These Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars are simple and delicious cookie bars that taste just like a cinnamon roll! They’re soft, sweet, and all-around delicious!
Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars
I have a confession.
I have never made homemade cinnamon rolls.
Like ever.
I am all about popping that can of Grands on a Saturday morning, but the homemade kind with yeast? Yeah no.
Does that make me a fraud?
Here’s my reasoning…I would rather sit and think about how to successfully stuff a cookie WITH a cinnamon roll than how to make the yeasty bits work in the dough.
I am sure it’s easy, and I’m sure you guys will email me recipes to your “no fail” cinnamon rolls, or send me links to the “EASIEST CINNAMON ROLLS EVER”, but I’ll tell you what’s no fail…it’s called popping open a can and baking for 15 minutes.
I know it’s kinda opposite for me, because I’m all about letting your cookie dough sit overnight and really how annoying is THAT? But all the yeasty rising and waiting or proofing or whatever you call it bugs me. Much like making pudding.
I never claimed to make sense.
So instead of making Cinnamon Rolls, let me do me and make Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars.
Because it makes sense.
These guys start with a cake mix and a box of pudding. You they’re gonna be good.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars
Literally dump all your ingredients into a bowl and stir.
You’re gonna need to load up on cinnamon. Two whole tablespoons. Don’t be scared.
Spread your batter into a greased pan and bake.
Seriously, how easy is that?
They’ll look like this when they are done…
While they’re cooling go ahead and make your frosting.
I enjoy my cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. Duh.
Plop that frosting on top of your cooled bars…
And spread it around evenly.
I topped mine with some cinnamon sugar. I got this handy little grinder from Trader Joe’s, but it’s just as easy to make your own and sprinkle it all up on there.
I mean…
Take THAT yeast!
Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 large bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars are simple and delicious cookie bars that taste just like a cinnamon roll! They’re soft, sweet, and all-around delicious!
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 (15.25 oz) box Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1 (4 serving) box Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- *optional ~ Cinnamon Sugar to garnish
- 3 Tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Spray 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, set aside.
- In large bowl combine all ingredients for the bars. Stir until there are no lumps.
- Spread into prepared baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- In mixing bowl beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Spread on cooled bars.
- If desired sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for garnish
- Cut into squares when ready to serve.
Notes
Store chilled because of the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 96.9 g
- Sodium: 91.1 mg
- Fat: 16.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 100.7 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 72.9 mg
Want To Save This Recipe?
Find more recipes like this:
You are not alone… I have never made homemade cinnamon rolls either. Between you and me, I have no desire to. I like Pillsbury just fine! But cinnamon roll cookie bars, now that sounds right up my alley!
Making these NOW!!! 🙂
Oh my …. !! these would disappear in my house.
Well these are just evil. Do you have a scratch recipe?
I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants this. I know boxed mixes are helpful for some people and they do make things a bit quicker/easier I guess, but I prefer to make things from scratch. The time I might save from not having to mix up 3 ingredients on my own does not cover for the fact that I’m also putting in loads of preservatives and artificial additives I’d rather not have.
I found this as a sub for the boxed cake mix, but it’s yellow, not vanilla. But I feel it would be just the same in this recipe.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let me know if it works for you or if you try it!
I feel like all my comments to your posts start with, “Oh my goodness” or “Wow.” And this one is no different. Wow, oh my goodness, these look amaaaazing! I am always game for anything that involves cinnamon sugar….
Beautiful cookie bars!! Love the cinnamon sugar on top! Will be making these ASAP!! 🙂
I love this! easy cinnamon rolls in an instant! Just right for a lazy night bake.
I relate to the yeast thing. No matter how good a recipe looks, if it involves yeasting something, I’m out.
Oh my gosh, these look so easy to make and delicious! I love the boxed cake mix, it makes everything so much easier!
Now that would be loved in our house… um since they’re “cinnamon rolls” I can have them for breakfast right? haha