Save Soft, chewy cookie bars with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy vanilla glaze—everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make treat.
When I first baked these cinnamon roll cookie bars for my friends, they couldn't believe how easy the recipe was and how much it tasted like classic cinnamon rolls. Everyone asked for seconds and the whole pan disappeared in just a few hours.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 1 cup (200 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1/3 cup (70 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed, for swirl): 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Powdered sugar (sifted): 1 cup (120 g)
- Milk: 2, 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Make Cookie Dough Base:
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry to Wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Mix Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl.
- Layer Dough and Swirl:
- Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Dollop the cinnamon swirl mixture over the dough, then gently swirl with a knife or offset spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top and gently spread to cover as much as possible.
- Bake:
- Bake for 23, 26 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake.
- Cool:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars, then cut into squares.
Save These bars are always a hit at family gatherings, and my kids love helping swirl the cinnamon mixture into the dough. It's a simple tradition that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, offset spatula or butter knife, parchment paper, wire rack, and a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan are all that you need for this easy recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs. If adding nuts, omit for those with allergies. Always check ingredient labels if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 260 calories, 12 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Bake a batch of these irresistible bars and share them with loved ones. The vanilla glaze truly makes each bite feel special.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I get a gooey cinnamon swirl?
Soften your butter thoroughly and blend with cinnamon and sugar until smooth before swirling into the dough for a rich, gooey center.
- → Can I add nuts to these bars?
Yes! Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor to the cinnamon layer before baking.
- → How do I prevent the bars from overbaking?
Bake until edges are golden and the center is just set—usually 23–26 minutes. Cool in the pan to finish setting.
- → Is the vanilla glaze adjustable?
Swap milk for cream cheese or add citrus zest for extra tang. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, including dairy and eggs. Always check for allergen details if needed.