I love simple treats that taste like home. Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are one of those sweets I make when I want warm comfort fast. I share them with friends and at small family gatherings because they bake fast and they please almost everyone.
Dad James used to bring these to church potlucks, and I still think of his smile when I bake them. Mom Eva and Sister Jennifer always ask for the same pan.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
My Go-To Equipment
I keep this list short. You do not need fancy tools to make great blondies. I use a 9×13 inch baking pan. I also use a large mixing bowl and a smaller bowl for dry mix. A whisk and a rubber spatula do most of the work. I line the pan with parchment if I can. The parchment helps me lift the blondies out in one clean piece. A toothpick tells me when they are done. A cooling rack helps them set before I cut them.
If you like the churro style in bars, you can check my version of churro cheesecake bars for a fun spin on cinnamon sugar. My churro cheesecake bars with cinnamon sugar add a cream cheese layer for a richer bite.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and eggs until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the blondies.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I keep this part simple. You can make changes that add flavor and lower sugar or add fiber. Swap part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour to add a bit of fiber. Use 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup to cut down on processed sugar. I also like to add a half cup of oats for texture. You can fold in a half cup of chopped nuts or a half cup of diced apple for a fruit twist.
If you want a lighter dessert idea that still has crisp spice, try my cinnamon sugar tortilla chips paired with fruit. My sweet fruit salad with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips gives you that crunch and spice in a fresh way. For dairy swaps, use a vegan butter and a flax egg if you need a plant based version.
When I try a twist, I test only one change at a time. This helps me see how the texture or bake time changes. Most swaps keep the spirit of the blondie but give you new flavors.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like to serve these blondies warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over a warm square and makes simple dessert magic. For a party, I cut the blondies into small bites and arrange them on a tray with fresh fruit. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks nice if you want a light finish.
For a morning treat, I warm a blondie cut in half and put softened cream cheese between the halves for a sweet sandwich. If you love cinnamon rolls, try pairing a blondie with a roll style twist. My banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting pair well if you set a brunch table and want a variety of baked goods.
I also like to add a small bowl of warm caramel sauce for dipping. Kids like that. For tea time, I serve small squares with a cup of black tea or strong coffee. The cinnamon plays well with both.
Getting It Just Right
The key to great blondies is not to overmix and not to overbake. Mix the batter until the dry bits disappear. Do not beat it until it is glossy. Overmixing will make the bars dense. The cinnamon in the batter adds a warm note. The cinnamon sugar on top gives a slight crunch.
Watch the baking time. My oven runs a little hot, so I check at 22 minutes. Use a toothpick to test the center. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it has wet batter, bake five more minutes and test again.
Let them cool for at least 15 minutes. Cooling helps them set and makes clean slices. If you try a version with fruit, add a few more minutes to the bake time. Nuts or oats may also need slightly longer baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I place a sheet of parchment between layers to keep them neat. For a longer keep, freeze the squares in a single layer on a tray. When frozen, move them to a zip top bag with parchment between layers. They freeze well for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw at room temperature for an hour. Warm a square in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. A quick microwave zap for 8 to 12 seconds also works. If you add ice cream, heat them just a bit so the ice cream melts a little.
Enjoy Every Moment
I love the simple joy of pulling a warm pan from the oven. The smell of cinnamon and butter brings people to the kitchen. I tell my friends to take the time to breathe and enjoy the small things. These blondies are for sharing. I hope you make them and keep a few for yourself.
A Few Common Questions
How long do Cinnamon Sugar Blondies stay fresh?
I keep them in an airtight container on the counter. They stay fresh for up to three days. You can freeze them for up to two months and thaw on the counter.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies gluten free?
Yes. I swap the flour for a one to one gluten free flour blend. I watch the texture. Some blends need a touch less flour. Add a tablespoon less if the batter looks too thick.
Can I add mix ins to Cinnamon Sugar Blondies?
Yes. I add a half cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Fold them in at the end. Do not add too much or the bars will not set right.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, comforting blondies with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth in a large bowl.
- Stir in vanilla extract and eggs until fully combined.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the blondies.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
For a lighter dessert, consider adding oats or chopped fruit. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: blondies, dessert, cinnamon sugar, baking, easy recipes