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Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

These Healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars are a guilt-free treat combining the warm flavors of cinnamon with a light, creamy frosting made from Greek yogurt and fat-free cream cheese. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars use wholesome ingredients like white whole wheat or gluten-free flour, honey, and stevia for natural sweetness, delivering a healthier spin on classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cookie bar form.

Ingredients

FOR THE COOKIE BARS

  • 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

FOR THE FROSTING

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), and coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat or gluten-free flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted unsalted butter or coconut oil, room temperature nonfat milk, egg white, and vanilla extract. Stir in the honey and liquid stevia until fully incorporated.
  4. Make the Dough: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix for tender bars.
  5. Press Dough into Pan: Using a spatula, press the cookie dough gently and evenly into the prepared pan in a thin layer.
  6. Bake the Bars: Bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch and the edges are slightly golden.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely to room temperature inside the pan to ensure frosting adheres well.
  8. Prepare Frosting: While bars bake, beat the plain nonfat Greek yogurt, softened neufchâtel or fat-free cream cheese, sugar-free cheesecake instant pudding mix, ground cinnamon, and liquid stevia together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  9. Chill Frosting: Cover the frosting bowl with foil and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to thicken and set flavors.
  10. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the chilled frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula for smooth application.
  11. Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted cookie bars into 16 even square servings and serve.

Notes

  • The recipe suggests white whole wheat flour but is easily adaptable to gluten-free flour measured the same way.
  • Liquid stevia is used as a sugar substitute; adjust the amount to taste if desired.
  • The frosting includes sugar-free, fat-free cheesecake instant pudding mix for flavor and texture; you can find this at most grocery stores or online.
  • If neufchâtel cheese is unavailable, use fat-free cream cheese as a substitute.
  • Using an offset spatula helps spread the frosting smoothly and evenly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/healthy-cinnamon-roll-cookie-bars-recipe/