Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: The Ultimate Sweet Treat Recipe
Growing up, my fondest memories were tied to moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. The smell of cinnamon wafting through the air as we baked together was nothing short of magical. One of her signature recipes? The ever-lovable Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. These sweet, gooey bars have been a family favorite for generations, and each bite transports me back to those cozy afternoons in her kitchen.
What makes Cinnamon Sugar Blondies stand out from the rest is their perfect balance of chewy sweetness and a sprinkle of cinnamon that feels like a warm hug. Unlike many blondies that can be overly sweet or crumbly, my recipe yields slabs of pure, buttery bliss—soft in the center with a slight crunch from the cinnamon sugar topping. The emotional connection between baking and family memories makes these blondies more than just dessert—they’re comfort food at its finest.
In today’s post, I’m excited to share my cherished Cinnamon Sugar Blondies recipe with you! Together, we’ll explore why this recipe is better than others, how to get the perfect texture, and what little tweaks you can make to truly make it your own. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
What Are Cinnamon Sugar Blondies?
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are dessert bars that originated from the classic blondie, a variation of the brownie made without cocoa. Think of them as sweet friends with a cinnamon twist! What sets these blondies apart is their rich brown sugar flavor and a lovely, aromatic touch of cinnamon, creating a dessert that is decadent yet comforting.
Texture-wise, they are wonderfully chewy with a slightly crispy top, thanks to the crunchy granulated sugar sprinkled over the surface before baking. They boast a unique flavor profile, allowing the sweetness of brown sugar to shine through while being complemented by the hint of warmth from cinnamon. These blondies are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering, a bake sale, or just a simple treat for yourself at the end of a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Simple: This is one of those easy recipes you can whip up in just over half an hour, making it ideal for unexpected guests or a midnight snack craving.
Better than Store-Bought: Unlike the overly sweet or artificially flavored blondies you might find in stores, my version uses quality ingredients and a personal touch that elevates every bite.
Cost-Effective Delight: Baking at home is not only cheaper but also fun! You can make a generous batch for the price of a single store-bought blondie.
Endless Customization: Want to throw in some nuts, chocolate chips, or a pinch of sea salt? Feel free to customize these blondies to cater to your cravings or dietary preferences!
Effortlessly Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for a party or just for yourself, these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are bound to be a hit! Everyone loves that chewy texture and cinnamon aroma.
With just a little time investment, you’ll have a pan full of deliciously aromatic blondies that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need to make these tasty Cinnamon Sugar Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (Room temperature is best! This enhances creaminess.)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (Use light or dark according to preference for a more caramel-like flavor.)
- 2 large eggs (Always use room temperature for the best mixing.)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Quality matters here; opt for pure vanilla over imitation for richer flavor.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (Sifted for fluffier blondies!)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (Leavening power for that lovely lift.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness.)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Makes these blondies sing!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping—adds that sweet crunch!)
Prep Note
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife to avoid overpacking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps for the best Cinnamon Sugar Blondies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the butter in a large bowl—either on the stovetop or in the microwave until just melted. Don’t let it boil.
Stir in the brown sugar using a wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and looks glossy. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and create that decadent base.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. The mixture should look luscious and slightly thick.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this helps keep the blondies chewy!
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula for a smooth finish.
Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a lovely crust as they bake.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but moist (not wet!).
Allow to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This final cooling step allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Chef’s Tip: If you’re having trouble cutting them cleanly, run your knife under hot water before slicing!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Storage Recommendations: These blondies stay soft and fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it separately. Just bake the next day for fabulous freshness!
Troubleshooting Tips: If your blondies come out too dry, you’ve likely overbaked them. Keep a close watch! For extra gooeyness, remove them from the oven once the toothpick comes out slightly clinging.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of nutmeg or even a bit of espresso powder for a unique twist. I’ve tried this with chopped pecans, and it adds a delightful crunch too.
Warm-Up Suggestions: For an indulgent treat, I highly recommend warming them slightly in the microwave and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are delightful all on their own, but they play well with others! Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of decadence or alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai. For special occasions, why not dress them up with a drizzle of caramel sauce or serve them with fresh berries? They add a pop of color and a fruity contrast that elevates this already amazing dessert!
Variations & Substitutions
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch up this recipe:
Add-ins Galore: Consider throwing in chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips, or even some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use coconut or almond flour for a cohesive twist while keeping the same chewy texture.
Seasonal Variations: In the fall, you might replace some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a festive touch. Or, in the winter, consider adding orange zest for a refreshing citrusy bite!
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondie squares
- Estimated calories per serving: 200 calories
Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe, but if you only have salted, reduce the added salt from the recipe slightly.Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for the topping?
Yes! It will add a lovely caramel flavor, but the texture will be less crunchy.What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can make a quick substitution by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup) to mimic brown sugar.How can I make these blondies more chewy?
Try refrigerating the batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This often enhances chewiness!Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg.How do I know when the blondies are done?
They are ready when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but moist.What type of cinnamon should I use?
Keep it classic with ground Ceylon cinnamon, or opt for the strong flavor of Cassia cinnamon for a bolder cinnamon kick!Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish, but keep an eye on the bake time as it may take longer.What’s the key to a good blondie texture?
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Stopping once combined is crucial for that soft, chewy texture.How can I make these blondies more chocolatey?
Boost the chocolate factor by swirling in melted chocolate or folding in chocolate chips before spreading the batter in the pan.
Conclusion
With their rich texture, delightful taste, and the warmth of cinnamon enveloping every bite, these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies make for a truly special treat in any kitchen. I hope my recipe inspires you to whip up a batch (or two!) and enjoy the sweet moments of baking. I would love to hear your thoughts—did you make them? Any fun variations you tried? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! Also, don’t miss out on my other favorite dessert recipes on the blog! Happy baking!
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Ingredients
For the Blondie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter Room temperature is best! This enhances creaminess.
- 1.5 cups brown sugar Use light or dark according to preference for a more caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs Always use room temperature for the best mixing.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Quality matters here; opt for pure vanilla over imitation for richer flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for fluffier blondies!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Leavening power for that lovely lift.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Makes these blondies sing!
For Topping
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar for topping—adds that sweet crunch!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Melt the butter in a large bowl—either on the stovetop or in the microwave until just melted. Don’t let it boil.
- Stir in the brown sugar using a wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and looks glossy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but moist.
- Allow to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares.