Cinnamon Roll Shortbread Bars

Shortbread Crust

Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9

inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.

Cream together: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup butter,

softened and 3/4 cup superfine white sugar until light and fluffy.

Add 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract and mix until fully

incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2

cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter

mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Press and Chill: Press about two-thirds of the dough into the

prepared pan, reserving the remaining dough for the top layer.

Refrigerate the crust for 15-30 minutes before baking.

Par-Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15

minutes, until it's very lightly golden and no longer shiny on top. Avoid

baking until golden brown. Allow crust to cool slightly while prepping

the filling.

Cinnamon Filling

Combine: In a small bowl, cream together 1/4 cup softened butter,

1/2 cup brown sugar,1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon

vanilla extract until combined.

Spread Filling: Drop the cinnamon roll filling by the spoonful onto the

partially baked shortbread crust and spread evenly. It's okay if it begins

to melt slightly.

Create Top Layer: Roll out the remaining shortbread dough or use

your hands to create flat discs about 1/8 inch thick. Place flat clusters of

dough on top of the filling to loosely form a lid. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon

turbinado sugar over the top.

Bake: Place the assembled bars back in the oven and bake at 350°F for

about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is

bubbling.

Cool: Allow the bars to cool slightly before adding the frosting.

Cream together: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup cream cheese,

1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2

teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Frost: Once the bars have cooled slightly, spread the cinnamon roll

frosting evenly over the top.

Enjoy: Slice the bars into squares and indulge in the heavenly

combination of shortbread and cinnamon roll flavors. Enjoy!