These Holiday Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you want in a festive dessert: buttery cookie layers, a thick ribbon of gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sparkling sugar crust that crackles delicately with every bite. Inspired by nostalgic holiday baking, these bars turn simple ingredients into a showstopping treat that slices beautifully and tastes like a warm, cozy memory. The photo shows exactly what you can expect—soft cookie layers sandwiching a caramelized cinnamon center that stays moist, dense, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Layered Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars

This is the kind of dessert that looks bakery-perfect but is shockingly easy to make. The layered structure gives these bars their signature look: a tender cookie base, a rich cinnamon layer in the middle, and a lightly crisp top that sparkles with sugar. They bake into perfect squares that hold their shape yet stay soft and rich.

These bars are designed for anyone who loves:

• Gooey, cinnamon-infused desserts that taste like snickerdoodles and cinnamon rolls combined
• Beautiful layered cookie bars that cut cleanly and look stunning on holiday platters
• Cozy flavors that instantly make the house smell like fresh-baked cookies
• Holiday desserts that travel well, store beautifully, and taste even better the next day

When cooled and sliced, these bars reveal their gorgeous triple-layer look: soft cookie on the bottom, gooey cinnamon in the middle, and a sparkling sugar top that mimics a snickerdoodle crust. If you want a holiday dessert that’s both photogenic and comforting, this recipe checks every box.

Ingredients List

Dough Layers

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Cinnamon Filling

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar (additional, for mixing with cinnamon to form the middle filling)

Topping

• 2 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling

Optional Add-Ins or Swaps

• Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to the cinnamon filling for a caramel-like richness
• Replace ½ cup of granulated sugar in the dough with brown sugar for deeper flavor
• Add ½ teaspoon extra cinnamon to the filling for a stronger stripe
• Mix 1 tablespoon melted butter into the cinnamon sugar to enhance the glossy filling
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warm holiday spice complexity
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a bakery-style twist
• Add a thin drizzle of glaze after cooling for extra sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
   In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until pale and fluffy. This makes the dough soft enough to press easily and bake into tender layers.
2. Add the Egg
   Mix in the egg until smooth and glossy. The dough should look uniform and velvety.
3. Mix in the Flour
   Add the 2 cups of flour and stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix; this prevents toughness.
4. Divide the Dough
   Split the dough into two equal portions. One portion will be the base, the other the top layer.
5. Press the Bottom Layer Into the Pan
   Press the first half of the dough into a prepared 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan, smoothing it evenly across the bottom.
6. Create the Cinnamon Filling
   In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
   Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pressed dough.
   This filling melts, caramelizes, and forms the glossy cinnamon stripe shown in your photo.
7. Add the Top Layer
   Take the remaining dough and gently flatten small pieces with your fingers, placing them across the cinnamon filling. Press lightly to create an even top without disturbing the filling layer.
   This step ensures the layered look when cut.
8. Top With Sugar
   Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over the surface. This creates the sparkling, crystallized finish identical to the image.
9. Bake
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set. The center may look soft but will firm as it cools.
10. Cool Completely Before Cutting
    Let the bars cool fully so the cinnamon filling sets into its thick, glossy stripe. Cutting too soon will make the layers shift.

Pro Tips for Perfect Layered Cinnamon Bars

• Press the dough evenly to avoid thin or thick spots in the layers
• Do not mix the cinnamon into the dough; keep it between the layers for the clean stripe effect
• Use granulated sugar on top for maximum sparkle
• For the gooey cinnamon layer seen in the photo, do not reduce the sugar in the filling
• Allow the bars to cool at least one hour for clean slicing
• Use parchment paper to lift the bars out neatly
• Avoid overbaking to maintain the soft, fudgy center and caramelized filling
• Chill before slicing if you want bakery-style perfect edges

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars

These layered cinnamon bars are incredibly versatile and festive, making them a perfect dessert for nearly any holiday occasion. Because they slice so cleanly and feature such a visually striking cinnamon stripe, they instantly elevate any dessert table. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to highlight the gooey cinnamon filling. The warmth of the bars melts the ice cream slightly, creating a creamy sauce that enhances the caramel-like middle layer.
Arrange them on a holiday cookie platter with chocolate crinkles, gingerbread men, shortbread, and peppermint bark for a balanced and visually beautiful assortment. The distinctive layered look of these bars adds texture and interest to a cookie spread.
Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa, chai tea, or warm apple cider. The cinnamon notes in the bars pair perfectly with warm spiced drinks.
Cut them into smaller bite-size pieces for parties, potlucks, or dessert boards. Their rich flavor means even small portions feel indulgent.
Dust them lightly with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch, especially if you plan to display them on a holiday dessert table.
Serve chilled for a firmer bar or room temperature for the softest bite and most intense cinnamon flavor. Both are excellent, depending on preference.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures the bars maintain their soft texture and gooey cinnamon center. The good news is that these bars store exceptionally well, making them ideal for make-ahead holiday baking.

