If you love the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, handheld version, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are calling your name. With a soft, buttery base, a swirl of cinnamon sugar, and a rich cream cheese glaze, they’re everything you adore about a classic cinnamon roll—packed into an irresistible dessert bar. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, holidays, or just a sweet treat with your coffee.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Flavor of Cinnamon Rolls – Without the kneading or rise time.
Easy to Make – Just mix, bake, and drizzle.
Perfect Texture – Soft, chewy, and gooey in the center.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for make-ahead treats.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves cinnamon and cream cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting
- White chocolate chips
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Toothpick or knife for swirling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Set aside for swirling into the batter later.
Step 2: Make the Bliss Bar Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
- Add the remaining batter over the cinnamon mixture and spread gently.
- Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and drizzle-able.
- Add more milk if needed to thin the glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle & Serve
- Drizzle glaze generously over cooled bars.
- Slice into squares or bars and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars
Don’t Overbake – Slightly gooey centers make them extra delicious.
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything mix smoothly.
Swirl Gently – Enough to marble without overmixing the layers.
Chill Before Slicing – Makes for cleaner cuts if you want sharp edges.
Make It Your Own – Add nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
With Hot Coffee – Perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
At Brunch – Add to your breakfast spread alongside fruit and muffins.
As a Dessert – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Holiday Tray – A festive addition to cookie platters.
Lunchbox Treat – Wrap individually for sweet on-the-go snacks.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
Freezing:
- Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Warm individual bars for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.
- Oven: Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll filling?
Yes! You can substitute with your favorite cinnamon spread or filling.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a sheet pan and extend baking time slightly.
3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend made for baking.
4. Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Sure, but it adds that iconic “cinnamon roll” touch. A simple icing or powdered sugar works too.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine will work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring all the magic of homemade cinnamon rolls into a simple, shareable, and satisfying treat. With swirls of spiced sugar and a creamy glaze on top, they’re perfect for brunch spreads, holiday trays, or just curling up with something sweet. You’ll love how easy they are to make—and how quickly they disappear!
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your bliss bars in action.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 130mg

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
If you love the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, handheld version, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are calling your name. With a soft, buttery base, a swirl of cinnamon sugar, and a rich cream cheese glaze, they’re everything you adore about a classic cinnamon roll—packed into an irresistible dessert bar. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, holidays, or just a sweet treat with your coffee.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
-
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1–2 tbsp milk
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
-
Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting
-
White chocolate chips
-
Toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
-
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
-
Set aside for swirling into the batter later.
Step 2: Make the Bliss Bar Batter
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
-
Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
-
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
-
Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
-
Add the remaining batter over the cinnamon mixture and spread gently.
-
Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
-
Let cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
-
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and drizzle-able.
-
Add more milk if needed to thin the glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle & Serve
-
Drizzle glaze generously over cooled bars.
-
Slice into squares or bars and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Notes
Don’t Overbake – Slightly gooey centers make them extra delicious.
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps everything mix smoothly.
Swirl Gently – Enough to marble without overmixing the layers.
Chill Before Slicing – Makes for cleaner cuts if you want sharp edges.
Make It Your Own – Add nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American