Cinnamon Roll Blondies

These gooey Buttery Cinnamon Swirl Blondies blend the chewy goodness of classic blondies with warm cinnamon roll swirls. They'll fill your home with an amazing smell while they bake and leave everyone asking for more.

I whipped these up for my sister's surprise brunch party. The cinnamon aroma spread throughout the house and family members kept popping into the kitchen wondering what smelled so good. They've become a must-have at our family get-togethers ever since.

What You'll Need

• Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base and helps make that deliciously chewy bite
• Brown sugar: Adds that signature caramel-like flavor that sets blondies apart from regular brownies
• Ground cinnamon: The key ingredient; try to get Ceylon cinnamon for extra depth and warmth
• Vanilla extract: Brings all flavors together; go for real vanilla instead of artificial for best taste
• Powdered sugar: Makes that silky smooth topping reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls

Cooking Method

Get the pan ready:

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment, leaving extra hanging over the sides so you can lift the blondies out easily. Don't skip this or they'll stick to the pan.

Mix the foundation:

Blend melted butter with sugars until you get a smooth, slightly thick mixture. You want it looking glossy and well-mixed for that perfect chewy texture.

Mix in liquid ingredients:

Put in eggs one by one, stirring well after each. Add vanilla and mix until it looks lighter. This adds air and helps make the texture just right.

Get dry stuff ready:

Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together really well. Make sure there aren't any clumps so your blondies don't have random pockets of flour.

Combine everything:

Add dry mix to wet mix bit by bit, stirring gently just until mixed. Don't overdo it or your blondies will end up tough instead of tender.

Make those swirls:

Put half the batter in the pan, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, then add remaining batter and more cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl it all together for that pretty cinnamon roll look.

Bake it right:

Put in your heated oven and cook until edges look set but middle still wobbles slightly. This gives you that amazing fudgy center everyone loves about blondies.

Top with glaze:

Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over slightly cooled blondies. The warmth helps the glaze set perfectly.

Pin it

The cinnamon really makes these stand out. I found that waiting about 15 minutes after baking before adding the glaze works best. This way, some glaze soaks in while the rest stays on top, giving you that classic cinnamon roll appearance.

Keeping Them Fresh

These treats stay good at room temp in a sealed container for 3 days. They actually taste better on day two when the flavors have had time to blend together. If you need to keep them longer, stick them in the fridge for up to a week, but always let them come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.

Customization Ideas

The standard recipe tastes great, but you can easily switch things up. Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. White chocolate bits go really well with the cinnamon. For something different, add a bit of cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mix for a chai-like flavor that's really tasty.

Common Problems Solved

Most people mess up by baking 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 is too thick, just add a few more milk drops until it pours easily. For nice clean slices, warm your knife under hot water and wipe it between cuts.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I keep these blondies fresh?

Pop them into an airtight container and keep at room temperature for three days or refrigerate for a week to enjoy them longer.

→ Can I swap the cinnamon for something else?

Absolutely! Try nutmeg, cardamom, or a mix of spices like allspice for a new twist.

→ What other glaze choices work well?

If you’re not using the classic powdered sugar glaze, consider cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple syrup for a unique kick.

→ Could these blondies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix that includes xanthan gum to retain the texture.

→ Any tips to elevate the cinnamon flavor?

Add a touch of vanilla or a small pinch of cardamom to enhance the taste of the cinnamon swirl.

→ What’s the best way to serve them?

Treat yourself by serving them warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.