Sweet Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Joanna Gaines’s cinnamon squares burst with warm, soul-soothing magic that transforms ordinary afternoons into blissful moments.

Tantalizing spices swirl through soft, tender layers of delectable comfort.

The irresistible aroma of cinnamon drifts through the kitchen, beckoning hungry souls to indulge.

Delicate crumbs melt effortlessly, revealing a symphony of rich, buttery flavors that whisper sweet promises.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that feels like a tender hug from grandma’s kitchen.

These squares carry the essence of home-baked love, promising to melt hearts and spark joy with every single bite.

Let’s experience pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients in Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Select fresh, fragrant cinnamon for maximum warmth and aroma.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensure they're fresh and not expired for optimal rising.

• Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for smoother, more controlled sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for authentic flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon: Use freshly ground if possible for intense spice profile.
• Caster Sugar: Fine sugar helps create a delicate, even sprinkle.
• Melted Butter: Use same quality butter as in base for consistent flavor harmony.

Equipment Guide for Cinnamon Squares by Joanna

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and creating smooth base mixtures.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients neatly.
• Whisk: Helps blend wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• 23×23 cm Baking Pan: Ideal size for creating perfect bar texture.
• Aluminum Foil: Provides easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bars to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small Bowl: Great for preparing cinnamon sugar topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Helps check baking doneness accurately.

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares: Baking Steps

• Prepare Baking Canvas

Crank up your oven to 175°C. Create a cozy baking setup by lining a square pan with foil, letting edges peek out. Brush the foil with a light layer of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

• Craft Flavor Foundation

Melt butter and brown sugar together in a large saucepan, stirring until the mixture transforms into a glossy, smooth concoction. Let it cool slightly while whisking in eggs and vanilla until the batter becomes silky and luxurious.

• Blend Dry and Wet Worlds

Gently fold flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda into the wet mixture. Stir with a light touch, ensuring ingredients just barely come together without overworking the batter.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean and clear.

• Finish with Cinnamon Magic

Whip up a quick topping by mixing cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this magical dust over the warm bars, creating a tantalizing aroma and extra layer of flavor.

• Serve and Celebrate

Carefully lift the bars from the pan using the foil edges. Transfer to a cooling rack, allowing them to rest. Slice into squares and indulge in the warm, comforting treat you’ve just created.

Flavor Tips for Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares

• Customize Cinnamon Levels: Adjust ground cinnamon quantity to match your personal taste preferences, from mild to intensely spiced.
• Create Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Swap Sweetener Options: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for different depth and caramel-like undertones.
• Elevate with Chocolate: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for decadent indulgence.

Serving Cinnamon Squares from Joanna’s Kitchen

• Serve Warm and Cozy: Enjoy these cinnamon bars fresh from the oven with a steaming mug of hot coffee or creamy hot chocolate.
• Dress Up with Toppings: Drizzle melted cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze over the bars for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• Perfect Party Snack: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a delightful addition to potlucks, afternoon tea gatherings, or weekend brunch spreads.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Top a warm cinnamon bar with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent sweet treat that melts in your mouth.

Keeping Cinnamon Squares Fresh (Joanna Gaines)

• Preserve Freshness: Store cinnamon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, allowing quick snack access anytime.
• Revive Texture: Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore original softness and enhance flavor before serving.
• Smart Portioning: Cut bars into uniform squares, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking when storing multiple pieces together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 11

Divine Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines cinnamon squares blend warm spices with buttery cake for a comforting Southern treat. Layers of rich cinnamon swirl create a nostalgic dessert that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml/16 oz) flour
• 2 cups (400 g/14 oz) brown sugar
• ⅔ cup (150 g/5.3 oz) butter
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) sugar
• 3 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare a 23×23 centimeters baking pan by lining with foil and lightly greasing to prevent adhesion.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Butter-Sugar Base: Melt butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until glossy and smooth, then remove from heat and allow brief cooling.
4. Liquid Integration: Combine eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking until a cohesive liquid base forms.
5. Batter Creation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture. Transfer batter evenly into prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean. While baking, prepare cinnamon topping by mixing ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
7. Finishing Touch: Once baked, immediately sprinkle cinnamon topping across the surface. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before slicing into uniform squares.

Notes

• Butter Melting Tip: Melt butter and brown sugar slowly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy consistency that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Mixing Mastery: Stir batter gently and minimally to maintain a tender, soft texture; overmixing can lead to tough, dense cinnamon squares.
• Toothpick Test Technique: Check doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; a completely clean toothpick indicates perfectly baked squares with ideal moisture.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Transfer bars to a wire rack using foil overhang to cool completely, allowing the texture to set and flavors to develop fully before slicing.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg