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This post is all about cinnamon and CSN, so first things first, let me start with CSN. It’s an online store that sells just about whatever you’re looking to buy. Spring is on its way and maybe you’re in the market for swing sets for your kids…or perhaps you want some cute new plates for a spring soiree you’re throwing…or maybe your way of celebrating spring is to break out of your winter boots with some cute new shoes…in any case, check out CSN because most likely they have what you need.
The prize is a $70 gift card to use on any CSN website, and as always, you don’t need a blog to participate in this giveaway! To participate, just leave a comment on this post telling me if you’re looking forward to spring or if you prefer winter. For an extra entry, become a fan of Faith’s Kitchen on Facebook, or if you’re already a fan, share this giveaway on your Facebook page…then come back and leave me another comment telling me. This giveaway ends February 25, 2010 at 12AM EST; after that, the winner will be determined randomly and notified by email. Good luck to all!
Now for the cinnamon-y part of this post. Usually when I remake things like cinnamon buns it’s because I’m trying to be healthy (like my all-time favorite breakfast). Not so with this recipe. I was dying for cinnamon buns and nothing but the real deal would satiate…but I didn’t feel like a) driving to the mall for a cinnamon bun, b) dealing with yeast to make my own, or c) going to the grocery store to pick up a pre-made tube to pop in the oven. (Yeah, it was definitely one of those days. I have to say though, those tubed pre-made things sold in the grocery store under the guise of being cinnamon buns wouldn’t have satisfied my craving anyway.)
Inspiration struck in the form of bar cookies and I thought it sounded perfect. The top and bottom crust for this recipe is none other than my not-so-secret-anymore cookie dough base for chocolate chip cookies (minus the chocolate chips, of course). The middle is stuffed with a gooey, cinnamon-nutty filling. And the top is glazed with pure cream cheese bliss.
Ahhhhhhh. Cinnamon bun crisis averted. ;)
Cinnamon Bun Bar Cookies
(Yield: 9- by 13-inch pan of bar cookies)
Top & Bottom Crust:
2/3 c unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 c vegetable shortening, at room temperature
2 c brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla paste (or extract)
3 c all-purpose flour (or 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour)
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp fine salt
Filling:
2/3 c brown sugar, lightly packed
2 TB all-purpose flour
1 TB cinnamon
Small pinch fine salt
1/3 c unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 c chopped walnuts or pecans
Glaze:
4 oz Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese), at room temperature
2 oz (about 1/2 c) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla paste (or extract)
2 TB milk
Preheat oven to 375F; line a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper so the paper hangs over 2 sides.
For the crust, in a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and brown sugar; add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet.
For the filling, in a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use your fingers to work butter into the sugar mixture until crumbly. Stir in walnuts.
Spread 2/3 of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread filling mixture evenly over crust and dot the top with the remaining filling mixture. Bake 32-34 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; cool slightly before adding glaze.
For the glaze, in a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Drizzle glaze on top, then let the bar cookies cool before cutting.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
Spring of course and it will be gone all to soon. The hot wiltey days of summer will show up and keep me inside but then I spend time sewing with my friends. Elayne
They look delicious!
These look lovely. Going to make these for the kids. Would you mind if I shared the results and link to the recipe on my blog?
http://lemondropsfoodie.blogspot.com/
Linda, I’m so happy you’re going to make these, I hope your kids really enjoy them! You can definitely link to the recipe on your blog, and thank you very much! :)
I definitely can NOT wait until spring; I’m sick of this cold icky weather here in Ohio.!
Meggs
urbakinmecrazyy.blogspot.com
I love cinnamon buns! These look so good
I am looking forward to spring! Please hurry spring
I already like you on Facebook!
Thanks for the giveaway, but curse you for sharing that recipe! Now I have to make it, and I’m going to gain 600 lbs. when I do! I hate winter and love spring, so I’m definitely looking forward, especially this year!
I’m a fan of Faith’s Kitchen on Facebook & I shared the giveaway:
http://www.facebook.com/calidreamin87/posts/204584542889965
I’m definitely looking forward to spring! :)
I’m a new Facebook fan: Michelle Hudak
(and I think I put an extra “B” on the end of my email address in my previous comment…ooops)
Those cookies look yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Spring can’t get here fast enough for me..I love picking annuals for my yard and I don’t even mind spring yard clean-up. Winter in Cleveland is just cold and dreary…I’m so tired of ice and road salt over everything.
106 comments. !!!
Unreal. Cinnamon bun bar cookies? Outrageous? Why not just make the cinnamon buns? This is too funny. But, I bet they are tasty!
:)
valerie
SPRING is my favourite season! Then, harvest time.
