Some desserts feel like a cozy hug in edible form, and these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are exactly that. Imagine the soft swirl of a classic cinnamon roll, the gooey brown sugar center, and that creamy drizzle of glaze—all baked into tender dessert bars you can hold in your hand. They’re buttery, warm, and filled with cinnamon-sugar comfort in every bite. Perfect for brunch gatherings, bake sales, or when you just want something sweet and homemade, these bars will quickly become your new go-to treat. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love It

Soft, gooey, and full of buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor—just like your favorite cinnamon roll.
Perfect for sharing—slice into neat bars that travel easily and look beautiful on any dessert table.
Great for brunches, holidays, or cozy fall baking days.
Made with simple pantry ingredients—no yeast or special equipment required.
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable with toppings like nuts, caramel drizzle, or cream cheese glaze.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
½ cup sour cream (for moisture and tenderness)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for glaze consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the wet ingredients In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine and layer Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake to perfection Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Make the glaze In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over cooled bars in those signature cinnamon-roll swirls.
Slice and serve Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature for that perfect balance of gooey and sweet.

Variations to Try

Cream Cheese Drizzle: Replace milk with cream cheese for a tangy, bakery-style glaze.
Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the batter for a fall-inspired twist.
Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for added texture.
Maple Glaze: Add a dash of maple syrup to the glaze for a cozy breakfast flavor.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use room-temperature eggs to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter.
Don’t overbake—the key to soft, gooey bars is pulling them out just as the center sets.
For clean slices, let the glaze set fully before cutting.
Warm each square slightly before serving for that “fresh-from-the-oven” flavor.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugars: 22g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to a month.
Q: Can I add a cream cheese layer?
A: Absolutely. Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese between two halves of batter for extra indulgence.
Q: How can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Texture may vary slightly but flavor remains dreamy.
Q: Do they need refrigeration?
A: Not unless you’ve used a cream cheese glaze. Otherwise, store covered at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything cozy baking should be—soft, golden, and irresistibly swirled with cinnamon sweetness. They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your guests ask for seconds. Whether you’re baking them for brunch, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, they promise bliss in every bite. Save this recipe to your Baking Recipes board so it’s ready whenever that cinnamon craving hits!