Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325℉ to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature as you prepare the dough and filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over two sides for easy lifting after baking. Lightly spray the dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about three minutes. This step ensures a tender, flavorful crust.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and mix to combine. Then incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until just combined, approximately one minute. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed for even mixing.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the texture.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Firmly press one half into the base of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Shape the other half into an 8×8 inch square on a separate piece of parchment paper and set aside for later.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir in the melted butter thoroughly, creating a smooth filling mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough in the pan. Carefully lift and place the reserved dough square on top of the filling, gently pressing down to seal and secure the layers together.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bars turn a light golden brown and the dough feels set to the touch, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish to ensure the filling sets properly before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream or milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and spread with an offset spatula for full coverage.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares. Serve these sweet, cinnamon-infused bars and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter glaze.
- Ensure the dough is not overmixed to maintain a tender texture.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars after glazing before cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
