Warm cinnamon, buttery layers, and just the right amount of sweetness—Joanna’s recipe makes any morning (or any snack time) better!
The trick to keeping these babies soft and tender is not overmixing the batter. Stir just until everything comes together.
I always bake these in the middle rack to get an even golden brown crust without overcooking the center.
A little extra cinnamon in the sugar topping gives them that bakery-style richness that makes every bite count.
Let them cool for at least ten minutes before slicing so the layers don’t fall apart.
Eat ’em straight out of the oven but don’t do it on an empty stomach!
How to Make Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 2/3 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side.
Grease or spray the foil to make sure the squares don’t stick.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
Set aside as you’ll add these dry ingredients later.
Step 3:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in the sugar until fully dissolved.
Step 4:
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Make sure everything is mixed well.
Step 5:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Avoid overmixing!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
Serving Details
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Keep Butter Cool:
Allow your melted butter to cool slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs in the batter.
Cinnamon Boost:
Use high-quality cinnamon to enhance the flavor and aroma of your squares, making them more fragrant and tasty.
Don’t Overmix:
It’s tempting to mix until smooth, but overmixing can lead to dense squares.
Gentle folding is the way to go.
Aluminum Foil Help:
The foil overhang allows for easy lifting of baked squares out of the pan — a must for neat edges!
Have fun baking these wonderful treats, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family!
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares
Fresh Fruit Salad
A vibrant fresh fruit salad brings a nice balance to the cinnamon squares, adding a touch of freshness.
Choose a mix of seasonal fruits like berries, citrus segments, and mango slices.
The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruits complement the warm spices and buttery texture perfectly.
Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait makes a creamy addition to your plate of cinnamon squares.
Layer tangy Greek yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Bacon or Sausage Links
For a savory and satisfying side, serve savory bacon or sausage links alongside your cinnamon squares.
The salty flavor of bacon or sausage offers a great contrast to the sweet, spicy cinnamon flavors.
Serving a mix can cater to different preferences at your breakfast or brunch table.
Herbal Tea
An aromatic herbal tea offers a light and calming beverage choice that can awaken the essence of cinnamon.
Consider options like chamomile or mint tea, both of which complement the comforting flavor profile of the squares.
A warm cup of tea makes a satisfying pairing, especially on cozy mornings.
Brie and Toasted Nut Mix
Serve a plate of creamy brie topped with a toasted nut mix to bring out unique tastes.
Include a mix of almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunchy texture and a blend of sweet and savory bites.
The rich creaminess of brie adds depth and maturity to the sweetness of cinnamon squares.
Variations and Substitutions
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour to add a bit more texture and nutrition to your cinnamon squares.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you might want to try using brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Don’t have butter on hand? Margarine works as a decent replacement.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a spicy twist.
For a more robust flavor, mix in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Dairy Alternatives
You can replace whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
If you’re out of eggs, applesauce can serve as a substitute; use about a quarter cup for each egg.
Toppings
Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish.
Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the squares after baking for added sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Squares
Storing leftover cinnamon squares properly keeps them fresh and tasty for later enjoyment.
First, use an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can dry them out.
If you don’t have an airtight container, individually wrap squares with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture.
Refrigeration
You can place the wrapped or container-sealed squares in the refrigerator if you expect to consume them within a few days.
Refrigeration helps preserve the texture and flavor for a short period.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option.
Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can last up to three months in the freezer, retaining their delicious taste.
Labeling
Always label and date the packaging before storing.
This keeps track of the storage time, ensuring quality and safety when you decide to enjoy them later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Yeast Activation
If the yeast isn’t activated properly, your Cinnamon Squares may not rise as expected.
Make sure the water is lukewarm, around 110ºF, to activate the yeast effectively.
Uneven Mixing
Improper mixing can lead to a dense, uneven texture in the finished recipe.
Use a wooden spoon to thoroughly blend your wet ingredients before adding the dry ones.
Misjudging Baking Time
Baking too long or too short can affect the texture and taste of your Cinnamon Squares.
Check for a golden-brown top and firm center before removing from the oven.
Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 2/3 cup Unsalted Butter melted
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side.
- Grease or spray the foil to make sure the squares don't stick.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Set aside as you'll add these dry ingredients later.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Make sure everything is mixed well.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.