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These indulgent Cinnamon Roll Blondies bring together the soft, buttery goodness of blondies with delightful cinnamon roll swirls. They'll fill your home with an amazing smell while they're in the oven, and you won't be able to resist them once they're done.
I first made these for my sister's surprise brunch party. As they baked, everyone kept wandering into the kitchen following that amazing cinnamon smell. They've become the must-have treat at all our family events since then.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Creates the base for that wonderfully chewy texture and adds richness to every bite
- Brown sugar: Gives these treats their signature caramel notes that make them different from regular brownies
- Ground cinnamon: The key flavor - try getting Ceylon cinnamon if you can for extra depth
- Vanilla extract: Brings out all the other tastes - stick with the real stuff instead of imitation
- Powdered sugar: Makes that silky topping that reminds you of classic cinnamon rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment, leaving extra hanging over the sides so you can lift out your treats easily later. Don't skip this or your blondies might stick.
- Create the base:
- Stir melted butter and sugars together until they're totally smooth and a bit thick. This makes the foundation for that perfect chewy bite. You want it looking shiny and well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Put in eggs one by one, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla until everything looks lighter. This adds air that helps get the texture just right.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until there aren't any lumps. Getting this step right means no flour pockets in your finished treats.
- Fold together:
- Add your dry mix to the wet stuff bit by bit, folding gently until just combined. Don't overmix or your blondies will turn out tough - stop once you can't see any flour.
- Create the cinnamon swirl:
- Spread half your batter in the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mix, then add the rest of the batter and more cinnamon sugar. Swirl with a knife for that pretty cinnamon roll look.
- Bake to perfection:
- Put in your preheated oven and bake until the edges set but the middle still wobbles slightly. This gets you that amazing fudgy center everyone loves about blondies.
- Glaze while warm:
- Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over your slightly cooled treats. The warmth helps the glaze set just right.
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The cinnamon really makes these stand out. I found that waiting about 15 minutes before adding the glaze works perfectly - it sinks in just a bit but still keeps that classic cinnamon roll appearance on top.
Storage Solutions
Keep these treats in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay good for 3 days. They actually taste even better on day two as the flavors mix together more. If you need to keep them longer, you can stick them in the fridge for up to a week, but always let them come back to room temp before eating for the best taste.
Make It Your Own
The standard recipe tastes great, but you can switch things up to match what you like. Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. White chocolate chips go really well with the cinnamon flavor. For something more interesting, add a bit of cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a chai-like twist.
Troubleshooting Tips
Most people mess up by baking these too long. They should look a little underdone in the middle when you take them out since they'll keep cooking as they cool. If your glaze turns out too thick, just add a few more drops of milk until it pours easily. For nice clean slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to store them?
Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days. To enjoy them longer, refrigerate for a week.
- → Can I swap out the cinnamon?
Sure! Try nutmeg or a mix of warm spices like allspice or cardamom for a different twist.
- → What else works for the glaze?
You can mix things up with cream cheese frosting or use a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Switch the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum.
- → How can I pump up the flavor of the swirl?
Add a splash of vanilla or a tiny pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon mix to give it an extra flavor boost.
- → Any creative ways to serve them?
Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect treat.