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Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars

Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars: Your New Favorite Treat

These Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars combine buttery shortbread with a luscious cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Base
  • 1 cup butter softened, can substitute with margarine for dairy-free option
  • 3/4 cup superfine white sugar can substitute with regular granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ensure it is pure for best result
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt crucial for depth of taste
For the Cinnamon Filling
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar light or dark can be used interchangeably
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon freshly ground yields more vibrant taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
  • 4 ounces cream cheese can substitute with mascarpone
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar consider using sugar alternatives for lower sugar version
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • hand mixer
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan.
  2. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of superfine sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and gently combine to form a soft dough.
  6. Reserve one-third of the dough and press the remaining into the prepared baking pan, then chill for 15-30 minutes.
  7. Bake the shortbread crust for about 15 minutes until just lightly golden.
  8. Cream together 1/4 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
  9. Spread the cinnamon filling over the slightly cooled crust.
  10. Roll out the reserved dough and place it over the cinnamon filling, optionally sprinkling turbinado sugar on top.
  11. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  12. Blend together the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  13. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and cut into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the dough adequately to maintain shape. Let bars cool before frosting for best flavor.

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