Warm cinnamon and sweet sugar combine in these irresistible blondies that bake up soft and chewy. These delicious bars come together with just one bowl and seven basic pantry ingredients.
Whether you need a last-minute dessert for guests or an afternoon treat with coffee, these cinnamon sugar blondies deliver pure comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
First off, these blondies require minimal effort for maximum reward. Because they use simple ingredients you likely already have, they’re perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Additionally, the cinnamon sugar topping creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft center.
Moreover, they bake in just 22 minutes, making them faster than most cookie recipes. Lastly, they’re versatile enough to enjoy as dessert, snack, or even breakfast with your morning coffee.
Recipe
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Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Soft and chewy cinnamon sugar blondies with a crunchy topping – easy one-bowl recipe ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (113 g), melted
- 1 cup brown sugar (200 g)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1 cup flour (120 g)
- Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)
- 5 teaspoons sugar (21 g)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment.
- Add melted butter and brown sugar to medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Stir in beaten egg and vanilla extract.
- Stir in flour and salt until well combined.
- Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl and sprinkle over batter.
- Bake 22 minutes or until tester comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely in pan before cutting.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Line pan with parchment overhang for easy removal.
- Measure flour by spooning into cup and leveling.
- Let blondies cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 22 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 59 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 1 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s break down what makes these blondies so special and explore possible substitutions if needed:
Base Ingredients
- Butter – Provides rich flavor and chewy texture
- Brown sugar – Creates moisture and caramel notes
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds structure
- Vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and depth
Dry Components
- All-purpose flour – Forms the foundation of the batter
- Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Granulated sugar – Forms the crisp sugary crust
- Cinnamon – Adds warm spice character
For substitutions, try coconut oil instead of butter or maple syrup for brown sugar. If desired, add nuts or chocolate chips.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Follow these simple steps to create perfect blondies every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. This makes removal easier later.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir vigorously until fully incorporated and slightly glossy. Then add beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and homogeneous.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in flour and salt just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan using a spatula.
Step 4: Apply Topping
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter surface.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 22 minutes or until edges pull away from pan and a toothpick inserted near center comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely in pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Success
First, use fresh baking ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. For instance, older baking soda or powder won’t provide proper lift. Second, properly measure flour by spooning into measuring cup then leveling. Alternatively, weigh flour for accuracy.
Third, let blondies cool completely before slicing, as warm cutting crumbles bars. Fourth, storage tip: place parchment between layers if stacking blondies. Finally, pair these treats with complementary beverages like spiced cider or hot chocolate.
Flavor Variations
While classic cinnamon sugar blondies shine on their own, consider these tasty twists:
Swirl Additions
- Peanut butter swirls – Dollop warmed peanut butter over batter before topping
- Caramel ribbons – Drizzle melted caramels across surface before baking
Mix-Ins and Toppings
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- White chocolate chips for creamy sweetness
- Dried cranberries or raisins for fruity bursts
Spice Variations
- Apple pie spice instead of cinnamon
- Ground ginger or cardamom for exotic flair
Serving Suggestions
These blondies pair wonderfully with various serving options. For dessert, serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. For breakfast, enjoy alongside coffee or chai tea. For party platters, cut into small squares and arrange with other finger desserts.
Surprisingly, they also complement comforting soups. If enjoying during cool weather, serve these blondies with vibrant soup pairings. A creamy copycat Panera broccoli cheese soup makes an excellent savory companion.
Similarly, cozy chicken pot pie soup creates perfect flavor balance. For quick meals, Instant Pot rice soup offers hearty warmth alongside sweet blondies.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store blondies fresh up to one week. Place cooled squares in an airtight container with parchment between layers at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap then freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh day-old blondies, microwave briefly or warm in 300°F oven five minutes.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 kcal | 6 g | 20 g | 1 g | 14 g | 59 mg |
The nutritional breakdown refers to one blondie square. While a sweet treat, these blondies contain moderate calorie counts compared to richer desserts. Portion control allows enjoyment while maintaining balanced eating habits.
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
What makes blondies different from brownies?
Blondies use brown sugar instead of cocoa for caramel-like flavor. They typically contain mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, though this cinnamon version stays classically spiced.
Can I double this blondie recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in 9×13 pan. Increase baking time to 26-28 minutes, checking doneness regularly.
Why do my blondies turn out cakey?
Overmixing the batter incorporates excess air. Additionally, using too much flour creates dense texture. Carefully measure flour for proper results.
Can I use this batter for cookies?
Yes. Chill dough two hours then scoop tablespoon portions onto baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350°F for soft cinnamon sugar cookies.
How do I store leftover blondies?
Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to one week. Completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon sugar blondies deliver classic comfort with every soft, sweet bite. Simple pantry ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.
Whether baking for family treat nights, potlucks, or personal indulgences, this recipe satisfies all cravings.
The chewy texture combined with crunchy cinnamon topping creates sensational contrast loved by all ages. Customize them endlessly with nuts, chocolate, or dried fruits, as mentioned earlier.
For perfect blondies every time, measure carefully and avoid overbaking. Grease your pan thoroughly or use parchment as instructed.
Most importantly, share these delightful bars with those you love – they make any ordinary day feel like a celebration. Happy baking!
