Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery square where the fragrant aroma of cinnamon meets the sweet crunch of sugar crystals on top. These irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Blondies combine the chewy texture of a classic blondie with the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar – creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly addictive. Whether you’re looking for an easy baking project or a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create perfectly textured blondies with a cinnamon-sugar topping that creates a delicate crackly crust while keeping the interior wonderfully soft and chewy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies will quickly become your go-to dessert recipe for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the crunchy, crystallized cinnamon-sugar topping and the soft, chewy interior creates a multi-dimensional treat that satisfies every texture preference. Unlike complicated desserts, these blondies come together in one bowl with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

The brown sugar base provides a rich butterscotch-like foundation that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon notes. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice without being overwhelming. Even better, your kitchen will be filled with an intoxicating aroma as they bake – making the anticipation part of the experience.

For busy bakers, these cinnamon blondie bars can be prepared in just 15 minutes before baking, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats when you need something special without the fuss. The versatility of this recipe also means you can easily adapt it to different occasions or preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Sugar Blondies base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (400g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cinnamon-sugar topping:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

The melted butter is crucial for creating that signature dense, chewy texture that makes these cinnamon-infused blondies so irresistible. Light brown sugar not only sweetens but adds caramel notes and moisture. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation. The cinnamon in both the batter and topping creates depth, while the sugar topping crystallizes during baking to create that distinctive sweet crunch that makes these blondies stand out from ordinary bar cookies.

Pro Tips

Properly Measure Your Flour

The secret to perfectly textured Cinnamon Sugar Blondies lies in the flour measurement. Too much flour will result in dry, cakey blondies instead of the chewy texture we’re after. For best results, use the spoon-and-level method: fluff the flour with a spoon, gently scoop it into your measuring cup without compacting it, then level it off with a straight edge. This method ensures you don’t accidentally add too much flour, which can happen when dipping the measuring cup directly into the flour bag.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cinnamon sugar blondies tough instead of tender. Use a gentle folding motion with a rubber spatula for the final mixing to maintain that perfect chewy texture we’re after.

Know When They’re Done

The trickiest part of making perfect blondies is knowing when to take them out of the oven. For ideally chewy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies, look for edges that are set and lightly browned while the center appears slightly underdone but not raw. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Remember that they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool in the pan, so it’s better to pull them out a minute early than a minute late.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This simple step makes cutting your Cinnamon Sugar Blondies infinitely easier and prevents them from sticking to the pan. Give the parchment a light spray with cooking oil for extra insurance against sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly with a fork until completely incorporated, breaking up any cinnamon clumps. Set aside. This topping will create that irresistible crackly crust that makes these cinnamon blondie bars so special.

Step 3: Prepare the Blondie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should look slightly lighter in color. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear into the batter. Your Cinnamon Sugar Blondies batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Transfer to Pan and Add Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, covering the entire surface. For an extra-special touch, use a butter knife to gently swirl some of the topping into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ripples throughout your blondies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the center is just slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue cooking as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. Let the Cinnamon Sugar Blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper handles and cutting into squares.

Variations

White Chocolate Cinnamon Blondies

Transform these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies by folding in 1 cup of white chocolate chips before baking. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavor, creating an even more indulgent treat. For an extra flavor dimension, try toasting the white chocolate chips for 5 minutes in a 250°F oven before adding them to the batter.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Blondies

Make these blondies accessible to everyone by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture results. You may need to increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes, as gluten-free flours sometimes require slightly longer baking. The result is delicious cinnamon sugar blondies that no one will suspect are gluten-free.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies

For a fall-inspired variation, fold in 1 cup of peeled, diced apples (about ¼-inch pieces) and ½ cup chopped toasted pecans to the batter. The apples add moisture and fruity flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly, while the nuts add delightful crunch and nutty depth to these cinnamon-infused blondies.

Storage and Serving

These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week – just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze these blondies for up to 3 months by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container. Defrost at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

For an elevated dessert experience, warm a blondie square in the microwave for 15 seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, chewy blondie and cold, creamy ice cream creates an irresistible dessert.

For a delightful breakfast treat, warm a cinnamon blondie bar and serve it alongside your morning coffee. The cinnamon sugar flavors pair beautifully with coffee’s roasty notes. You can also crumble these blondies over yogurt for a decadent breakfast parfait that still feels somewhat virtuous.

FAQs

Why did my blondies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
The most common reason for cakey blondies is using too much flour. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method. Overmixing the batter can also create a cakey texture by developing too much gluten. For perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies, mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can double the recipe and bake in two 9×13-inch pans. The baking time should remain approximately the same, but always check for doneness rather than relying solely on timing.

Why did my blondies sink in the middle?
Sinking usually indicates underbaking. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated, and give your cinnamon sugar blondies enough time to set in the middle before removing them from the oven. The edges should be firm and golden while the center is just set.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give your blondies a deeper molasses flavor and slightly darker color. The texture will remain the same, but the flavor profile will be slightly richer.

How do I know when my blondies are done baking?
Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies should have golden edges with a center that appears set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted about 2 inches from the edge should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time.

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