There's nothing like the warm scent of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies filling your kitchen! These bars have a rich, buttery texture with a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar. Imagine a soft, chewy blondie with a hint of caramel flavor from brown sugar, finished with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping—bliss in every bite!

I first made these when I was looking for a quick dessert that could satisfy a cinnamon roll craving without all the effort. Now, these blondies have become a go-to treat in our house, ideal for cozy fall evenings or even a simple weekday indulgence.

Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert bar. These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are a must-try for any dessert lover!

First, these blondies are incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have them mixed up and ready for the oven in under 15 minutes, making them a perfect option for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats.

They're also budget-friendly. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so you won’t need any fancy additions to create this rich, satisfying dessert.

Another great thing about these blondies is their versatility. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. They’re perfect for any time of day!

Lastly, the cinnamon-sugar topping gives these bars an irresistible, bakery-quality finish. The crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy blondie base, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies lies in the balance of simple ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor and texture. Let’s look at the essentials!

Butter forms the rich, chewy base for these blondies. For the best flavor, use unsalted butter that’s melted. Melted butter adds to the blondies' chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.
Brown Sugar brings a warm sweetness and a hint of caramel to these bars. Light brown sugar is perfect, but if you prefer a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar.
Cinnamon is the star of the show, adding warmth and spice. Not only does it flavor the blondie base, but it’s also key in the cinnamon-sugar topping. Use freshly ground cinnamon if possible for the best aroma and taste.
Vanilla Extract adds depth and rounds out the flavors. Since this recipe uses simple ingredients, try to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Flour and Baking Powder provide structure. All-purpose flour is ideal for achieving a chewy texture, while a little baking powder gives the blondies a slight lift without making them cakey.

You’ll also need a baking dish and parchment paper to make lifting and cutting these bars easy.

How to Make These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Making these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is a breeze, even if you’re new to baking. Here’s a quick guide to whipping up a batch of these delicious bars!

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. This step gives the blondies a rich, chewy texture.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Whisk until smooth, then add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The edges should be set, but the center will remain soft. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely.

Storage Options

These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat. Here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: Keep your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves over time, so they’re just as good on day three as they are on day one.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll still be soft and chewy, and the cinnamon flavor will continue to deepen.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

To reheat, place a blondie on a plate and microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy it warm.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Add White Chocolate Chips: For extra sweetness, fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips before adding the batter to the pan. White chocolate complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Nutty Twist: Add ⅓ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Make it Spicy: If you’re a fan of warm spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the blondie batter for extra depth and a cozy autumnal flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Lower-Sugar Option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup. You’ll still get a sweet, satisfying blondie with slightly less sugar.

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and flavorings to make this recipe your own. Whatever you choose, these blondies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every warm, cinnamon-scented bite.