Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe

Craving a dessert that's sweet, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor? These cinnamon sugar blondies are about to become your new favorite treat! Unlike traditional brownies, cinnamon sugar blondies skip the chocolate and focus on rich brown sugar, melted butter, and a gorgeous cinnamon sugar crust that makes every bite absolutely irresistible. They're simple to make, require just one bowl, and bake up in about 25 minutes.

What makes these cinnamon sugar blondies stand out is that perfect balance between gooey centers and crispy edges. The cinnamon sugar blondie bars have a chewy texture that's somewhere between a cookie and a cake, with that addictive caramelized sugar topping. Whether you're making them for a party, a weeknight dessert, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cinnamon sugar blondies recipe delivers every single time.

Why This Dessert Never Gets Old

Cinnamon sugar blondies have been winning hearts in kitchens for decades because they're incredibly forgiving and always taste amazing. The brown sugar creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon. Unlike fussy desserts that require precise temperatures or fancy techniques, these bars come together with basic pantry ingredients you probably already have.

The real magic happens when that cinnamon brown sugar blondie batter meets the heat of your oven. The edges get slightly crispy while the center stays wonderfully gooey and soft. They're perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or just eaten straight from the pan (no judgment here!). These blondies also travel well, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or care packages.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Next-Level Blondies
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings Worth Sharing
• Related
• Pairing
• Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor. If you want to add texture, fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or white chocolate chips.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
4. Mix the cinnamon sugar topping in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. The mixture should look thick and slightly grainy from the sugar.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
3. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined; don't overmix or your blondies will be tough.
4. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan using a spatula.
2. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the entire surface.
4. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Don't overbake; you want these cinnamon sugar blondies gooey in the middle!

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your cinnamon sugar blondies just right comes down to a few smart techniques. Here's what makes the difference between good and absolutely incredible:

Temperature Matters

• Always use room temperature eggs; they mix more evenly into the batter and create a better texture
• Let your melted butter cool for 2-3 minutes before adding it to avoid cooking the eggs
• Don't skip the oven preheat; consistent temperature is key for even baking

Mixing Technique

• Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to avoid lumps
• Fold gently once you add the flour; overmixing develops gluten and makes the bars tough and cakey instead of chewy
• If you add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at the very end

Baking and Timing

• Check for doneness at the 22-minute mark; these bars continue cooking slightly as they cool
• The top should look set and slightly crackled, but the center should still jiggle just a tiny bit
• Cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices, or serve warm for maximum gooeyness

Cutting Perfect Squares

• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan
• Wipe your knife clean between each cut for neat edges
• A plastic knife actually works better than a metal one for cutting sticky bars

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this cinnamon brown sugar blondie recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some delicious ways to make them your own:

Flavor Add-Ins

• Nutty Blondies: Fold in ¾ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch
• Chocolate Twist: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips to the batter
• Apple Cinnamon: Mix in 1 cup diced apples (pat them dry first) for a fruity variation
• Espresso Enhancement: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to deepen the flavor

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
• Lower Sugar: Use 1 ½ cups brown sugar instead of 2 cups; they'll be less sweet but still delicious
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and vegan butter
• Protein Boost: Replace ¼ cup flour with vanilla protein powder

Topping Variations

• Try a cream cheese frosting instead of cinnamon sugar for a different finish
• Drizzle with vanilla glaze after cooling
• Add a streusel topping before baking for extra crunch
• Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes baking these cinnamon sugar blondies much easier:

• 9x13-inch metal baking pan ; Metal conducts heat better than glass, giving you more evenly baked bars with better edges
• Parchment paper ; Makes removal and cleanup incredibly easy; don't skip this!
• Large mixing bowl ; You'll need room to mix without making a mess
• Whisk and rubber spatula ; A whisk for the wet ingredients and spatula for folding in the flour
• Small bowl for topping ; Keeps your cinnamon sugar mixture ready to go
• Pastry brush ; Perfect for brushing melted butter on top before adding the cinnamon sugar

Budget-friendly tip: If you don't have a pastry brush, use a folded paper towel to dab on the butter. And if you don't have parchment paper, you can heavily grease and flour your pan instead.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

These cinnamon sugar blondies actually get better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

Room Temperature Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources

Refrigerator Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds
• The texture becomes slightly firmer when cold but still tastes amazing

Freezer Storage

• Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
• Freeze the whole slab uncut, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil
• Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge
• Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispy top

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the batter the night before and store covered in the fridge; bring to room temperature before baking
• Pre-cut bars freeze beautifully and can be packed in lunchboxes straight from the freezer

FAQ

Sweet Endings Worth Sharing

These cinnamon sugar blondies prove that you don't need chocolate to make an absolutely incredible dessert. With their chewy texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and that irresistible crispy sugar topping, they disappear fast wherever you bring them. The best part? They come together in one bowl with ingredients you already have in your pantry, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

Whether you enjoy your cinnamon sugar blondies warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee, they're guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try them once, and they'll become part of your regular baking rotation. If you loved these bars, you'll also want to try my Strawberry Lemon Blondies for a fruity twist, or my Fudgy Lemon Brownies Recipe when you're craving chocolate again. Happy baking, and don't forget to let me know how yours turn out!

Keep baking and spreading sweetness! 🍪- Emily

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Sugar Blondies recipe: