Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: A Sweet, Buttery Classic with a Warm Twist

If there’s one dessert that brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, it’s Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. The scent of brown sugar melting into butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon floating through the air—it’s pure nostalgia. Every bite has that chewy, buttery goodness of a cookie mixed with the soft, rich texture of a brownie. They’re the kind of treat you bake “just because,” and they never last more than a day in my house.

In this article, you’ll learn not only how to make perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies but also how to elevate them with simple variations, serve them beautifully, and store them without losing that irresistible texture. We’ll draw a few comparisons to similar desserts from Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle to Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, so you can explore more warm, spiced bakes that make your kitchen smell divine.

Freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Blondies.

The Story Behind Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

A Slice of Nostalgia in Every Bite

My love affair with Cinnamon Sugar Blondies started during a blustery fall afternoon. I remember standing on a stool beside my grandmother as she melted butter over the stove, stirring in brown sugar until it turned into a smooth caramel base. “This,” she said, “is the heart of every good blondie.” The simplicity of her recipe—no chocolate, just butter, sugar, vanilla, and a generous dusting of cinnamon—taught me that sometimes the most comforting flavors come from the simplest ingredients.

Blondies, often called the “golden cousin” of brownies, date back to the early 20th century. While brownies relied on cocoa, blondies used molasses-rich brown sugar for a caramel-like depth. Add cinnamon to that mix, and you have a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Much like the buttery softness of Soft Danish Butter Cookies or the sugary crunch of Saltine Candy Delight, these blondies balance sweetness and spice perfectly.

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Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: A Sweet, Buttery Classic with a Warm Twist

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Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are soft, buttery dessert bars layered with warm cinnamon flavor and a crisp sugary crust. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat with coffee.

  • Author: Carla
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 28 mins
  • Total Time: 38 mins
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking just until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
  6. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  7. Mix the topping ingredients (sugar and cinnamon) and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
  8. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
  9. Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the blondies chewy.
  • For gluten-free blondies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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The Secret to the Perfect Chew

A chewy Cinnamon Sugar Blondie starts with the right ratio of butter to brown sugar. The butter should be melted—not softened—to create that glossy, sticky batter that guarantees chewiness. Overmixing can make them cakey, so just a light whisking until everything blends smoothly does the trick. Another secret? Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar topping. It forms a delicate crust that gives a slight crunch before you hit the soft interior.

If you’ve ever baked White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or Peppermint Brownie Cookies, you know how texture plays an important role in dessert satisfaction. Blondies are the same way—every bite needs contrast.

Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Building the Base

The foundation of great Cinnamon Sugar Blondies lies in simplicity. You’ll need melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and of course, cinnamon. Stir the melted butter and sugar together until silky. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients. The batter should be thick but spreadable.

Here’s a helpful guide:

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies – Ingredient Guide

IngredientAmount
Unsalted butter (melted)1 cup
Light brown sugar (packed)1 ½ cups
All-purpose flour2 cups
Ground cinnamon2 teaspoons
Baking powder1 teaspoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Vanilla extract2 teaspoons
Large eggs2
Granulated sugar (for topping)¼ cup
Ground cinnamon (for topping)1 teaspoon


The smell of cinnamon rising from the oven as these blondies bake is nothing short of magical—just like when you’re making Raspberry Linzer Cookies or Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Both have that same warmth that makes your home feel cozy and festive.

Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Before baking, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on top. This topping caramelizes slightly in the oven, forming a crunchy crust that beautifully contrasts with the chewy center. It’s this duality—crisp meets gooey—that makes Cinnamon Sugar Blondies irresistible.

Much like Traditional Chocolate Yule Log or Italian Cannoli Cookies, presentation matters too. Cutting your blondies into even squares with clean edges transforms them from a casual snack to a picture-perfect dessert tray addition.

Delicious Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Adding a Twist to the Classic

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can play with mix-ins to personalize your Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Add white chocolate chips for creaminess, or swirl in cream cheese for tang. Chopped pecans or walnuts bring a nutty crunch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top makes them decadently rich.

A fun variation is to create a “snickerdoodle blondie,” inspired by that soft cinnamon cookie we all know and love. Much like the sweet, nostalgic notes in Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies or Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles, snickerdoodle blondies add extra cinnamon and cream of tartar for tang.

Seasonal Flavors to Try

In the fall, fold in apple chunks or swirl pumpkin puree into the batter for a cozy seasonal twist. During winter, try a sprinkle of nutmeg and cloves for a spiced holiday blondie that pairs perfectly with cocoa. The flavor combinations are endless—think of them as a canvas for your creativity, much like how Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts reimagine classic fritters or how Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread layers comforting flavors.

Serving and Storing Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

How to Serve Them Right

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are best enjoyed slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. You can also drizzle them with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness. For a dessert table, serve them alongside other cozy treats like Whipped Shortbread Cookies and Blueberry Cake Donuts.

They make a stunning gift too—wrap them in parchment and tie them with twine for a rustic homemade touch. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy coffee dates.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Blondies chewy and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving. They also freeze beautifully—wrap each square individually and freeze for up to three months.

Pair them with hot tea in the morning or enjoy them as an after-dinner treat. Like Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake or Apple Crumb Cake, they age gracefully, their flavors deepening as the days pass.

Golden-brown Cinnamon Sugar Blondies served warm with melting vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Serving Up the Final Words

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are proof that you don’t need extravagant ingredients to create something extraordinary. With butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of love, you can bake up joy in less than an hour. Whether you enjoy them with morning coffee or as a midnight snack, these blondies promise warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction every single time.

FAQ Section

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Blondies gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains chewy, and the flavor stays perfectly balanced.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can safely reduce brown sugar by ¼ cup without compromising flavor. Keep in mind that sugar also affects texture, so going lower might make them denser.

How do I prevent dry or cakey blondies?

Don’t overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Blondies should be slightly underbaked in the center—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan, double the ingredients, and add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

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