Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon sugar blondies baking in the oven. These chewy, golden bars are infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and vanilla, topped with a sparkling layer of cinnamon sugar that caramelizes as it bakes, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.

I first whipped up a batch of these blondies on a cool fall afternoon, and they’ve since become a family favorite. Perfectly easy to make and always a hit, these blondies are now my go-to treat for potlucks and casual get-togethers. Let’s dive into what makes these cinnamon sugar blondies so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dessert bar. These cinnamon sugar blondies aren’t just tasty; they’re versatile, quick, and incredibly easy to make.

First of all, they're easy to prepare with simple pantry staples. In less than 10 minutes, you can have your batter ready to bake, making this a perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.

Plus, the texture is spot on – a perfect balance of chewy and gooey, with just enough crispiness around the edges. The cinnamon sugar topping adds an extra layer of flavor and a delicate crunch, making these blondies hard to resist.

Not to mention, they’re great for sharing! Cut them into squares, and you’ve got a dessert that’s easy to pack up for bake sales, brunches, or school treats. They’re just sweet enough without being too rich, so they’re universally loved by kids and adults alike.

Best of all, they’re customizable. Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, you can add in your favorite mix-ins, from chocolate chips to chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Ingredients Notes

These cinnamon sugar blondies come together with a few simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need.

• Butter: Using melted butter gives these blondies a rich, buttery flavor and helps keep them moist. You can opt for salted or unsalted butter; just adjust the added salt accordingly.
• Brown Sugar: This is what makes blondies taste distinct from brownies. Brown sugar provides that caramel-like sweetness and chewiness, which is essential to a good blondie. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, while light brown sugar makes a lighter, sweeter blondie.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! Cinnamon is mixed into the batter and also sprinkled on top, giving these bars a warm, aromatic flavor. Ground cinnamon is best for even distribution.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is all you need for this recipe. Be sure to measure it correctly (a kitchen scale is ideal), as too much flour can make the blondies dense rather than chewy.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a layer of depth to the flavor. A pure vanilla extract is preferred, but you can use imitation if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: This is a simple mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar, sprinkled over the top of the batter. As it bakes, it creates a crunchy, caramelized crust that adds a delightful texture.

If you have a hand mixer, it’ll make the mixing process easier, though you can certainly make these blondies by hand.

How to Make These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Making these blondies is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they turn out perfect every time.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift out the blondies after baking, and it ensures they don’t stick to the pan.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then whisk in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough.
4. Spread the Batter and Add Topping: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle this generously over the top of the batter.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but still soft. Let them cool in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

These blondies take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making them a quick dessert option.

Storage Options

One of the best parts about these cinnamon sugar blondies is that they store beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

• Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the blondies. They’ll keep well for up to a week in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature, or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

To reheat, you can microwave a blondie for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Variations and Substitutions

These blondies are a blank canvas, perfect for adding your own personal touch. Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate or white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. They melt slightly during baking, adding a gooey texture to each bite.
• Swirl in Caramel: Add a swirl of caramel sauce on top of the batter before baking. The caramel will bake into the blondies, adding a rich, sweet layer.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Maple-Cinnamon Twist: For a fall-inspired twist, substitute half of the vanilla extract with maple extract. This adds a delicious hint of maple that complements the cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make these gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious.

With these simple changes, you can make these blondies exactly how you like them!

These cinnamon sugar blondies are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. They’re easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week!

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