I am a huge fan of spring! Those base look delicious! Too bad we were just taken off sugar in this house! Darned…
I love spring! It’s like a new beginning every year. Plus I no longer have to shovel snow out of my chicken’s yard!Yeah!
I’m a fan on fb :)
DEFINITELY looking forward to Spring!!!
I am very ready for Spring!!
Oh wow….this is an amazing bar cookie. I adore cinnamon rolls and a cookie version is just made of win. :) Must make these.
And I’ve just discovered your blog, and have liked you on FB! Looking forward to trying some of your yummy-looking offerings! :)
I love winter. I love snow, comfort food, and cuddling with my family. But I am looking forward to spring for the sole reason of ending the gremy season, which has hit us unusually hard this year. :(
These look amazing! Can you please send me some…hehe :)
Please come cook for me!! :)
Definitely looking for a little more warmth and lot less snow.
These look so tasty. Personally, I can’t wait for spring. I’m ready to put my winter gear away!
I much prefer spring to winter. Not that I don’t love me a good stew or braise — perfect eats for cold weather. But there’s something magical about spring. The buds are starting to come out, the hills begin to turn green again, the air seems fresher and the sun stays out longer. It’s a time when anything seems possible. How can you not love that? ;)
I actually love winter- I’m a skiier- but by this point in the season I’m ready for it to be over and am definitely looking forward to spring!!
I liked you on FB
I am looking forward to spring and the flowers and playing outside with kids on the playground :)
This is easy… bring on spring! I am definitely done with the freezing weather. I can’t wait to see all the flowers start to bloom again! And oh my Faith. You’ve done it with these cinnamon bars. You’ve got my mouthwatering in full on fashion over here. What a delicious idea!
Wow, those bars look amazing! :)
I prefer spring weather vs. the cold! I’m getting married this spring! yeyy! :)
If I won, I’d love to get thise linen shade flush mount light fixture for my kitchen. My fiance and I just closed on our first home!
http://www.csnstores.com/Progress-Lighting-P3886-134-PG7040.html
[email protected]
I just made these bars, and I am thankful that I have enough willpower to keep me from eating the whole tray! I think I’ll take a picture and put it on my blog soon. This recipe gave me the comforting taste of a cinnamon bun without the yeast since I was in a hurry.
We went snowshoeing for six miles yesterday which is great exercise, but I also will welcome Spring with open arms.
Basically I am looking forward to spring because the snow and cold will be gone (hopefully). I am looking forward to planting, biking, and the changing of the seasons.
I cannot WAIT for spring! Great giveaway, Faith! I love CSN!!
These bars are over the top. I can only imagine how great they taste while baking. They would be devoured warm & gooey straight out of the oven. With extra cream cheese frosting :)
and of course, already a fan!
Linked to your page on my FB wall.
at the risk of sounding wishy washy … i’m looking forward to spring, and yet I don’t feel as though i got enough of winter this year. only shoveled the driveway four times. got lots of boots i never wore. heck, wore shorts for much of January. spring will be nice … but i need a good, hard winter to make me appreciate it.
I can’t wait for spring. I can’t stand the cold so I stay in a lot in the winter time.
I am looking forward to spring.
tahearn at roadrunner dot com
I’m looking forward to spring because I’m tired of snow, snow and more snow.
I “liked” you on FB!
I would prefer spring so there is no more snow and I can go out and ride my bike to start toning up!
Oh dear. Another recipe I must copy and make soon! You are NOT helping my diet, Faith! :)
Well, because we have spring most of the time down here, I guess I really can’t comment too much about weather. However, it’s always the harbinger of truly HOT weather down here. I love March and April, but then the heat and humidity hit.
I’m so looking forward to spring!
You already know I like you on Facebook! :D
OMG! Those look sooo incredible!! :D
and I definitely prefer spring over winter ;)
I am so looking forward to Spring. I had my first baby in the winter and can’t wait to go for walks no more being stuck inside!!!
These delicious looking bars are just leaping off the page and saying, “make me now!” Who can resist the combination of ingredients, flavors, and gooey wonderfulness you’ve come up with here, Faith? Certainly not I.
oh my, cookie dough, gooey filling and another layer of cookie dough? WOW. this is sounding like a dream!
I’ve never made cinnamon buns. Ever. Mainly because I’m too lazy in the morning to deal with yeast. these are the perfect solution! They would trump Cinnabon any day.
I’m definitely looking forward to spring. But those bar cookies should ease the transition!
sooooooo ready for spring
I LOVE spring because its perfect for riding the Harley!!!!!
I am so looking forward to spring! Sunny weather is always welcomed by me :)
This cinnamony treat looks delicious like everything you make Faith!
I am crazy about cinnamon! This recipe sounds perfect!
Awesome! I love cinnamon buns! The place at the mall, was that “Cinnabon?” We don’t have those in San Francisco but I always love them in airports travelling East.
