Easy cinnamon roll blondies

These cinnamon sugar blondies transform the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a deliciously simple bar form. With their gooey interior, crisp cinnamon sugar topping, and cream cheese drizzle, they deliver all the comfort of brunch-time cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort.

I first made these blondies for a weekend brunch when I wanted something with cinnamon roll flavor but didn't have time for the traditional yeast dough. The moment my kitchen filled with that unmistakable cinnamon aroma, I knew they would become a staple in my baking rotation. The first bite confirmed it – all the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in a perfectly portable form.

Ingredients

• Butter – Melted unsalted butter creates a rich foundation and contributes to the chewy texture. Its richness enhances the brown sugar flavors throughout.
• Granulated and light brown sugars – This combination provides both sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar adds depth with its molasses notes and helps create that irresistible chewy texture.
• Eggs – Bind everything together while adding richness and structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic notes. It's essential for that homemade bakery flavor.
• Flour and cornstarch – All-purpose flour provides structure while cornstarch lightens the texture, creating that perfect balance between chewy and tender.
• Cinnamon – The star spice appears both in the batter and the swirl topping, infusing the blondies with warm, aromatic flavor throughout.
• Cream cheese morsels – These clever additions create pockets of tangy creaminess that perfectly mimic cinnamon roll filling. They're the secret weapon that sets these blondies apart.
• Brown sugar cinnamon swirl – A generous layer of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a streusel-like crust that adds textural contrast and intensifies the cinnamon flavor.
• Cream cheese drizzle – The finishing touch that truly transforms these bars into cinnamon roll territory, with its tangy sweetness and beautiful presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your workspace –

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This preparation ensures clean, easy-to-cut bars.

Create the batter base –

In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until smooth and well-emulsified. This thorough mixing creates the foundation for a perfectly textured blondie.

Add the wet ingredients –

Whisk in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated. The mixture should appear glossy and slightly thickened, showing that the eggs are properly integrated.

Incorporate dry ingredients –

Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, then add to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough blondies.

Add the cream cheese element –

Fold in cream cheese morsels or white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These will create those delicious pockets of creaminess reminiscent of cinnamon roll filling.

Transfer to pan –

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. A smooth, level batter ensures even baking and consistent texture.

Create the cinnamon sugar topping –

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This topping will become part-swirl, part-streusel during baking.

Apply the swirl –

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the top of the batter, then use a knife to lightly swirl it in. This technique distributes the flavor throughout while maintaining a crisp top layer.

Bake to perfection –

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will be set while the center remains slightly soft.

Cool completely –

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 2 hours. This patience is rewarded with perfectly set bars that slice cleanly.

Add the finishing touch –

Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla to create a thick, smooth glaze. Pipe or drizzle this over the cooled blondies before slicing. This final element truly completes the cinnamon roll experience.

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The magic of these blondies happens as they bake – the batter rises and sets into a chewy, tender base while the top layer of cinnamon and brown sugar caramelizes into a crisp, crackly crust. The cream cheese morsels soften into pockets of creamy goodness, creating delightful surprises in every bite.

My grandmother always said the secret to outstanding baked goods is knowing exactly when to stop mixing. The first time I made these blondies, I remembered her words as I gently folded in the dry ingredients, stopping the moment the flour disappeared. The result was that perfect tender-chewy texture that makes you close your eyes with the first bite – exactly what happens in her kitchen.

The Perfect Texture Balance

• Measure your flour carefully, using the spoon-and-level method
• Mix the batter only until ingredients are combined
• Bake just until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft
• Allow complete cooling before cutting for the cleanest slices

Creative Variations

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
• Include dried cranberries or raisins for fruit-filled cinnamon roll vibes
• Swap white chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile
• For a fall twist, add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon mixture

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days
• Refrigerate for up to a week, bringing to room temperature before serving
• Freeze cut blondies (without frosting) for up to three months, then thaw and add fresh frosting when ready to serve

After making these blondies countless times, I've found they're one of those magical recipes that's both simple enough for beginners yet complex enough in flavor to impress experienced bakers. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a treat that captures all the comfort of cinnamon rolls without the hours of work. Whether served warm with coffee at brunch, packed in lunch boxes, or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, these cinnamon sugar blondies bring the cozy feeling of homemade pastries in a delightfully convenient form.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use white chocolate chips instead of cream cheese chips?

Yes, white chocolate chips work great as a substitute for cream cheese chips in this recipe.

→ How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center - it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges will also be slightly browned.

→ Why do my blondies need to cool for 2 hours?

The cooling time allows the blondies to set properly and develop their chewy texture. Cutting them too soon can make them fall apart.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon sugar blondies?

Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ My glaze is too thick. How can I thin it?

Add 1/2 teaspoon of milk at a time and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

→ Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch pan, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.