Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: Easy, Chewy, and Packed with Sweet Cinnamon Flavor

When it comes to easy homemade desserts that pack serious flavor without requiring a mountain of ingredients, Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are the sweet treat you never knew you needed. These golden bars are soft, chewy, and brimming with warm cinnamon spice, a nostalgic nod to everything from snickerdoodles to cinnamon toast, but in brownie-like form.

In this guide, we’ll break down every detail of how to make perfect cinnamon sugar blondies—from ingredient choices and baking tips to variations, storage, and even gifting ideas. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that gooey middle and crisp, sugary top, keep reading. This is your new go-to dessert bar recipe.

What Is a Cinnamon Sugar Blondie?

Blondies are often referred to as the “vanilla version of brownies”—and for good reason. Instead of cocoa powder or melted chocolate, blondies rely on brown sugar and butter for their rich, caramel-like flavor and dense, chewy texture.

Adding cinnamon sugar transforms this humble bar into something truly special. The result? A dessert that’s soft in the center, slightly crispy around the edges, and coated with a sweet, cinnamon-kissed topping that cracks delightfully when you bite in.

If you’re new to blondies, you might find this quick King Arthur Baking primer on blondies helpful.

What Makes the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondie?

The best cinnamon sugar blondies strike a balance between soft and chewy, rich and warmly spiced. A few factors contribute to their perfection:

• Brown sugar adds depth and chewiness
• Melted butter ensures moist, rich texture
• Just the right ratio of cinnamon to sugar gives that signature topping
• A short baking time keeps the center soft, not cakey

Texture-wise, they should be dense, not fluffy—almost like the lovechild of a cookie and a brownie.

Need help with precise flour measurement to get that texture right? Check out The Kitchn’s guide to measuring flour correctly.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s break down the core components that make this cinnamon dessert bar unforgettable:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The structure builder. Spoon and level to avoid dry blondies.
• 1 tsp baking powder – For subtle lift and lightness.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Warm and cozy flavor booster.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds chew and a hint of molasses.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Richness and depth.
• 1 large egg – Binds everything together and keeps it soft.
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract – Brings out the buttery warmth of the blondie base.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have your house smelling like a cinnamon bakery dream in no time:

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until glossy and smooth.
• Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix using a spatula. Do not overmix.

4. Transfer and Top

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.

5. Bake

• Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Tip: For clean cuts, chill the blondies for 30 minutes after they’ve cooled.

Pro Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Blondie Perfection

• Use room temperature eggs to help them incorporate smoothly.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes lifting and cutting the bars effortless.
• If you want thicker blondies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Slight underbaking ensures maximum fudginess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: This leads to cakey, dry blondies. Pull them when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
• Incorrect flour measurement: Too much flour = dry and crumbly.
• Substituting sugars: Don’t swap out brown sugar—it’s essential for chewiness.

Flavor Variations and Fun Twists

Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. Try these flavorful twists:

• Snickerdoodle Blondies: Add ¼ tsp cream of tartar for that tangy cookie vibe.
• Apple Cinnamon Blondies: Fold in ½ cup finely diced apple.
• Churro Blondies: Add a drizzle of dulce de leche or melted white chocolate.
• Cinnamon Roll Blondies: Swirl in sweetened cream cheese before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice Blondies: Replace ¼ cup of butter with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon sugar blondies are extremely versatile. Here’s how to serve them for maximum enjoyment:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream on top
• Cut into bite-sized squares for potlucks or party platters
• Serve with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for a cozy treat
• Stack and wrap for rustic brunch boards or bake sales

Storing Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

These blondies store beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead or gifting.

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container (just like cookies).
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week if you prefer a firmer texture.
• For long-term storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re entertaining or simply love convenience, make-ahead blondies are a dream.

• Prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it, covered.
• When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes.
• You can also freeze the unbaked dough and bake straight from the freezer—just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

FAQ: Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About Blondies

Conclusion: The Magic of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence. With their chewy texture, buttery richness, and that irresistible crackly cinnamon sugar topping, these bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a cozy bite of comfort.

Whether you’re baking for a casual weekend treat, a holiday gathering, or to share with friends, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Plus, with endless variations and make-ahead options, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll come back to again and again.

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: Easy, Chewy, and Packed with Sweet Cinnamon Flavor

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are a chewy, golden-brown dessert bar that brings all the cozy flavor of a snickerdoodle cookie in an easy-to-make blondie form. Rich with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, these bars are mixed in one bowl and finished with a signature crackly cinnamon-sugar topping. They’re perfect for bake sales, lunchbox treats, or spiced holiday spreads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the blondies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Make the batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in salt, flour, and cinnamon until just combined.
3. Spread into pan:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Add the topping:
   In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
6. Cool & serve:
   Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 blondie
• Calories: 180kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg