cinnamon sugar breakfast bars

by

These glazed cinnamon sugar breakfast bars feature a soft, buttery pastry base with a caramelized cinnamon layer and a light vanilla glaze.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8–10 bars

Ingredients

For the Pastry Base:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

  • 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to $350^\circ\text{F}$ ($175^\circ\text{C}$). Line an $8\times 8$-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

  3. Add Cinnamon Layer: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a paste. Spread or crumble the mixture evenly over the crust.

  4. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the sugar filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

  5. Glaze & Slice: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bars. Allow the glaze to set for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into long rectangular bars.