Scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars: The Perfect Quick Treat for Cinnamon Lovers

Experience the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls fused with the buttery delight of shortbread in these Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars. Crafted for those moments when you crave a sweet cinnamon treat but lack the time for dough prep, these bars offer a wonderful alternative that's quick and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This: These bars merge the aromatic richness of cinnamon roll filling with a velvety shortbread base, delivering a satisfying texture and taste. The addition of a luscious cream cheese frosting makes them utterly irresistible. They’re straightforward to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch!

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for weekend gatherings, potluck desserts, or a comforting snack during a busy workweek. They're also great for holiday treats or whenever you want to impress with homemade baking without spending hours in the kitchen.

Decoration Tips: Enhance the presentation of these bars by drizzling extra frosting in a zigzag pattern over the top once they've cooled. Consider garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed pecans for added texture and flair. Serve each bar with a small sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Part 1: Shortbread Crust

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup superfine white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
  1. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with greased parchment paper.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  3. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In another bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until just combined.
  6. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
  7. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until very lightly golden.

Part 2: Cinnamon Roll Filling

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Cream together all filling ingredients.

Part 3: Assemble and Bake

• Instructions:
  1. Spread the filling over the pre-baked crust.
  2. Take the remaining dough, flatten to about 1/8-inch thickness, and cover the filling.
  3. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Allow to cool before frosting.

Part 4: Cinnamon Roll Frosting

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Mix all frosting ingredients until smooth.
  2. Spread over the cooled bars.

Enjoy these delightful cinnamon roll shortbread bars, a simple yet fabulous treat that brings the essence of cinnamon rolls into a convenient and delicious form!