Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic of a morning cinnamon roll with the chewy, buttery bliss of a blondie, Cinnamon Roll Blondies are about to become your new obsession. These bars are a pure treat: plush and golden, marbled with a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl, and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze. Every bite tastes like the center of a cinnamon roll—sweet, spiced, and impossibly soft—yet they’re so much quicker and simpler to make than their yeasted cousins. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a potluck, or just because you need something comforting, Cinnamon Roll Blondies will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Blondies is how easily pantry staples transform into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from rich brown sugar for chewiness to cinnamon for that signature warmth. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the blondies their rich, tender crumb and deep flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture, caramel notes, and chewiness you crave in blondies.
- Large egg: Binds the batter together and gives the bars structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds irresistible aroma and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the blondies, ensuring a soft but sturdy bar.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter just enough for a lovely, tender bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the other flavors pop.
- Softened unsalted butter (for swirl): Helps the cinnamon swirl stay plush and gooey.
- Brown sugar (for swirl): Melts into the butter for a caramel-like ribbon through the blondies.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of this recipe, lending warmth and spice in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Ensures a silky, sweet drizzle for the perfect finish.
- Milk or cream: Loosens the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): A final touch of flavor in the luscious glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting. A well-lined pan saves you from sticky messes and ensures perfectly square Cinnamon Roll Blondies every time.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until the batter comes together—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that tender chew.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Scrape the blondie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Take a moment to admire that golden, buttery base—it’s the perfect canvas for the cinnamon swirl magic to come.
Step 4: Swirl in the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a thick, fragrant paste. Dollop spoonfuls of this mixture over the blondie batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through. Aim for lovely ribbons—don’t over-swirl, or you’ll lose those gooey pockets!
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are set and turning golden but the center is still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—underbaking slightly gives you that dreamy, fudgy blondie texture.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the Cinnamon Roll Blondies cool in the pan before lifting them out. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bars, letting it seep into every swirl.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Garnishes
A drizzle of classic vanilla glaze is all you need for that bakery-fresh look, but you can also sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon on top or finish with a few white chocolate shavings if you want to make your Cinnamon Roll Blondies extra special for guests.
Side Dishes
These blondies are delightful with a mug of strong coffee, a chai latte, or a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait—the sweetness of the bars pairs well with something a bit tangy or creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Cinnamon Roll Blondies into neat squares for snacking, or slice them into fingers and arrange on a platter for a dessert buffet. For an indulgent twist, warm a bar slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the gooey glaze melts into a dreamy sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The blondies will stay soft and chewy, and the flavors deepen as they sit, making each bite even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and glazed, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a gentle zap in the microwave to revive their gooey texture.
Reheating
If you love your Cinnamon Roll Blondies warm and melty, pop a square in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the cinnamon swirl extra fragrant.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the center for that perfect gooeyness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch, and white chocolate chips make the bars even more decadent. Stir them into the batter before swirling in the cinnamon filling.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s just set but still soft. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your Cinnamon Roll Blondies are ready.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand; just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Blondies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet and comforting, don’t wait another minute—bake a batch of Cinnamon Roll Blondies and treat yourself to a little slice of pure joy. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to grab a piece. Give them a try and you’ll see why they’re a bakery favorite in bar form!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the rich buttery flavor of classic blondies with a sweet cinnamon swirl and creamy vanilla glaze, offering an easy-to-make dessert that tastes like a cinnamon roll in every bite.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the blondie batter in the pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Blondies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies soft. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make and Drizzle the Glaze: While the blondies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing into 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra decadence, fold in a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter before baking.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the blondies have cooled completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
