There's nothing like the cozy aroma of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies baking in the oven. These delightful bars are chewy, buttery, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, with a sugary crust on top that adds just the right amount of sweetness. If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls, you'll absolutely love these blondies – they pack all that cinnamon sugar magic into a handheld treat that's perfect for any occasion.
I first made these on a chilly fall afternoon, craving something that tasted like a warm hug. Now, they're a family favorite that disappears within minutes of hitting the table! Let's dive into what makes these blondies so special.
Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Get ready to fall head over heels for these cozy treats. These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are an absolute must-try, especially when you're looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.
First off, these blondies are incredibly easy to make. With a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you'll have a dessert that's ready to impress. There's no need for fancy equipment or techniques – just mix, bake, and enjoy!
The flavor combination is a big reason why these blondies are irresistible. The rich, buttery base is the perfect canvas for the cinnamon-sugar topping, which melts into a sweet, crackly crust. Each bite is soft in the middle with a slightly crisp top – a texture that everyone loves.
And let's talk about versatility! These blondies are perfect for a casual snack, a dessert at family gatherings, or even a holiday party. They’re great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply on their own with a hot cup of coffee.
Finally, they store beautifully. Make them ahead of time, and they'll stay soft and delicious for days, making them perfect for gifting or taking to potlucks.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Blondie recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you'll create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
- Butter: Using melted butter gives these blondies a rich, chewy texture and helps blend all the flavors seamlessly. I recommend unsalted butter, but if you're using salted, reduce the salt in the recipe.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is essential for that classic blondie flavor. It gives the bars their soft texture and adds a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: The star ingredient! Be generous with the cinnamon, as it’s what brings that warm, cozy flavor that makes these blondies so special. Fresh cinnamon will give the best taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and gives the blondies a more complex flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly here, providing structure without making the blondies too dense. Just be sure not to overmix once you add the flour, to keep them soft and tender.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and help bind the blondies together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
You won’t need any special equipment, just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper to make removing the blondies a breeze.
How To Make These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Making these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is as simple as it gets. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to baking these irresistible treats.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. You want the mixture to be glossy and a bit thicker – this will give your blondies that chewy texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help give structure and richness to the blondies, while the vanilla rounds out the flavor.
Gradually fold in the flour and salt with a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until there are no dry spots. Overmixing at this stage can make the blondies tough, so a light hand works best.
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This topping will bake into a delicious, crackly crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing for the neatest squares.
Storage Options
Storing these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is easy, and they keep well, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
For short-term storage, cover the blondies with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!
If you want to store them longer, you can refrigerate the blondies for up to a week. Be sure they’re well-wrapped or in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
These blondies also freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick treat.
To reheat, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave is perfect to make them warm and soft again – just like they’re fresh from the oven!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Cinnamon Sugar Blondie recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent twist, mix in a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chips before baking. The chocolate adds a rich, melty surprise in every bite.
- Swirl with Nutella or Peanut Butter: Add dollops of Nutella or peanut butter on top of the batter, then use a knife to swirl it in before baking. The result is a gorgeous marbled effect and an extra layer of flavor.
- Use Brown Butter: To deepen the flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it into the batter. This gives the blondies a nutty, caramel-like taste that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Top with a Cream Cheese Drizzle: After the blondies have cooled, drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the top. This makes them taste like cinnamon rolls and adds a touch of elegance.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts. The nuts add a nice contrast to the chewy blondies and complement the cinnamon flavor wonderfully.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with add-ins, these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are sure to be a hit!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are chewy, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for any dessert lover, these blondies combine a buttery vanilla base with a spiced cinnamon-sugar topping for an irresistible treat. Ideal for a quick, flavorful dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (for batter)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Mix granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, avoid overbaking.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
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