Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about the aroma of cinnamon drifting from the oven. I’ve baked a lot of treats over the years, but my Cinnamon Sugar Blondies remain one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re simple, chewy, and buttery with that irresistible crackly sugar top. These bars blend the best parts of a snickerdoodle cookie and a fudgy brownie—without the chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday table, an after-school snack, or your personal midnight indulgence, this recipe never disappoints.
🍯 What Are Cinnamon Sugar Blondies?
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are dessert bars made with a buttery, vanilla-rich batter and topped with a layer of cinnamon sugar before baking. They’re like brownies without cocoa, often referred to as “blondies” for their golden hue and rich, caramel-like flavor.
Key Terms Defined:
Blondie
A dessert bar similar to a brownie but made without cocoa, often using brown sugar and vanilla as flavor bases.
Cinnamon Sugar
A simple mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, used for flavoring or topping baked goods.
Creaming Method
A baking technique where butter and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy, helping incorporate air into the batter.
Chewy Texture
Soft and slightly dense, with a moist bite, as opposed to cakey or crumbly.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional:
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg for deeper spice flavor
- A pinch of sea salt for garnish
🍳 Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
- Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 4: Spread & Top
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for topping.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
- Cut into squares or rectangles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
🧪 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Bar – Approx. 16 servings)
| Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugars | 19 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
⚖️ Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
💡 Customizations and Add-Ins
Try these creative twists:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- White chocolate chips for added richness
- Cinnamon glaze drizzle (powdered sugar + milk + cinnamon)
- Pumpkin spice blend for a fall-inspired version
📝 Tip: Reduce sugar in the base if adding sweet mix-ins like white chocolate.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Store in a sealed container at room temp for 4–5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 10 days (bring to room temp before eating).
- Freeze in layers with parchment between; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Do not microwave for too long when reheating—blondies dry out quickly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I like to enjoy my Cinnamon Sugar Blondies:
- With a glass of cold milk or almond latte
- Warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- On a dessert platter with brownies and cookies
- As a gift, wrapped in parchment and twine
❓ Q & A Section
Q. Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t contain it.
Q. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Definitely. It will add a richer, molasses-like depth.
Q. Why are my blondies dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Bake until just set—check at the 28-minute mark.
Q. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13″ pan and adjust baking time to around 35–40 minutes.
Q. Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat gently before serving.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a hug in dessert form. Their warm, buttery flavor and chewy texture make them a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to bake something quick, simple, and always loved.
I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites, too. Bake a batch, share with friends, or keep them all for yourself (no judgment here). Either way, you’re in for something delightful.