If soft, buttery bars with a warm cinnamon swirl sound like a dream, then these cinnamon sugar blondies are your new obsession. Packed with comforting fall flavors and a perfectly chewy texture, they’re the kind of dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
In this article, you’ll get everything: why this recipe works, the short ingredient list, foolproof steps, tasty twists, and expert tips. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just because, you’ll fall hard for these sweet and simple bars.
Let’s dive into what makes these cinnamon sugar cookie bars truly magical.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
These chewy, rich bars have a caramel-like base from brown sugar and butter, topped with a cinnamon sugar crust that bakes into a lightly crackled finish. But that’s not all.
- 1. Quick and easy: These blondies come together in one bowl—no mixer, no fuss, no chilling.
- 2. Cozy flavors: The warm blend of brown sugar and cinnamon makes them perfect for cool nights or holiday gatherings.
- 3. Crowd-pleaser: From picky kids to indulgent adults, these never last long on the plate.
- 4. Easy to customize: Add white chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or even a maple glaze for an extra hit of sweetness.
- 5. Pantry staples: No specialty ingredients here. You likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
They’re the dessert cousin to Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, but with even fewer steps and just as much autumn charm.
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Soft, chewy cinnamon sugar blondies topped with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust. Made with simple pantry ingredients in one bowl.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 9 blondies 1x
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (for topping)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in flour and salt. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the batter.
7. Bake for 22–25 minutes until center is set and edges are golden.
8. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Store blondies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
You can freeze individually wrapped blondies for up to 2 months.
Optional add-ins: white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or maple glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cinnamon sugar blondies lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you need to make them:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | Gives a rich base and chewy texture |
| Brown Sugar | Adds moisture and caramel-like flavor |
| Egg | Binds the ingredients together |
| Vanilla Extract | Brings warmth and depth |
| All-Purpose Flour | Forms the structure |
| Ground Cinnamon + Sugar (for topping) | Creates the signature sweet crust |
You can also sprinkle in some festive flair like in these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for a fun dessert bar twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
These come together in under 10 minutes of prep—here’s how:
- 1. Prep your pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. - 2. Mix wet ingredients.
Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and stir until combined. - 3. Add dry ingredients.
Stir in the flour and a pinch of salt. The batter will be thick—perfect for blondies. - 4. Spread and top.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously on top. - 5. Bake.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden. - 6. Cool and slice.
Let them cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
They’re easy like these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies, but even quicker to prepare!
Tips and Variations
- Double the batch for a 9×13 pan.
- For extra gooeyness, underbake by 1–2 minutes.
- Fold in fun extras like white chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or a swirl of cream cheese.
- Use browned butter instead of melted butter to add a nutty twist—similar to these Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For a unique dessert table, pair these with Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies for a seasonal bar-cookie combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these blondies?
Yes, wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Why are my blondies dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Pull them out when the center just sets—they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce or skip the added salt to avoid overly salty bars.
What makes blondies different from brownies?
Brownies use cocoa or chocolate; blondies rely on brown sugar and vanilla for flavor. Think of them as a buttery, vanilla-rich cousin to brownies.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon sugar blondies are everything you want in a simple dessert: chewy, buttery, spiced just right, and ready in a flash. They’re the kind of treat you whip up on a whim—and they disappear just as fast.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or surprising guests with something homemade, these bars deliver. Add them to your fall dessert list right next to your favorite Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal or apple treats.
Quick to make. Impossible to forget.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
