I’ve always loved the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. There’s something about the warm spice, the soft dough, and that gooey glaze that feels like home. But sometimes, I crave that same indulgent flavor in a quicker, more shareable form. That’s exactly where my Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars come in — they’re everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll, transformed into a soft, chewy bar that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at brunch.
These bars are rich and satisfying, with a buttery base that mimics the texture of a soft roll. Layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours kneading dough or waiting for it to rise. These bars come together quickly, making them a perfect option when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend treat, a potluck contribution, or a sweet surprise for loved ones, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars deliver. They hold their shape well, travel beautifully, and stay moist for days — not that they ever last that long in my kitchen. Every time I make them, I’m reminded how the simplest ingredients can create something truly comforting and delicious.
If you’re someone who can’t resist the warm, spiced scent of cinnamon rolls but loves the convenience of a handheld dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite. And because they’re so easy to make, they’re ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a low-effort way to satisfy a sweet craving.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
To recreate the cozy, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients:
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All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the bars. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement.
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Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the bars moist.
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Granulated Sugar – Used in both the dough and cinnamon swirl to balance the sweetness.
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Unsalted Butter – Gives the bars their tender texture and buttery flavor. It should be softened to mix easily.
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Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and add richness. Use large eggs at room temperature.
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Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
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Ground Cinnamon – The star spice that delivers the classic cinnamon roll taste.
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Baking Powder – Provides lift to ensure the bars are soft and fluffy.
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Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
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Cream Cheese – Used for the glaze, bringing a tangy contrast to the sweet bars.
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Powdered Sugar – Blends smoothly into the glaze, creating a silky texture.
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Milk – Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Making these bars is simple, even if you’ve never baked before. Follow the steps below for delicious results every time:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after baking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bars tough.
Step 5:
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. It will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, mix additional cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into the surface of the dough.
Step 7:
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden, and the center set but soft.
Step 8:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.
Step 9:
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then let it set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Step 10:
Serve and enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
How Long to Bake Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven and the exact thickness of your batter. To ensure the best results, keep an eye on the bars during the final minutes of baking. You want them to be soft but set, with lightly golden edges and a tender center.
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Standard Bake Time – For a 9×13-inch pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 25 minutes.
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Smaller Pans – If using a smaller pan (like 8×8), increase the baking time to 30–35 minutes and check for doneness at the center.
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Convection Oven – If you’re using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for the same time, checking a few minutes early.
You’ll know they’re ready when the top feels firm to the touch, the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
How to Store Leftovers
One of the best things about these bars is how well they store. You can make them ahead of time or enjoy the leftovers over the next few days.
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Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent the glaze from melting.
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Refrigerator – For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in a sealed container. This extends their freshness to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly for that fresh-baked feel.
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Freezer – To freeze, place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
For best results, keep these practical tips in mind:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Butter, eggs, and cream cheese mix more smoothly when not cold, leading to a better texture.
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Don’t Overbake – It’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake. Bars continue to cook slightly as they cool in the pan.
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Swirl Gently – When adding the cinnamon sugar swirl, don’t overmix. A few simple figure-eight motions create that signature marbled look without blending it all together.
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Cool Completely Before Glazing – If the bars are too warm, the glaze will melt and become too runny. Wait until they’re cool to the touch for clean drizzling.
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Customize the Glaze – For a thinner glaze, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. For a thicker, frosting-like finish, reduce the milk slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further:
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
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Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
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Pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a sweet treat on the go.
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Dust lightly with extra cinnamon just before serving for an extra touch of spice.
These bars offer everything you love about cinnamon rolls — the warmth, the sweetness, the nostalgic flavor — in a simple and satisfying format that’s perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare these bars in advance. In fact, making them a day before allows the flavors to develop even more. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven or microwave to restore their soft, fresh texture.
2. What kind of cream cheese works best for the glaze?
Full-fat cream cheese delivers the richest flavor and creamiest texture for the glaze. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese. Avoid fat-free varieties, as they can result in a thinner glaze that lacks the same smooth consistency and taste. Always use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
3. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. After baking and cooling, cut them into squares and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month. To serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for an hour. For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm them gently before serving.
4. Can I customize the recipe with different spices or toppings?
Definitely. This recipe is versatile. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth. For crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. If you’re feeling creative, swirl in a spoonful of apple butter or pumpkin purée with the cinnamon mixture for seasonal variations. Just be sure not to overdo the moisture additions, as they may affect baking time.
These simple adjustments allow you to tailor the bars to your preferences while keeping the base recipe intact. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or afternoon snack, these bliss bars can easily fit the occasion with just a few changes.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, offering all the cozy flavors you love in a soft, chewy bar. Swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
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In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle over the batter.
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Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter in a figure-eight motion.
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Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
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Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.
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For the glaze, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until creamy.
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set before slicing. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
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Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to avoid melting.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl for a crunchy twist.
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You can freeze the bars after baking. Wrap well and store for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes