Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe

Imagine all the soft, gooey magic of your favorite blondie paired with that nostalgic, bakery-fresh cinnamon roll flavor—introducing Cinnamon Roll Blondies. These bars are the ultimate comfort treat, blending brown sugar richness and floral vanilla with a thick ribbon of warming cinnamon. The simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the top makes them as beautiful as they are irresistible. Whether you need an easy dessert for a gathering or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, Cinnamon Roll Blondies bring a little bakery joy into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great baking really begins with great ingredients—each little detail matters when making Cinnamon Roll Blondies. Here’s your shopping list, with pro tips for getting the texture and boost of flavor just right in every batch.

• Unsalted butter, softened: The base for a chewy, rich crumb; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness of the final bars.
• Dark brown sugar: Infuses the blondies with deep, caramel-like flavor and an ultra-moist bite—don’t substitute light brown for this if you want full impact!
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and structure, balancing the moistness from the brown sugar.
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add that essential chewiness to each bar.
• Pure vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors with a beautiful floral note; use the real stuff for the best results.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bars—measure accurately for perfect thickness and structure.
• Baking powder: Just enough to give your Cinnamon Roll Blondies a little lift so they stay fudgy but not dense.
• Ground cinnamon: This is the star—swirled through for that authentic cinnamon roll aroma and flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens every other flavor and prevents the bars from being overly sweet.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Melts into a gorgeous, glossy drizzle that gives those bakery-corner vibes.
• Milk (for glaze): Just enough to bring your glaze together—feel free to use any kind you have on hand.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment so you’ll be able to lift your freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Blondies right out—trust me, this makes slicing so much neater and easier.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key not just for blending, but for incorporating air so your blondies bake up beautifully chewy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything another good mix. The batter will smell dreamy—like the start of every great cinnamon roll recipe.

Step 4: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Don’t rush this step; even distribution here means every bite of your Cinnamon Roll Blondies is perfectly spiced and rises just right.

Step 5: Fold Together Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The key is to mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bars tough instead of tender and chewy.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of cinnamon and sugar; try not to peek too often!

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While the blondies are still ever-so-warm, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. For that classic cinnamon roll finish, drizzle the glaze generously over the top before slicing into squares. The glaze should set just enough to add shine and sweetness with every bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy presentation, sprinkle an extra dusting of ground cinnamon or a swirl of more powdered sugar over each square just before serving. If you want to be extra decadent, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a few chopped toasted pecans for crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Blondies with a hot mug of coffee, a chai latte, or even a cold glass of milk for that classic cookies-and-milk nostalgia. For a brunch spread, these bars make a wonderful companion to fresh fruit salads or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these on a pretty cake stand at a brunch, wrap up squares in parchment and twine for gifts, or even stack them ice-cream-sandwich style with a scoop of vanilla between two blondie squares. You can even cut Cinnamon Roll Blondies into bite-size cubes for a sweet nibble on a dessert board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making them just as lovely (if not more) the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep your blondies for longer, freeze unglazed squares in a tightly sealed container for up to two months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and glaze them after defrosting for the freshest taste.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen blondies at room temperature, then warm individual squares briefly in the microwave for that just-baked softness. Drizzle or refresh the glaze if you like, and they’re ready to go.

FAQs

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these blondies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of white chocolate chips stir right in and make for a fun twist. Just keep total add-ins to about 1/2 cup so the texture stays chewy and not crumbly.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—you might need a few extra minutes but check with a toothpick for doneness.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Roll Blondies are done?

The blondies are ready when the edges are set and golden, but the center still looks just a touch soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean—this keeps them from drying out.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Try swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be just a bit different, but you’ll still get that lovely cinnamon roll flavor.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar (try dropping the granulated sugar by half if you’d like), but remember that brown sugar is essential for texture and moisture. The glaze is optional, so feel free to serve without or use less for a less-sweet treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar baking that just feels like home, and these Cinnamon Roll Blondies capture that warm, happy feeling in every bite. They’re easy to make, simple to share, and always a crowd-pleaser—so go ahead, treat yourself and your favorite people to a batch soon!

Print