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gooey cinnamon roll cookie bars - featured image

Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars: Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dessert

  • Author: Lilya
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

These gooey cinnamon roll cookie bars offer the taste of traditional cinnamon rolls without the rising time. They are a quick, pantry-friendly dessert perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a chewy cookie base, cinnamon swirls, and a tangy cream cheese drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) softened butter (for swirl)
  • 2 ounces (55g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes with mixer).
  3. Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer dough to the prepared pan and press into an even layer.
  7. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar. Dot the dough surface with the 1 tablespoon softened butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
  8. Use a paring knife to gently drag through the dough in a zigzag pattern to create swirls.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft.
  10. Let bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
  11. While cooling, whisk softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and milk until smooth and drizzleable.
  12. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the cooled bars.
  13. Cut into 9 or 12 squares and serve.

Notes

Butter must be softened but not melted. Do not overbake to maintain gooey texture. Cool completely before drizzling to prevent the icing from melting into the bars. Store un-drizzled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 180
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: cinnamon roll cookie bars, weeknight dessert, easy baking, gooey bars, cream cheese drizzle, 30 minute dessert, family favorite

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Find it online: https://platelyn.com/gooey-cinnamon-roll-cookie-bars-easy-30-minute-weeknight-dessert/