If you love the comforting, warm flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and just as delicious, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe. It’s packed full of that sweet cinnamon sugar goodness in every bite and topped with a simple cinnamon glaze that’s my little secret for an extra dreamy finish. I promise, once you try these blondies, they’ll become a go-to whenever you want a cozy treat without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it super easy to whip up anytime.
- Cinnamon-Rich Flavor: The perfect balance of cinnamon and sugary sweetness that reminds me of fresh cinnamon rolls.
- Quick to Make: Prep in just 10 minutes and bake in under half an hour – ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these blondies, and they’re perfect for potlucks, school events, or an after-dinner dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together to create that soft, chewy blondie texture layered with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon. A quick tip: room temperature butter blends better and gives your blondies a perfect crumb.
- All Purpose Flour: The base for your blondies; measuring carefully helps keep the texture just right.
- Baking Powder: Provides gentle lift—don’t skip this or your blondies might turn out dense.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes—packed is key for accurate sweetness.
- Butter: Gives richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture; use unsalted and at room temperature.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure; large eggs work best.
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Sugar (for topping): Mixed with cinnamon to sprinkle on top for that classic cinnamon sugar crunch.
- Cinnamon: Both in the batter and the topping—it’s the star spice here!
- Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, making the blondies extra special.
- Milk: Helps thin the glaze for perfect drizzle consistency.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. You can easily customize these blondies to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing the magic.
- Nutty Twist: I sometimes stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch—my family can’t get enough of this variation.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melted dark chocolate drizzled on top adds a decadent touch that’s perfect for date nights.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend; just check the blend includes xanthan gum for texture.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a milder sweet flavor—but don’t skip the cinnamon, it’s the heart of this recipe!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and prevents any salty clumps. I always sift these ingredients just to be sure my blondies come out crumbly and light.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and packed brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving your blondies a tender crumb. If your butter is too cold, the mixture will look lumpy and your blondies could be dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the nutty, buttery flavor starts to come alive!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients & Add Cinnamon
Fold in the dry ingredients carefully—you don’t want to overmix here, just until everything is combined. Then, stir in a generous amount of cinnamon to bring that signature cinnamon roll taste to your blondies. I like to swirl some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for that extra wow factor.
Step 5: Bake and Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs—never completely clean or you might dry them out. While the blondies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of cinnamon to make the glaze.
Step 6: Glaze and Cool
Once your blondies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top. I find this part so satisfying because the glaze soaks in just a bit and makes the blondies irresistibly soft and sweet. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
- Room Temperature Butter: It blends smoothly with sugar, creating a creamy texture critical for tender blondies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Test for Moist Crumb: When inserting a toothpick, look for moist crumbs versus completely clean for perfectly soft blondies.
- Even Cinnamon Sugar Distribution: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly before baking for that amazing crusty swirl effect.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of warm caramel sauce when serving. Sometimes, fresh whipped cream on the side adds just the right creamy touch without overpowering the cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. For brunch, sliced fresh fruit or a citrus salad can provide a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve cut these blondies into small bite-sized squares and served them on a pretty platter with cinnamon sticks and little ramekins of extra glaze for dipping—guests loved the interactive element! I also decorated with a sprinkle of edible gold dust once for a holiday bash, which made them look absolutely festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend freshness, they also do great in the fridge—just bring them back to room temp before eating for the best flavor.
Freezing
My go-to method for freezing is to cut the blondies into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, I pop a blondie in the microwave for about 15 seconds. You get that soft, gooey texture just like when they were first baked. If you have time, warming in a low oven wrapped in foil works wonders too.
FAQs
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Can I use melted butter instead of room temperature butter for the cinnamon sugar blondies?
While melted butter can work, room temperature butter that’s creamed with sugar traps air and leads to a lighter, fluffier texture. Using melted butter tends to create denser, chewier blondies. If you only have melted butter, reduce mixing time and be prepared for a slightly different texture.
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How can I make these cinnamon sugar blondies dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter for a plant-based vegan butter or coconut oil. For the glaze, swap milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might shift a bit, but they’ll still be delicious.
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Why are my blondies coming out dry?
Dry blondies often mean they’ve been overbaked or overmixed. Watch your bake time carefully and test with a toothpick—look for moist crumbs, not completely clean. Also, don’t overwork the batter once the flour is added, which can develop gluten and lead to toughness.
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Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve added chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and even dried cranberries with great success. Just fold them in gently at the end before baking, and you’ll get lovely pops of flavor and texture in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect cross between the flavors you crave from a cinnamon roll and the ease of a quick bar cookie. I love how it brings smiles at family gatherings and makes busy afternoons feel extra cozy. I’m so glad I discovered this recipe, and I truly think you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. Don’t hesitate to try it out next time you want a sweet, cinnamon-spiced treat that’s fast, fuss-free, and totally delicious.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into a rich and chewy blondie bar. These blondies feature a cinnamon sugar swirl and a sweet cinnamon glaze, making them an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the blondies.
- Create cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon. Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the blondies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but is not wet. Avoid overbaking for fudgy blondies.
- Prepare the cinnamon glaze: While the blondies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then drizzle the cinnamon glaze evenly over the top while still slightly warm for better absorption. Let the glaze set before cutting into 24 squares.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth, even mixing for a tender blondie texture.
- To create the cinnamon swirl, don’t overmix after adding the cinnamon sugar so the swirls remain distinct and flavorful.
- For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- The cinnamon glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 212 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
