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Three brown butter cinnamon bars on a small plate.
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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Bars

Brown sugar cinnamon bars are soft, buttery, and layered with rich, cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with sweet icing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 8 Bars
Calories 789kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • parchment paper
  • large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knife (for slicing)

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons water if needed, to thin

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  • Beat in the egg.
  • Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
  • Press one half evenly into the prepared pan (lightly oil hands or a measuring cup if sticky).
  • Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the base layer.
  • Place remaining dough on top and gently spread to cover (use oiled hands for easier handling).
  • Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set (use a toothpick to check).
  • Let bars cool in the pan for about 40 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add 1–2 teaspoons water if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  • Spread icing over completely cooled bars.
  • Let sit for about 15 minutes until icing sets slightly.
  • Lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.

Notes

  • Make sure bars are fully cooled before icing or it will melt too much.
  • If dough is sticky, lightly oil your hands or use the bottom of a greased measuring cup to press it evenly.
  • For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
  • Icing can be adjusted thinner with small amounts of water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Bar | Calories: 789kcal | Carbohydrates: 127g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 91g | Vitamin A: 921IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg