Description

There’s nothing more comforting than the sweet scent of cinnamon sugar filling your kitchen. These Frosted Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply when you crave something cozy and homemade, this recipe delivers all the flavor of classic cinnamon-sugar cookies without the extra work of rolling or cutting.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it into the corners.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the center looks set. Avoid overbaking for soft bars.
Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with a bit more milk if needed.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Lift bars from the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle the frosted bars with a pinch of cinnamon sugar before serving.
Cool the bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Use Saigon cinnamon for a stronger, sweeter flavor or Ceylon cinnamon for a milder taste.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
These bars freeze well for up to 2 months — thaw and frost before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes