Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Recipe

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares are the kind of home-baked treat that instantly conjures cozy memories—and creates new ones with every tender, cinnamon-laced bite. This recipe combines a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumb with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon, all finished with a sparkling sugary topping that feels downright magical. Every bite delivers the warmth and comfort of classic cinnamon toast, but elevated into a blissfully soft, sweet bar you’ll want to share with everyone you love. If you’re after a dessert (or breakfast, snack, or midnight treat!) with big personality and irresistible flavor, these Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares belong at the top of your must-bake list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday pantry staples can transform into a dessert as lovely as these cinnamon squares. Each ingredient here has a special role to play, from the richness of butter to the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, delivering layers of texture and flavor that will make each bite memorable.

• Flour: Spoon and level the flour for a delicate crumb that keeps the bars perfectly soft.
• Ground Cinnamon: The true star—use a fresh, fragrant cinnamon for real aromatic impact throughout the bars and topping.
• Baking Powder: This leavener gives the squares their lovely rise and just the right amount of fluffiness.
• Baking Soda: Helps balance the sweetness and ensures the bars bake up perfectly every time.
• Brown Sugar: Packed for a dense, moist texture and deep, molasses-rich flavor that makes these squares extra comforting.
• Butter: Melted into the batter and used in the topping for unbeatable richness and that classic bakery aroma.
• Eggs: Bring the batter together for a uniform, tender crumb and a bit of lift.
• Vanilla: Round out the cinnamon and sugar with a warm, mellow backdrop.
• Sugar: Sprinkled on top, it creates a sweet, sparkly crust that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 175ºC (350ºF). Line a 23×23 cm (9×9-inch) baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a generous 5 cm (2-inch) overhang on all sides—this will make it super easy to lift the bars out later. Grease or spray the foil thoroughly; this ensures your cinnamon squares pop out perfectly with no sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Give it a quick whisk to mix everything evenly. This simple step means each Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Square will be consistently spiced and perfectly even in texture.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and packed brown sugar together. Stir occasionally, watching as the butter transforms the sugar into a silky, caramelly blend. When it’s smooth and glossy, take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes—this is key to ensuring your eggs don’t scramble when added!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mixture has cooled a bit, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until it’s fully combined. You’ll see the texture become lighter and a touch creamy, promising both a rich flavor and a delicate crumb in every Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Square.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture into the saucepan, whisking gently to form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until there are no dry patches. This keeps your cinnamon squares light and tender, not dense.

Step 6: Bake the Batter

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Topping

While the squares bake, mix the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl. When the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle this mixture generously over the hot top. It creates a crackly, cinnamon-scented layer that makes every Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Square sing.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab of squares out of the pan. Set it on a wire rack to cool completely—this helps them set up nicely and makes slicing a breeze. Once cool, cut into even squares for sharing (or sneaking!).

How to Serve Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest touch makes all the difference. Try a gentle dusting of powdered sugar to add a snowy finish, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce if you’re looking for a decadent upgrade. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or mascarpone brings soft luxury to every slice.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon squares with steaming mugs of coffee, spiced chai, or even a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat. For a brunch spread, they also shine next to fresh berries or a bright citrus fruit salad, which balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares into bite-sized cubes and threading them onto skewers with fruit for a playful dessert platter. You could even use them as the base for an ice cream sundae bar, layering warm squares under a scoop of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Presentation is all about fun—so get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cinnamon flavor only deepens over time, and the topping helps seal in that lovely softness. No need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is extra warm.

Freezing

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fabulous for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you love your cinnamon squares a little warm, you can microwave individual pieces for about 10–15 seconds. This revives their soft, just-baked texture and makes the cinnamon aroma pop all over again. Serve with a splash of cream or a side of fruit for an instantly fresh treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different sized pan for Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares?

Yes, but keep in mind that the thickness and baking time will vary. A slightly larger pan may yield thinner bars and require less time, while a smaller pan will need a bit longer in the oven. Just keep an eye on the center and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Can I substitute the brown sugar for white sugar?

Brown sugar is crucial for the deep, caramel-like flavor and moistness in these bars. If you’re in a pinch, you can use half white sugar and half honey or a little molasses, but for classic Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares, stick to brown sugar when possible.

Can these cinnamon squares be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the signature flavor of Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares will still shine through.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Certainly! Use a good quality plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter, and check that your brown sugar is vegan. With dairy-free alternatives, you’ll still get wonderfully soft and flavorful cinnamon bars.

How can I make the cinnamon flavor even bolder?

If you’re a true cinnamon devotee, feel free to add an extra half-teaspoon to the batter, or top the finished squares with a pinch more cinnamon before serving. The result? Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares bursting with warm, spicy-sweet goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in sharing a pan of just-baked Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares—whether you’re serving them at a family brunch or sneaking one with your morning coffee. With simple ingredients and foolproof directions, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and let the cinnamon-scented warmth of these squares become your new favorite tradition!

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