Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
A cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of buttery, cinnamon-infused goodness is the perfect backdrop for any gathering. And what better way to achieve this than with delicious Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars? These bars not only encapsulate the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls but also bring the tender, crumbly texture of shortbread to the table. Each bite is a delightful marriage of sweet and spiced, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
- It beautifully combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the buttery softness of shortbread.
- Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or those quiet evenings at home when you crave something sweet.
- These bars are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, ensuring you always have a special treat on hand.
Easy Method for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
Creating the perfect batch of Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars is a delightful process that rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Follow these steps to enjoy your homemade treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
The foundation of these delectable bars is a buttery shortbread crust. Start by softening your butter to room temperature for easy mixing. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the superfine white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which results in a tender crust.
Next, add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, giving it a delightful aroma. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined—make sure not to overwork the dough, as you want it to stay light and airy. Once well-blended, transfer the mixture into a greased baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Filling
While your crust is baking, let’s focus on the sweet cinnamon filling. In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. This filling is rich and flavorful, delivering that beloved cinnamon roll essence.
Once the crust has baked to a light golden color, it’s time to spread the cinnamon filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and watch the magic happen as the cinnamon filling melds with the crust, creating a warm and inviting texture.
Step 3: Frosting Your Bars
No cinnamon roll is complete without a luscious frosting, and these bars are no exception. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. The cream cheese adds richness, while the powdered sugar sweetens the frosting beautifully.
After your bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Cut the bars into squares, and you’re ready to serve!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup superfine white sugar (caster sugar)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup superfine white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, mix well.
- Gradually incorporate 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined.
- Press the dough into a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cinnamon Filling:
- In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the crust once it’s cooled for about 10 minutes.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set.
Frosting:
- In a separate bowl, beat together 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until creamy.
- Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top.
- Slice into squares, and enjoy!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
To keep your Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars fresh and delightful, here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze quite well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months frozen. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
These bars can serve as a wonderful stand-alone treat, but pairing them with other flavors enhances the experience. Consider these serving suggestions:
- Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai for a comforting treat.
- Brunch Delight: Perfect for brunch gatherings, you can serve them with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble these bars over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzle of Chocolate: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top of your frosting for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Quick Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and other ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the dough and flour, be gentle to maintain the shortbread’s crumbly texture.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Variations or Substitutions
For those looking to tweak this recipe, here are a few fun ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Different Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze for an autumn-inspired twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
What should I do if I can’t find turbinado sugar?
You can substitute with brown sugar or regular granulated sugar. Turbinado sugar adds a bit of crunch, but other sugars will work well too.
Q: How do I ensure my bars are not too dry?
A: To keep them moist, don’t overbake the crust or filling. Remove them from the oven when set but still slightly soft.
Q: Can I add more cinnamon?
A: Yes! If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount in the filling to 1.5 teaspoons.
Q: How do I cut these bars neatly?
A: Use a sharp knife and make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. For even cleaner cuts, clean the knife with a damp cloth in between slices.
Nutritional Information
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful bars, consider that the following estimates are approximate for one bar (out of 16):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars are an exquisite addition to your dessert repertoire. With their rich flavors, simple preparation, and delightful texture, they make for an ideal treat at any occasion. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy weekend or sharing them at a gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Embrace the indulgence of a cinnamon roll in the easy, shareable format of shortbread, and watch as they become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bars combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crumbly texture of shortbread, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup superfine white sugar (caster sugar)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup superfine white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, mix well.
- Gradually incorporate 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined.
- Press the dough into a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the crust once it’s cooled for about 10 minutes.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until creamy.
- Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top.
- Slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.