About winter versus spring, I like spring much much better. Longer days and the hope of summer’s delights right around the corner really make me happy.
I want the cinnamon bun bar cookies! Now!
…I’m totally looking forward to spring—although right now we’re having a blizzard.
Oh my…. Faith these look amazing! I really want to give these a go now! :D
This is such a beautiful recipe.I love cinnamon buns..they are so soothing :) YUM & Innovative !! I like winters but do look forward to spring after a while.
I like you on FB
I am definitely looking forward to spring and warmer weather and these cinny bun bars look beyond out of this world. Wow!!
You can’t go wrong with so much cinnamon can you. After chocolate cinnamon is my second best in sweets. Love them!
Sure love ya blog on FB , and thats my second chance :-)
thannxxx a ton for the Giveaway Faith!
Faith , i think the only way i can catch up with all the bookmarking i have done is not to blog about it , coz i do time my whole baking around the sun rays to take pics:-)lol!
But then ur recipes , HAVE to be blogged about and shared :-)
U come up with such deliciousness….
And these cinnamon bars are so goooodd, now my turn to stop by for coffee , oh and all those coffee’s u know!
Ok i LOVEEE winter but then winter in my world is kinda like ur spring u know , or maybe summer ,lol!
Very inventive way to satisfy your craving, Faith! Spring all the way! Actually, my favorite season is fall, but that wasn’t one of the choices :) Have a great weekend.
I love all the seasons but am always ready for the next one to show up!
WOW to the bars, Faith!!! YUM!
And I am 100% a summer person. Winter and I are not/have never been friends….:)
These look amazing! You are super creative to have come up with such a yummy treat. I agree with you;I love, love cinnamon buns, but they are a pain to make. These sound like they will fit the bill perfectly.
Though I really do love winter and snow, yesterday it was 60 degrees here in Mass, and it really gave a tease to spring weather. So now I cannot wait for spring to come.
I am not on Facebook but working on it. When I am, I will definitely become a fan, once I figure out what that is…lol
This is simply awesome innovation, Faith! Love the healthy and flavorful cookies.
My family is coming for a visit in a few weeks, and these cinnamon bun cookies would be perfect to make during that time.
These bars looking very tempting,indeed. I just love cinnamon.
Yummy cinnamon bars! I love winter skiing, but will welcome spring with open arms to see my garden again.
You’ve done it again to me Faith., how can I possibly resist Cinnamon Bun bars. Very tasty little morsels they are too :)
I’m looking forward to Spring so I can bust out my flip flops and eat these Cinnamon bun bar cookies! hahah :)
The cinnamon bars look so moist so good!
MUST MAKE!!! Springpadding it right now!!!!
And also, of course I prefer spring..I chose to live in SoCal for that reason! :D
Girrrrl, those bars look incredible!!!!!! I can’t get a cinnabon here, can you believe that? The last and only time I had one was while in Vegas 6 years ago. I can’t even remember what it tasted like. So sad. I wasn’t such a foodie then and kinda just ate it without thinking. As for the seasons, I am very much looking forward to spring! I don’t hate the winter, but I can’t take the cold as well as I could as a kid. My circulation isn’t as good. I figure I’ll have to move to FL by the time I’m 50 to avoid freezing to death!
I’m a new FB fan!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
I’m totally looking forward to Spring! It’s my favorite season of the year!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
it was spring-like in our city today; reminds how much i miss it.
I know what I’m making this weekend ~ those Cinnamon Bun Bars look fantastic!! I’m looking forward to Spring because I hate being cold {and I love spring flowers}.
I love winter, even with all this snow! And I love cinnamon, so I think I would love those bars, they look fantastic!
I’m a fan on facebook.
I can’t wait for spring! Winter is too dreary.
I think I just salivated, I’m serious! I am so looking forward to winter’s end, and longer days!
Love the summer and swimming! these bars look so gooey and delicious; can’t go wrong with nuts and brown sugar!
Now those look so, so good! I know I couldn’t stop at one or two or…!
I’m looking forward to spring!
How positively delectable Faith! I think these just might be better than cinnamon rolls. I love winter!
Wow these bar cookies look addicting! Nice giveaway, and so looking forward to Spring :)
Like Faith’s Kitchen on FB! [email protected]
Looking forward to Spring! [email protected]
I’m gonna be heretical here, but I love the cookie part of chocolate chip cookies more than the chocolate… anytime you can put that into something else… I’m ready. The cinnamon filling looks wonderful… and I love the chewy nuttiness of it… great improve, Faith!
book. marked. faith, these bars are the stuff of my dreams! that you’ve included a giveaway on this post is just an added bonus. fact: i’m all about spring!
Oops.
Spring. Definitely Spring. :)
Wow. These look sooooo good. I would love to start my day with them!
