Name: Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (180g) white whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour (measured like this); 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly; 2 tbsp (30mL) nonfat milk, room temperature; 1 large egg white; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup (60mL) honey; 1 tsp liquid stevia; ½ cup (120g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 4 oz (113g) neufchâtel or fat-free cream cheese, well softened; 1 serving (8g) sugar-free, fat-free cheesecake instant pudding mix; ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon; ⅜ tsp liquid stevia (or adjusted to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you have a love for all things cinnamon but want to keep things on the healthier side, this Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These cookie bars capture the warm, comforting flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without the guilt, blending wholesome ingredients that come together in a moist, tender bar with a luscious frosting topping. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’re an irresistible treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while packing nutrition and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, creamy off-white mixture that looks thick and soft. A wooden spatula with a white silicone tip is resting in the bowl, with the silicone part covered in the creamy mixture, showing gentle swirls and folds in the texture. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple yet essential ingredients make this Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe a breeze to whip up. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that make these bars shine.

White whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour: Provides structure with a wholesome base without sacrificing tenderness.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough and frosting with that signature warm, spicy flavor.
Baking soda: Gives the bars just the right lift for a soft, slightly chewy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness naturally.
Unsalted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the bars soft.
Nonfat milk: Keeps the batter light, helping ingredients meld together seamlessly.
Large egg white: Binds ingredients while keeping the bars light and less dense.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to both dough and frosting.
Honey: Natural sweetness with a subtle floral note, avoiding overly processed sugars.
Liquid stevia: A zero-calorie sweetener that balances the honey, keeping things healthier.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: For the frosting, adding tangy creaminess and protein.
Neufchâtel or fat-free cream cheese: Keeps frosting luscious but light.
Sugar-free, fat-free cheesecake instant pudding mix: Thickens the frosting and gives it that smooth, decadent feel without extra sugar.

How to Make Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lightly spraying an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your bars will come out cleanly without sticking, making the whole experience more enjoyable and less messy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend forms the flavorful and fluffy foundation that gives these bars their signature cinnamon roll aura with a gentle lift and just the right touch of spice.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted and slightly cooled butter or coconut oil with milk, egg white, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in honey and liquid stevia carefully to maintain sweetness with a good balance of natural sugars and zero-calorie sweeteners.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough, so it’s best to handle the dough lovingly for tender, soft bars.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Use a spatula to spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, aiming for a thin, uniform layer. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the center feels firm to the touch but still soft underneath. Cool the bars completely in the pan to set perfectly before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the bars are baking and cooling, whip together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, cinnamon, and liquid stevia using a mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Cover the frosting and chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Once the cookie bars have fully cooled, spread the chilled frosting generously over the top using an offset spatula for an even layer. Slice into 16 squares for perfectly portioned treats that are ready to enjoy or share.

How to Serve Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows six square pieces of cake with two layers each, arranged in two rows of three on a piece of parchment paper on a dark gray cutting board. The bottom layer is a light brown, soft-looking cake with a slightly crumbly texture, while the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that covers each cake square evenly. The cutting board is placed on a white cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, on the right, there is a clear glass bottle filled with milk, and near the bottom right corner, a silver knife with some frosting on it rests on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered stevia on top of the frosted bars. You can also add a few chopped nuts or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce to elevate the flavor and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair delightfully with a cup of hot coffee, herbal tea, or even a glass of cold almond milk. For a wholesome breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a small bowl of mixed berries for a balanced and colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive platter for parties or gatherings. Alternatively, serve a single slice on a dessert plate with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a few slices of banana on the side for a charming breakfast presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the frosting and ensures the bars maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or quick breakfast option.

Reheating

For the best experience, thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge. You can enjoy them cold or warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness and melt the frosting just slightly for an extra comforting bite.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat or gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if you prefer. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, while gluten-free options make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Is the frosting suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

The frosting does contain cream cheese and Greek yogurt, which have lactose. For a lactose-free version, you could try substituting with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt, though texture and flavor may vary.

What does liquid stevia do in this recipe?

Liquid stevia provides natural, zero-calorie sweetness that complements the honey without adding extra sugar, helping keep the bars healthier while balancing taste.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute coconut oil for butter, use a plant-based milk, and replace the egg white with a flax or chia egg. For the frosting, try vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt alternatives.

How thick should I spread the cookie dough in the pan?

The dough should be pressed into a thin, even layer about ¼ inch thick in the pan to bake properly within the short baking time and achieve the right delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a game-changer for those craving cinnamon roll flavors with a wholesome twist. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick breakfast or a comforting treat. Give it a try—you’ll love sharing these delightful bars with friends and family while feeling great about every bite.