Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares: A Magnolia Table Recipe Review & Essential Baking Tips

Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares from the Magnolia Table CookbookVol.1 are more than just a recipe; they are, as Joanna beautifully describes them, a “bit of a labor of love.” And let me assure you, this dedication in the kitchen is completely and absolutely worthwhile! I particularly adore the heartwarming story she shares at the beginning of the recipe, recounting how she enjoys making these delightful treats with her children during school holidays. It’s those precious moments of togetherness and the extra time spent on a special creation that truly make this recipe shine, transforming a simple bake into a cherished family tradition.

For those eager to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Squares but don’t yet own the cookbook, you’re in luck! Joanna Gaines generously shared this wonderful recipe on the Magnolia website. To get this recipe for FREE and start your own baking adventure, simply click THIS LINK. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring a piece of the Magnolia Table into your home kitchen.

The Baking Experience & Flavor Review

Baking these exquisite Cinnamon Squares is an experience that transcends the ordinary. As the yeasted dough slowly proofs and bakes, it fills your entire home with the most intoxicating and comforting aroma – a harmonious blend of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and the distinctive scent of freshly baked bread. This sensory journey creates amazing flavor memories that will undoubtedly resonate with you and your family for many years to come, instantly transporting you back to cozy mornings and special gatherings. This is precisely the kind of recipe that evokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing back fond childhood memories and encouraging you to start wonderful new traditions for all of life’s special occasions.

Despite their impressive appearance and rich flavor, the dough for this recipe comes together surprisingly quickly. The main component requiring patience is the waiting period for the dough to rise. While it might seem like the “hardest” part for eager bakers, it’s also the “easiest” as it requires no active effort from you. This rising time is perfectly suited for preparing your delectable filling, ensuring everything is ready to go once your beautifully proofed dough is ready for rolling and shaping. The process is a delightful balance of active preparation and passive anticipation, making the final reward even more satisfying.

One crucial note for home bakers: this recipe yields a truly MASSIVE batch of Cinnamon Squares. While wonderful for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty to share, it’s worth considering your needs. I personally found that I will likely halve the recipe when I prepare it again in the future, unless I’m specifically baking for a large gathering. The good news is that these squares freeze beautifully! I froze half of my finished product, which meant we were able to enjoy these delightful treats for many weekend breakfasts and spontaneous sweet cravings without any additional effort. They maintain their tender texture and incredible flavor remarkably well after thawing and reheating.

The Irresistible Reaction: Why These Squares Are a Must-Make

Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares are not merely a breakfast item; they are a delicious and visually stunning addition to any table, transforming an ordinary morning into a special occasion. The expertly crafted dough consistently produces squares that are wonderfully pillow-like in their interior, offering a soft and tender bite. Complementing this, the edges develop a light, delicate crispness, providing a delightful textural contrast. The rich, spicy-sweet filling permeates every layer, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. My own mother, a connoisseur of homemade baked goods, declared that she certainly “wouldn’t be sad” if I decided to make these more often – a high compliment indeed! This enthusiastic reaction speaks volumes about the universal appeal of this recipe.

The combination of warm spices and comforting sweetness makes this a recipe I genuinely wouldn’t mind making over and over again. As mentioned, the yeasted dough is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It comes together quickly with minimal fuss, making the entire process approachable even for those who might be new to baking with yeast. The ease of preparation, coupled with the incredible outcome, firmly places these Cinnamon Squares on my list of go-to recipes for a special breakfast or a delightful sweet treat any time of day.

Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Squares Every Time

To ensure your Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares turn out perfectly and can be enjoyed to their fullest potential, here are some invaluable tips derived from extensive baking experience:

Reheating for Freshness

If you’ve frozen your Cinnamon Squares or simply have leftovers you wish to enjoy later, reheating them properly is key to restoring their fresh-from-the-oven goodness. For individual squares, a toaster oven works wonders, warming them gently until they are soft and fragrant, almost as if they were just baked. They hold up beautifully, maintaining their tender and soft texture. Alternatively, for a larger batch or if you prefer a conventional oven, gently warm them in a preheated 350˚F (175˚C) oven for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and fragrant. Avoid overheating, as this can dry them out.

Mastering the Dough Consistency

I’ve received comments from various bakers who sometimes struggle with working with the dough, finding it either too wet or too dry. When initially mixing the dough, it should ideally be slightly tacky to the touch, indicating proper hydration and elasticity. However, it should absolutely NOT be sticky to the point where it adheres completely to your hands, making it difficult to handle. If you find your dough to be excessively wet or sticky, don’t panic! This is easily remedied. Gradually add a little extra all-purpose flour, about ¼ cup at a time, incorporating it fully before adding more. Continue this process until the dough becomes manageable, pulling away from the sides of the bowl and no longer sticking excessively to your hands. Trust your instincts and the feel of the dough; it should be pliable and smooth.

Creative Adaptations: From Squares to Rolls

From my extensive experience working with various types of dough over the years (there was a period where I was almost obsessively baking bread daily!), I firmly believe that this versatile dough offers exciting possibilities. If you desired a different presentation or simply prefer the classic shape, you could very easily roll this recipe and transform the squares into traditional cinnamon rolls. The rich, tender dough would lend itself perfectly to this adaptation, offering a slightly different, yet equally delightful, texture and appearance. Simply shape the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, roll it tightly, slice into individual rolls, and bake as you would standard cinnamon rolls.

Handling the Sticky Filling and Easy Cleanup

A word of caution regarding the cinnamon-sugar filling: if it leaks to the bottom of your baking pan during baking, it will become incredibly hard to clean. This filling is SUPER STICKY once caramelized! To save yourself a significant amount of scrubbing and ensure an effortless cleanup, I highly recommend lining your baking pan with parchment paper. Furthermore, even with parchment, give the paper and the sides of the pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This double layer of protection will create a barrier against any potential leaks, allowing you to easily lift out your baked squares and enjoy a hassle-free cleanup. That being said, I absolutely adore making them into squares; they develop distinct, really fluffy layers in the middle that are wonderfully soft and tender, making the extra care with the pan entirely worthwhile.

Overall, I sincerely hope you and your loved ones enjoy these incredible Cinnamon Squares as much as my family and I have. They truly are a testament to the joy of homemade baking and the magic of Joanna Gaines’ recipes. If you have any personal notes from your baking experience, or any questions about the recipe or my tips, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page. I absolutely love hearing from you and engaging with fellow baking enthusiasts!

Until next time, Happy Cooking!

Kendell

For those who had the pleasure of watching Joanna make this very recipe on Season 4, Episode 5 of her captivating new cooking show, ‘Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines‘, you can easily access the exact recipe she showcased by CLICKING HERE. She thoughtfully shared it on her blog, making it simple for you to recreate this culinary delight right in your own home!

Explore More: My Reviews from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines – Season 4, Episode 5

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Joanna Gaines’ Cinnamon Squares, you might also be interested in my other reviews and insights from Season 4, Episode 5 of ‘Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines’. Discover more delicious inspiration here:

Eggs Benedict Casserole Review

Snickerdoodle Coffee (Review coming soon – stay tuned for a comforting brew!)

Mixed Berry Salad (Review coming soon – a fresh and vibrant addition to any meal!)

Churros (Review coming soon – prepare for a sweet, crispy treat!)

Did you embark on the delightful journey of making this Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares recipe? I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please let me know by leaving a review or a comment below. Your feedback and stories are invaluable. And for more recipes, tips, and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to sign up for my exclusive newsletter. You can also follow along with all my latest creations and adventures on Instagram, find inspiration on Pinterest, and connect with our community on Facebook!