Love this recipe! I love the name of this even more – it sounds perfect for the rainy weather we are having.
Have a wonderful weekend my friend!
These sound AMAZING! I absolutely love cinnamon buns, and these sound even better than the real thing!
I am so looking forward to spring/summer! Some people don’t like the summer because it’s so hot, but I’m all about 95 degree weather!!
oh heck yes I’m looking forward to spring! I am not a winter lady at all! In fact, its 70 something here today in Charleston! I’m planning on hitting up the beach tomorrow ;) I could totally use this CSN stores money for a crib!!
The bars look ridiculously amazing. Cinnamon makes everything taste so yummy and how good to cinnamon baked goods smell while they’re cooking? A perfect brunch treat!
I’m already a fan on Facebook and I will share this link too :)
You definitely solved the cinnamon bun craving problem with these bar cookies! Great thinking :)
I’m sooooooo ready for spring. Can’t wait. In fact today is such a beautiful day that I’ve opened the windows in the house and am pretending it’s not winter anymore, haha.
I look forward to spring picnics in the park…in Japan we used to do this under cherry blossoms and call it a “hanami party”! Your cinnamon bun cookies are the perfect take alongs.
i’m looking forward to spring and i hope those cinn cookies come with it
tcogbill at live dot com
I’m a fan of Faith’s Kitchen on Facebook (FB name: Maddie Brubaker).
Hi, I really love Spring and hate the cold. Can’t wait for warmer weather!
I’m definitely looking forward to spring, though I also like winter.
And, your looks really yummy.
This looks so good, I can’t wait to make it.
Faith,
Inspired cinnamon bun bar cookies. Delicious.
Peace
I’m living a Spring Day’s dream as I’m looking out my window. The weather this year in particular has been so unpredictable.
The very little bit of snow we have is melting as I’m writing…and I’m tempted to put my chair on the balcony…put on the coffee pot and have you send me out a piece of that decadence with my favorite aroma of cinnamon…yum!
Ciao for now,
Claudia
I can’t wait for spring!
Love the buns, even in a bar shape. Yep that crap in the grocery store does not compare.
Spring chick here, is winter over yet?????
Have an awesome weekend.
Cinnamon bun bars awesome to die for. Love it.
I am so ready for spring to get here!
Faith, these are seriously making my stomach growl. I’m a huge fan of cinnamon incorporated into anything, especially if they look as tempting as these. Mike is a lucky lucky man!
I’m definitely looking forward to spring. More daylight and more outdoor activities with my kiddies :-D. Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for another opportunity.
I miss spring! I’m tired of wearing jackets and rainboots every day! Give me dresses and flowers anyday!
These really sounds delicious. Cinnamon is such a lovely and distinctive flavor, I can never get enough of it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Blessings…Mary
Wow, those look so amazing!!! I am definitely a spring girl. I don’t like cold weather!
[email protected]
I love Winter. I like spring.
Oh my god, those are just my thing. I’m a cinnamon addict! lol
I love snow too much to welcome spring just yet. Need a few more beautiful white mornings.
I like you on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.
I’m definitely looking forward to spring! I want to be out enjoying the weather.
Wow, Faith, these bar cookies look incredible and this is such a great giveaway. Thanks for sharing it, and this wonderful recipe. I love anything cinnamon, so I’ll have to give these a try. Oh, and let’s see, I’m looking forward to spring most… My husband and I will finally be buying a house this coming season!
YUM those bun bar cookies look delicious! Would love it for breakfast! Definitely definitely looking forward to spring (even though it doesn’t get much warmer here). Winter’s far too cold!
I’m definitely looking forward to spring.
Those bars look BEYOND! I’m making banana cinnamon rolls this weekend, and I’m pretty psyched about it – I think everyone needs more cinnamon rolls in their life!
And though I love winter, I am totally looking forward to running in shorts and NOT wearing boots every day this spring!
OMG, are you trying to kill me??? THis looks sooooooooooo good, and i am trying so hard to be well behaved, but this would most definitely tempt me.
*kisses* HH
spring all the way!
I am really looking forward to spring. I’ve been super excited lately and have spotted little bird nests. There’s a finch gang that hangs out in my neighborhood and sing beautiful songs! Excited to see the furry ones come out and make there presence :-)
P.S.- Your blog rocks!
No way, this looks ridiculously amazing and I am absolutely veganizing this recipe, asap! I love cinnamon buns but hate all of the time and effort that goes into them… These are brilliant!
And yes, I am 100% a spring person. It’s my favorite season. :)
I love winter.. but at the same time this is the time of year when I want spring to come.
OMG, that looks wonderfully gooey! What a treat!
I’m looking forward to spring, although I love winter. Change is great.
Cheers,
Rosa