Cinnamon Squares

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Cinnamon Squares offer a delightful blend of sweet, nutty, and cinnamon flavors with a crispy, gooey texture. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they appeal to those who enjoy warm spices and crunchy pecans in a simple, homemade treat.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks oleo, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, sifted into flour
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients except the pecans and egg white.
  2. Spread the dough on a cookie sheet.
  3. Spread the chopped pecans over the dough.
  4. Brush the top with egg white (not whipped).
  5. Mash the pecans down into the dough.
  6. Bake at 325°F until brown.
  7. Cut immediately after removing from oven and transfer to wax paper to cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you want to cut down on sugar, you could substitute half with a sweetener like agave syrup. Make sure to sift the cinnamon into the flour to evenly distribute the flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great alternative. For a twist, you can add chocolate chips to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Squares are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They also make a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside Aunt Bea'S Pecan Pie for a sweet treat platter or at a brunch gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Cinnamon Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds, ensuring they stay moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnamon Squares contains roughly 694 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

694 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 5.8g 7% DV
Carbs 81.4g 30% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 18.6g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 57.4mg 2% DV
Potassium 411.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 29.5mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 64mg 5% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture. If you want to maintain a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

How do I know when the Cinnamon Squares are done baking?

They are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Squares for later use?

Absolutely! Once they are completely cooled, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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