Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened and divided
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Packed Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of the softened butter, the granulated sugar, and the flour until a crumbly dough forms.
- Step 2: Press about two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating the base layer. Set the remaining dough mixture aside for the topping.
- Step 3: Prepare the cinnamon filling by combining the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the remaining 1/4 cup of softened butter until fully incorporated. Drop spoonfuls of this filling evenly over the pressed dough base, then crumble the reserved dough mixture over the top of the filling layer.
- Step 4: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this is crucial before glazing.
- Step 5: While the bars cool, prepare the glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once the bars are entirely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top, then cut into squares to serve the Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.
Notes
- Keep your bliss bars fresh by storing leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; for the best flavor, let them stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- If you enjoy a warm, gooey center, briefly microwave chilled individual squares for about 10 seconds, understanding that the cream cheese glaze will soften and melt slightly.
- Elevate the presentation and flavor by dusting the finished glaze with a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or flaky sea salt before slicing and serving.
- The secret to a perfect, evenly pressed base is ensuring the 3/4 cup of butter used in Step 1 is truly soft, allowing the ingredients to form that essential "crumbly dough" easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American