Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Imagine the cozy, welcoming aroma of cinnamon sugar wafting from your oven. Now, picture that flavor baked into a buttery, dense, and chewy blondie with a crackly top. These easy cinnamon sugar blondies are exactly that: a humble, one-bowl dessert that feels like a hug in bar form.

They’re simpler than cookies, faster than a cake, and impossibly satisfying. Whether you need a last-minute treat or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this recipe is your steadfast, delicious answer.

WHY THIS EASY CINNAMON SUGAR BLONDIES RECIPE IS A KEEPER

This easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe earns a permanent spot in your repertoire for five brilliant reasons.

• First, it’s a true one-bowl wonder with minimal cleanup.
• Second, the method is foolproof, no electric mixer, no fancy techniques.
• Third, they bake in under 30 minutes, from pantry to plate.
• Furthermore, they offer the perfect texture: chewy at the edges, fudgy in the middle, with a delicate sugary crust.

• Finally, they are endlessly adaptable, serving as the perfect base for nuts, chocolate chips, or a simple drizzle of glaze.

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INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR ONE-BOWL WONDER

You likely have everything you need already. Grab ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted. You’ll need 1 cup of packed light brown sugar for that rich, caramel-like moisture. For structure, use 1 large egg and 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. The dry ingredients are 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. The star flavor comes from 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.

For the signature crackly top, you’ll also mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to sprinkle on just before baking.

THE TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

The simplicity continues here. You’ll need just one medium mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and an 8×8 inch baking pan. Parchment paper is highly recommended for foolproof removal and clean slicing. A fork or small bowl for mixing the cinnamon-sugar topping is the final touch.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO MAKE EASY CINNAMON SUGAR BLONDIES

The easy cinnamon sugar blondies process is beautifully straightforward. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In your bowl, whisk the melted butter and packed light brown sugar together vigorously for a full minute. This helps create that shiny, crackly top. Then, whisk in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

2. Add Dry Ingredients: Switch to your spatula. Gently fold in the flour, the 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and the salt. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Do not overmix; this keeps the blondies tender and dense.

3. Pan and Top: Spread the thick, fragrant batter evenly into your prepared pan. In a small dish, mix the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar evenly over the entire surface of the batter.

BAKING TO CHEWY, CRACKLY PERFECTION

4. Bake: Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 22-26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is shiny and crackled, the edges are pulling slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

5. The Crucial Cool: This is the hardest step! Let the blondies cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. They will continue to set as they cool. Rushing this will make them impossible to slice neatly. For the cleanest cuts, you can even refrigerate the cooled pan for 30 minutes.

PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST BLONDIES EVERY TIME

Follow these simple, easy cinnamon sugar blondies tips for flawless, easy cinnamon sugar blondies.

• First, properly measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense, dry bars.
• Second, whisk the butter and sugar well; this incorporates air and guarantees that classic shiny, papery crust.
• Third, use light brown sugar for its perfect moisture level and mild molasses flavor that lets the cinnamon shine.
• Finally, let them cool completely before slicing with a sharp knife for pristine squares.

DELICIOUS RECIPE VARIATIONS TO TRY

This easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe is a perfect canvas.

• For Cinnamon Apple Blondies, fold in ¾ cup of finely diced apple.
• For Snickerdoodle Blondies, add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter.
• For a Streusel-Topped Version, mix ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cold butter, and ½ tsp cinnamon into crumbs; sprinkle over batter before baking.
• For Chocolate Swirl Blondies, drop spoonfuls of ¼ cup melted chocolate over the batter and swirl with a knife.

STORAGE AND FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS

Store cooled easy cinnamon sugar blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON BLONDIE ISSUES

If your blondies are cakey and dry, you may have overmixed the batter after adding the flour or over-baked them. Next time, fold gently and check earlier. If the top isn’t crackly, you may not have whisked the butter and sugar enough, or your brown sugar may have been too hard/clumpy.

If they’re too greasy, ensure you’re using a standard ½ cup (1 stick) of butter, not a heaping amount. If they sank in the middle, the batter was likely under-baked; use the toothpick test for doneness.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH YOUR BLONDIES

These easy cinnamon sugar blondies are sublime on their own with a glass of cold milk. For a dessert plate, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a hot coffee or spiced chai latte.

A QUICK NOTE ON INGREDIENTS

Using melted butter is key to the dense, chewy texture. Light brown sugar is ideal, but dark brown will work for a deeper flavor. For the best cinnamon flavor, ensure your spice is fresh and fragrant. It’s the star here!

MY KITCHEN STORY: THE BLONDIE THAT DEFINES COZY

This easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe was born on a lazy Sunday when I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to dirty every dish in the kitchen. I whisked together butter, sugar, and a generous dose of cinnamon, remembering the simple joy of cinnamon-sugar toast.

The result was these humble, deeply comforting bars. They’ve since become my signature “I’m thinking of you” gift for neighbors, my go-to potluck contribution, and my favorite dessert to make with my nieces. They prove that the simplest creations, made with warmth, are often the most loved.

FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU BAKE

Before you start, confirm: your oven is at 350°F. Your 8×8 pan is lined with parchment. Your butter is melted and slightly cooled. Your brown sugar is fresh and soft. Your cinnamon sugar topping is mixed. Now, you’re minutes away from pure comfort.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I double this easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. The bake time may need to be increased by 5-8 minutes; watch for the same visual cues.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a reputable 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly more crumbly but will still be delicious.

Why did my cinnamon sugar topping sink?
If the batter was overmixed after adding the flour, it can become too thin. Also, ensure you sprinkle the topping on just before baking, not before the batter rests.