Cinnamon Sugar Blondies – Chewy, Buttery Dessert Bars

Introduction

If you love cinnamon rolls and brownies, you’ll fall in love with Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. These dessert bars are a cross between cookie bars and snickerdoodles, baked into chewy, buttery squares with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping.

They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply when you need a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee. Blondies are gaining popularity on Pinterest, with searches for “cinnamon desserts” and “easy bar recipes” spiking during fall and holiday seasons.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Topping:

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Timing

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Bake time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: ~35 minutes

👉 Faster than cookies, with all the same flavor.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Fold into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Spread Batter

Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing evenly.

Step 5: Add Topping

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over batter.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 25–28 minutes until edges are golden. Center should be set but slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Cool in pan before cutting into bars.


Tips for Success

  • Don’t overbake: Blondies should stay chewy in the center.
  • Use parchment: Makes it easy to lift and slice neatly.
  • Add-ins: White chocolate chips, pecans, or raisins add texture.
  • Double the topping: For an extra cinnamon-sugar crunch.

Nutrition (per bar, 20 servings)

  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Carbs: 25 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Sugar: 15 g

Healthier Alternatives

  • Whole wheat flour: Swap half for added fiber.
  • Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1 ¼ cups.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegan butter alternative.
  • Gluten-free: Replace flour with a 1:1 GF baking blend.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with coffee or chai latte.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
  • Pack in lunchboxes or holiday cookie trays.
  • Cut into mini squares for dessert buffets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing batter: Makes blondies tough.
  • Skipping cooling time: They slice cleaner once cooled.
  • Using white sugar instead of brown: Brown sugar gives chewiness.
  • Under-seasoning: Cinnamon is the star — don’t skimp!

Storing Tips

  • Room temp: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
  • Fridge: Keeps up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are the ultimate easy dessert bar: chewy, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon warmth. Whether for family gatherings, school treats, or a sweet coffee break, this recipe is simple yet irresistible.


FAQs

Q1: Can I make them in an 8×8 pan?
Yes, but increase bake time to 30–35 minutes.

Q2: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a sheet pan for parties.

Q3: Can I reduce butter?
You can swap half with unsweetened applesauce, but texture will be softer.

Q4: Can I use white sugar?
Brown sugar is best for chewiness, but white sugar works in a pinch.

Q5: Do these taste like snickerdoodles?
Yes! They have the same cinnamon-sugar topping with a richer, chewier base.