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 Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
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
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
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!
I am looking forward to spring and the flowers and playing outside with kids on the playground :)
I liked you on FB
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 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? ;)
These look so tasty. Personally, I can’t wait for spring. I’m ready to put my winter gear away!
Please come cook for me!! :)
Definitely looking for a little more warmth and lot less snow.
These look amazing! Can you please send me some…hehe :)
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. :(
And I’ve just discovered your blog, and have liked you on FB! Looking forward to trying some of your yummy-looking offerings! :)
Oh wow….this is an amazing bar cookie. I adore cinnamon rolls and a cookie version is just made of win. :) Must make these.
I am very ready for Spring!!
DEFINITELY looking forward to Spring!!!
I’m a fan on fb :)
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 am a huge fan of spring! Those base look delicious! Too bad we were just taken off sugar in this house! Darned…
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.
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.
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)
I’m definitely looking forward to spring! :)
I’m a fan of Faith’s Kitchen on Facebook & I shared the giveaway:
http://www.facebook.com/calidreamin87/posts/204584542889965
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 already like you on Facebook!
I love cinnamon buns! These look so good
I am looking forward to spring! Please hurry spring
I definitely can NOT wait until spring; I’m sick of this cold icky weather here in Ohio.!
Meggs
urbakinmecrazyy.blogspot.com
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! :)
They look delicious!
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