cinnamon rolls, but in a quicker, easier bar form that fits real-life schedules.

Imagine a soft, buttery shortbread base topped with a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, finished with a velvety frosting that melts just slightly into the warm bars. These are the kind of treats that make a weekend feel special, even if the kids are running around, the laundry is buzzing, and you’re stealing ten minutes of peace with a hot cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become part of your cozy baking rotation.

Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars

Emily

These Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars combine the comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with a buttery shortbread base, topped with creamy frosting for a delightful treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup butter (softened) Key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread
• 3/4 cup superfine white sugar (caster sugar) Creates a tender texture
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of your shortbread base
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar Offers a sweet crunch on top

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Contributes a warm, caramel flavor
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon The essential spice for that cinnamon roll essence
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Reinforces the warm flavors

For the Frosting

• 1/4 cup cream cheese Brings a tangy richness
• 1/2 cup butter For the luscious frosting
• 1 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness and creaminess
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances the frosting’s flavor

Instructions

 

Shortbread Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and mix well.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth layer.

Cinnamon Filling

• In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Spread this cinnamon mixture evenly over the shortbread crust. Gently swirl it with a knife if you’d like to create a pretty marbled effect.

Bake

• Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/4 cup cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add in 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
• Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.

Notes

Measure the flour accurately for a light and fluffy texture. Let the baked bars cool completely before glazing to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for about an hour after frosting. Feel free to double-wrap the bars if you’re freezing them for longer storage.

Keyword Baking, Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cozy Treats, Dessert Recipe, Shortbread Bars

Why These Bars Are So Good

• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Cozy, warm cinnamon flavor that feels like home
• Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• A great recipe to bake with kids
• Perfect for brunch, gifting, or just because

These bars are the kind of thing you’ll want to slice into even before they’re fully cooled and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup superfine white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for crunch)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars

1. Make the Shortbread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Cream the butter and sugar until light and airy, then mix in the vanilla. Add the flour and salt to form a soft, crumbly dough. Press it evenly into your baking pan this will be the buttery foundation of your bars.

2. Add the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Spread it gently over the shortbread base. If you feel creative, drag a butter knife through the filling to make pretty little swirls.

3. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let it cool in the pan before moving on patience is the hardest part here!

4. Frosting Time

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until fluffy. Spread it over the cooled bars. Slice, serve, and try not to eat the whole batch.

Emily’s Pro Tips

• Measure your flour lightly to avoid a dense crust.
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting it’s worth the wait.
• Chill the bars before slicing for clean, even pieces.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-thaw treats.

Fun Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a bakery-style crunch.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a sweeter twist.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a delicate, cozy flavor.
• Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.

How to Store or Freeze

Store the bars at room temperature for a few days, or freeze individually for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Ideas

These bars are perfect for slow mornings, weekend brunch, or after-school treats. I also love pairing them with a warm latte during quiet moments even if “quiet” just means five minutes before the next round of chaos.

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