Room Temperature

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They will stay soft due to the rich butter content and caramel-style cinnamon filling.

Refrigeration

Keep the bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Refrigeration helps the layers stay firm, making them easier to stack or pack for gifting.

Freezing

Freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Reheating

To revive the freshly baked warmth:
Place a bar in the microwave for 8–10 seconds for a soft, warm center.
Reheat in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3–4 minutes if you prefer a slightly crisp top.

Create the Perfect Holiday Baking Atmosphere

Holiday baking is as much about the experience as it is about the final dessert. These cinnamon sugar cookie bars fill your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of butter, vanilla, and cinnamon, instantly evoking memories of childhood holidays. As the bars bake, the aroma becomes deeper and richer, transforming your home into a warm, inviting space that feels joyful and celebratory.

Baking a layered dessert like this also adds a sense of craftsmanship and tradition to the process. Pressing the dough, sprinkling the cinnamon sugar filling, and gently adding the final dough layer creates a moment of calm and intention, especially during busy holiday seasons. These little steps make the final product more meaningful and rewarding to share.

The Magic of Layered Cinnamon Desserts

Layered desserts always feel special because they reveal their beauty only after cutting. That first slice is like a moment of discovery—seeing the perfect ribbon of cinnamon running through the middle of the bars, the golden top sparkling with sugar, and the tender cookie base holding everything together.

The layered design also creates a unique combination of textures. The top is slightly crisp from the sugar, the middle is thick and glossy from the melted cinnamon filling, and the bottom is buttery and soft. Together, these elements create a dessert experience that is satisfying, warm, nostalgic, and visually stunning.

This layered structure is what sets these cookie bars apart from simple cinnamon cookies or snickerdoodles. Instead of mixing everything into one dough, the layers allow the cinnamon to shine as a bold feature, making the bars taste more like cinnamon roll slices or bakery-style filled cookies.

Additional Variations to Try

1. Cinnamon Roll Inspired Bars
   Add a swirl of brown sugar and melted butter in the center for an even gooier filling that mimics cinnamon roll icing.
2. Maple Cinnamon Bars
   Mix 1 tablespoon maple syrup into the top layer of dough for a subtle maple aroma and golden finish.
3. Brown Sugar Cookie Bars
   Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor and a darker stripe in the center.
4. Chai-Spiced Toasted Bars
   Add ginger, cardamom, and cloves to the filling for a chai-inspired spice blend.
5. Cinnamon Walnut Bars
   Add finely chopped walnuts between the layers for crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Frosted Cinnamon Bars
   After cooling, top the bars with a thin vanilla glaze to create a frosted holiday cookie bar.
7. Salted Caramel Cinnamon Bars
   Drizzle caramel over the filling layer before adding the top dough. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt.
8. White Chocolate Cinnamon Bars
   Add white chocolate chips to the top layer for a sweet, creamy finish that pairs well with cinnamon.
9. Cinnamon Mocha Bars
   Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dough to create a deeper, more sophisticated flavor profile.
10. Orange Cinnamon Holiday Bars
    Mix orange zest into the dough to balance the cinnamon with a bright citrus note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do these bars have such clean layers?

Because the dough is divided into two parts with a separate cinnamon sugar filling in the middle. This keeps the layers defined and matches the appearance in the photo.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 3–5 minutes to the baking time and watch for lightly golden edges.

How do I keep the bars soft?

Avoid overbaking. The bars should look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool without drying out.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar will alter the gooey cinnamon layer and the sparkle on top. For the look in your photo, keep the sugar amounts as written.

What if I want thicker bars?

Use an 8×8-inch pan and press the layers lightly. Thicker bars hold more filling and produce a more dramatic layered effect.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate seasonal dessert for anyone who loves warm, comforting flavors and beautiful presentation. They are soft, gooey, cinnamon-filled, and visually striking with their defined layers and sparkling top. While the ingredients are simple, the results are impressive enough to serve at holiday gatherings, gift to friends, or enjoy with a cozy cup of something warm.

Whether you prepare them for Christmas celebrations, winter baking nights, or simply because you love cinnamon, this recipe delivers a dessert that feels nostalgic yet elevated. With their buttery dough, glossy cinnamon layer, and crisp sugar topping, these cookie bars bring all the magic and warmth of holiday baking into every bite.

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