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Viral Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 91 reviews

Delicious Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars that combine warm cinnamon and buttery shortbread in a simple, viral recipe, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Luscious Shortbread Crust

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

For the Gooey Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed lightly
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

For the Finishing Touch

  • 2 tablespoons Turbinado Sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep Crust Dough: Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy to create a smooth base. Add the pure vanilla extract and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined, ensuring a tender shortbread crust.
  2. Form & Chill Crust: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to help it set up and prevent spreading during baking.
  3. Par-Bake Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until it is very lightly golden. This step helps avoid a soggy bottom by setting the base layer.
  4. Prepare Filling: Combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and spreadable to form the gooey cinnamon swirl filling.
  5. Spread Filling: Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the par-baked shortbread crust and gently spread it into an even layer to cover the base.
  6. Create Top Layer: Roll or press the remaining one-third of the dough thinly and place it loosely over the cinnamon filling, ensuring it covers the layer without pressing down too tightly. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for added crunch and a caramelized finish.
  7. Bake Bars: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly and delicious.
  8. Cool Slightly: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for some time to set up, which facilitates easier frosting application.
  9. Prepare Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  10. Frost Bars: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled bars, adding a classic and luscious finish.
  11. Slice & Serve: Cut the frosted bars into squares of desired size and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra cinnamon sugar or chopped walnuts for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Optional: Garnish with extra cinnamon-sugar or chopped walnuts for a flavorful finish.
  • Store cooled, unfrosted bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • For longer freshness, refrigerate unfrosted bars up to one week; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before frosting.
  • Warm slices gently in a low oven (300°F/150°C) to revive texture before serving.
  • Make ahead: Prepare dough up to 2 days in advance and filling up to 24 hours in advance for easy assembly and fresh baking.
  • Ensure the top dough layer is about one-third of total dough to prevent filling from bubbling over or burning.
  • Chill dough well to achieve the perfect shortbread texture and prevent spreading.
  • Frost bars only after they have cooled slightly to avoid melting the frosting.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll, Shortbread Bars, Dessert Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cinnamon Swirl, Viral Recipe, Homemade Dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/viral-cinnamon-roll-shortbread-bars-recipe/