Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars: A Buttery, Cinnamon-Swirled Dream Come True

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery shortbread crust that’s layered with gooey, spiced cinnamon filling and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. These Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars combine the rich flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of a shortbread cookie, making them the ultimate dessert indulgence. These bars bring all the warmth and sweetness of cinnamon rolls, but without the hassle of yeast or rising dough—just pure, straightforward deliciousness.

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Why Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars Will Be Your New Favorite Treat

These bars are all about layers of flavor and texture. You start with a buttery shortbread base that’s crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. The cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the crust as it bakes, creating a swirl of spicy sweetness that’s reminiscent of your favorite breakfast pastry. To top it all off, a rich cream cheese frosting is spread over the bars while they’re still slightly warm, soaking into the top layer and adding a tangy-sweet finish.

One bite and you'll be hooked, as these bars hit that perfect balance between indulgent dessert and comforting, home-baked goodness. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Fun Fact: Cinnamon’s Global Appeal

Did you know that cinnamon, the star of this recipe, has been prized for thousands of years for its warm, spicy flavor and potential health benefits? Originally hailing from Sri Lanka, cinnamon was once so valuable it was considered a gift fit for royalty. Today, it’s one of the most popular spices worldwide, beloved for its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. In these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars, cinnamon pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and butter, adding a depth of flavor that elevates this dessert to something truly special.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 16 Bars):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 120mg

These Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re indulgent without being overly sweet, and the combination of the buttery shortbread, cinnamon swirl, and rich frosting makes them totally irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle them with caramel or dust them with a bit of extra cinnamon before serving.

They also make for a lovely brunch treat, paired with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Or, if you're feeling really fancy, serve them alongside a cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate for a double dose of cinnamon-y goodness.

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Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup superfine white sugar (caster sugar)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

• ¼ cup cream cheese
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Shortbread Crust:

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ¾ cup of superfine white sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Press and Chill: Press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan, setting aside the rest for the topping. Refrigerate the crust for 15-30 minutes before baking.
6. Par-Bake: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and no longer shiny on top. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Cinnamon Roll Filling:

7. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, cream together ¼ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well mixed.
8. Spread the Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon roll filling onto the partially baked shortbread crust and spread it evenly. It’s okay if the filling begins to melt a bit—it will only make it more delicious!
9. Create Top Layer: Roll out the remaining shortbread dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place flat clusters of dough over the filling to form a rustic, crumbly top layer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar over the top for added crunch and sparkle.
10. Bake: Bake the assembled bars for another 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Cool: Allow the bars to cool slightly before adding the frosting.

Frosting:

12. Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, beat together ¼ cup of cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
13. Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm bars, allowing it to melt into the top layer.
14. Serve and Enjoy: Once the bars have cooled completely, slice them into squares and enjoy the heavenly combination of buttery shortbread and cinnamon roll goodness!

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh.

Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.

Bake these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars for your next gathering or cozy night in, and watch them disappear in no time!