Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that’s layered with luscious cinnamon filling and topped with a creamy frosting. That’s exactly what you get with these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars. The combination of classic cinnamon roll flavors with a buttery shortbread base creates a delightful treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert will sweep you off your feet and leave you craving more.
Why Make This Recipe
- It merges the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls and the delightful texture of shortbread.
- Ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.
- Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch handy for those unexpected sweet cravings.
Easy Method for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
Crafting Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars is straightforward, making it a perfect project for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. This recipe is divided into three main parts: creating the shortbread crust, preparing the cinnamon filling, and whipping up a delicious frosting. Let’s jump right into it and get those ovens preheated!
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
The foundation of our bars starts with a luscious shortbread crust, which is easy to make and serves as the perfect base for the cinnamon filling.
Gather Your Ingredients: For this step, you’ll need 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of superfine white sugar, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the superfine sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes; make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
Add Vanilla and Mix Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press into a Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and press the shortbread dough evenly across the bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even layer.
Bake the Crust: Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Filling
Now that you have your shortbread crust ready, it’s time to whip up a delicious cinnamon filling that will take these bars to the next level.
Prepare the Filling Ingredients: You’ll need 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and another teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well integrated into a creamy paste.
Spread the Filling: Once the shortbread has cooled slightly, take the cinnamon filling and spread it evenly over the shortbread layer. Use a spatula to ensure an even distribution.
Add Toppings: For a little extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar evenly over the top of the filling.
Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the edges are golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
To truly elevate these bars, a creamy frosting is essential. Here’s how to whip it up.
Gather Frosting Ingredients: You’ll need 1/4 cup of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Blend the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and creamy.
Spread the Frosting: After the cinnamon filling has baked and cooled for a bit, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the bars. Use a spatula to make it as smooth or textured as you like.
Chill to Set: For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
These delightful bars can be stored so you can enjoy them for days to come. Follow these guidelines for the best storage practices:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cut them into squares and place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Temperature: If allowing to return to room temperature after refrigeration or freezing, let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
When it comes to enjoying Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars, the options are endless. Here are some of my top suggestions to serve them:
With Coffee or Tea: Nothing enhances the flavor more than pairing these bars with a warm cup of your favorite brew—be it coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
Dessert Platter: Cut them into smaller squares and present them on a festive dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies or cookies for a delightful dessert table.
Topped with Ice Cream: Serve a warmed square of the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
Breakfast Treat: Treat yourself to one of these bars with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a sweet breakfast option that feels luxurious.
For a Cozy Night In: Gather your loved ones, perhaps with a movie night in mind, and enjoy these bars while wrapped in warm blankets. A slice of nostalgia in every bite.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
To ensure your baking experience is a breeze, here are some valuable tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients and wet ingredients, mix just until combined for a tender shortbread.
- Customize Frosting: Feel free to add fun flavors like maple or almond extract to the frosting for a personal twist.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to spice things up or adapt for dietary preferences, consider these variations:
Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a delightful crunch. You might mix 1/2 cup of nuts into the filling before spreading it on the shortbread.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix; many blends yield fantastic results with shortbread.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger in the filling for an interesting twist that’ll keep your friends guessing.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be baked and frosted a day or two in advance. Just refrigerate them, and they will be perfect when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How do I prevent the shortbread from becoming too crumbly?
A: Be sure not to over-bake the shortbread crust; it should be just golden around the edges.
Q: Can I use different types of sugar for the frosting?
- You can use agave syrup or honey as a natural sweetener instead of powdered sugar; however, the consistency may change slightly, so adjustments may be necessary.
Q: How do I make them extra gooey?
A: You can drizzle extra cream cheese frosting over the bars just before serving.
Q: Can I add raisins or nuts to the cinnamon filling?
- Yes, adding 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped nuts can provide an exciting texture contrast.
Other Considerations
Nutritional Information
While indulging in sweet treats is a wonderful part of life, it’s also good to be mindful of nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate per serving if cut into 16 bars:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on exact ingredients and proportions, but they help to give a general idea for those tracking nutritional intake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: When you add the flour to the butter mixture, mix just until combined to avoid tough bars.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Allowing the bars to chill after frosting is crucial for maintaining their shape and making slicing easier.
- Inaccurate Measurements: Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best consistency and flavor.
Creating these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars is an experience sure to bring smiles all around. So why not buckle up your apron, turn on your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this dreamy, comforting dessert? It will not only fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon but also create sweet memories that will last far beyond the last crumb. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery shortbread layered with a luscious cinnamon filling and topped with creamy frosting, these bars are a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup superfine sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup softened butter (for filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup superfine sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt; gradually add to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
- Press dough into a lined 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden.
- For the filling, mix 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread filling over cooled shortbread and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes until filling is bubbly.
- For frosting, beat 1/4 cup softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
- Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and chill for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for longer storage.