There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies baking in the oven. These soft, chewy bars are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and spicy cinnamon, topped with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these blondies are an instant crowd-pleaser.

I first tried making these on a whim during a chilly fall afternoon, craving something that tasted like a cinnamon roll but was much easier to bake. The result? A sweet treat that has now become a family favorite. Let’s dive into what makes these blondies so special!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked treat. These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are everything you want in a dessert – easy, delicious, and packed with warm, cozy flavor.

First off, these blondies come together quickly with minimal ingredients. You won’t need to fuss over any complicated steps, and they’ll be ready to eat in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute baking or weeknight treats.

Another bonus is their texture. Soft and chewy with a hint of crispness on the top, these blondies have a perfect balance of dense and fluffy. Every bite has that buttery richness that melts in your mouth.

And let’s not forget about the cinnamon-sugar topping. This simple touch adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, making these blondies feel like a cross between a snickerdoodle and a cinnamon roll.

Whether you’re a fan of classic blondies or just love anything with cinnamon, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can add nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for a personalized twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies lies in their straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element brings a key flavor or texture that makes these blondies so irresistible.

Butter: Melted butter is the base of these blondies, giving them a rich, buttery flavor. Using melted butter also makes the recipe incredibly easy, as you don’t need to cream anything together.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides the primary sweetness and gives the blondies their chewy, soft texture. It also adds a slight molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Egg: Just one egg is enough to bind the ingredients and keep the blondies tender and moist.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors, making these blondies taste rich and almost caramel-like.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps these bars light yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Cinnamon: The star spice! Ground cinnamon is added to the batter and the sugar topping, creating that warm, cozy flavor in every bite.
Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon (for the Topping): This simple mixture is sprinkled on top before baking, adding a delicious crunchy finish.

You won’t need any special equipment – just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a square baking pan for this recipe.

How To Make These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Making these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is as easy as can be. Here’s a quick guide to baking up a batch:

Preheat your oven and prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
Combine the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the brown sugar and whisk until combined. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add the dry ingredients. Sift in the flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, folding everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies dense.
Spread the batter and add the topping. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing them into squares.

These blondies should be ready in just 25-30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for when you’re short on time!

Storage Options

These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

At Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cinnamon-sugar topping will retain its crunch, and the bars will stay soft and chewy.
In the Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week – just let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to regain their soft texture.
Freezing: These blondies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to change things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

Add White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, creamy bite, stir in a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Nuts for Extra Crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious nutty flavor and some texture contrast.
Caramel Drizzle: Once the blondies are cooled, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
Substitute with Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.

These blondies are just as customizable as they are tasty. Feel free to experiment and make them your own!

Whether you’re sharing these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies with friends or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Grab your apron, and let’s start baking!