If you’re craving a dessert that’s sweet, chewy, and ridiculously easy to make, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies will hit the spot. Made in one bowl with no mixer required, these dessert bars deliver a rich brown sugar flavor topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust that crackles in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a quick dessert fix, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Don’t miss our apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream if you’re looking for another cozy, cinnamon-packed idea.
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Why Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Are the Perfect Dessert
What Makes Blondies Different from Brownies
While brownies steal the spotlight with chocolate, blondies are their golden, vanilla-forward cousins. The main difference lies in the flavor base—blondies use brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa, which creates a rich, buttery taste. With the absence of chocolate, the cinnamon sugar topping becomes the hero, offering warm spice and that irresistible crackly top.
Blondies also have a different texture goal. Instead of aiming for a gooey chocolate center, these bars strive for a chewy, fudgy consistency—dense but not dry, and never cakey. That’s why this recipe skips leavening agents altogether.
Why Cinnamon Sugar Is the Ultimate Flavor Duo
Cinnamon and sugar are a nostalgic pairing that instantly reminds us of home-baked goodness. Think cinnamon toast, snickerdoodle cookies, or warm churros. In this blondie recipe, the cinnamon sugar topping forms a golden crust, giving each bite a slight crunch followed by a soft, buttery chew.
Cinnamon’s warm notes complement the caramel tones of brown sugar, creating a layered flavor that’s comforting yet simple. This is one of those flavor combos that never fails.
When to Serve These Blondies (Spoiler: Anytime!)
These blondies are ideal for any time of year. During the cooler months, they’re perfect with a hot drink. In warmer months, they make a great sweet bite to bring to cookouts or gatherings. Pack them for lunchboxes, serve them at potlucks, or keep them in the fridge for an after-dinner nibble. For a fun drink pairing, check out our toasted marshmallow iced coffee for a sweet and smoky twist.
Whether you’re baking for a fall bake sale or just want something easy and sweet on a weeknight, these cinnamon sugar blondies fit the bill every time.
Simple Ingredients That Bring Big Flavor
Pantry Staples That Make the Magic
You’ll be glad to know this recipe doesn’t require a trip to the store. Most likely, you already have everything you need:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | Adds moisture and richness |
| Light brown sugar | Provides sweetness and caramel notes |
| Egg | Binds ingredients, adds structure |
| Vanilla extract | Enhances sweetness with warm depth |
| All-purpose flour | Base structure for blondies |
| Salt (just a pinch) | Balances sweetness |
| White sugar + Cinnamon | Mixed and sprinkled to form crust |
No leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder are used. This ensures a dense, chewy texture, not a cakey one. That’s exactly what makes these blondies so satisfying.
Optional Add-ins to Elevate Your Blondies
Want to customize the base recipe? Here are some delicious mix-ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- White chocolate chips for sweetness
- Toffee bits for a buttery surprise
- Apple chunks to make it autumn-ready (like in this apple crumb cake)
Just remember—don’t overdo it. Keep the mix-ins to about ½ cup total to maintain the recipe’s structure.
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Need to adapt the recipe? No problem. Here are some easy swaps:
- Gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive bakers
- Plant-based butter for a dairy-free version
- Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) as an egg replacer
- Coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a less refined option
Blondies are naturally flexible, making them a favorite for home bakers with dietary needs.
Looking for more chewy, flavorful treats? Don’t miss our chewy maple brown sugar cookies for another twist on classic comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Making these blondies is as simple as it gets. You don’t need a mixer, just a bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples. Here’s how to make sure every bite turns out moist, chewy, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.
Preparing Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it easy to lift the blondies out once they’ve cooled.
No parchment? No problem. You can lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray. Just make sure you coat all corners evenly to prevent any sticking.
Mixing the Batter Without a Mixer
This recipe is designed for ease. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
- Melt the butter (½ cup) and pour it into a medium bowl.
- Add 1 cup of light brown sugar and stir until combined.
- Mix in 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick—don’t overmix.
That’s it! You now have your base blondie batter, no fancy equipment or techniques required. For more sweet simplicity, check out our pumpkin s’mores cookies—another one-bowl favorite.
The Key to That Signature Cinnamon Sugar Crust
In a small bowl, mix 5 teaspoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the batter in your baking dish.
This step is critical—it creates a crisp, golden layer on top of the blondies. For best results, gently press the topping into the batter using the back of a spoon so it sticks while baking.
Now bake the blondies in your preheated oven for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t wait for browning on top—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out. Then cut into squares and enjoy!
Troubleshooting & Expert Baking Tips
No one wants dry, cakey blondies. Here’s how to get that perfect chewy texture every time.
Avoiding Dry or Overbaked Blondies
Overbaking is the most common mistake. Remember, the blondies will look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out—but that’s what gives them the signature fudgy texture.
Tip: Set a timer for 20 minutes and check them early. If the edges are pulling away from the sides and the top is just set, you’re golden.
If you’re baking at high altitude, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon and increase oven temp by 15°F. This helps set the crust before the center overbakes.
Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture
This recipe doesn’t include baking powder or soda, which keeps the blondies dense and fudgy rather than cakey. Using melted butter instead of creamed butter also helps produce a richer, more compact bite.
For more dense texture ideas, check out our biscoff cookie butter latte—a perfect drink pairing for a chewy bar like this.
If you’re looking for a lighter texture, you can try adding ¼ teaspoon of baking powder—but we strongly recommend sticking to the original for the best results.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Want them warm again? Microwave a square for about 10–12 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled blondies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight or microwave straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into nearly any occasion. But they shine even brighter when served with the right pairings.
Pairing with Drinks (Coffee, Milk, etc.)
There’s nothing better than a warm blondie paired with a cozy drink. Here are a few options that match perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar richness:
- Classic black coffee: Cuts the sweetness with a slight bitterness
- Chai tea latte: Complements the spice with layers of cinnamon and cardamom
- Cold milk: A traditional favorite, especially for kids
- Maple or vanilla lattes: Bring out the caramel notes in the blondies
- Want something creative? Try our biscoff cookie butter latte—a dreamy drink that pairs wonderfully with any cinnamon-based dessert.
Serving as Part of a Dessert Platter
These blondies are a smart addition to:
- Holiday dessert trays
- After-dinner mini dessert boards
- Office potlucks or bake sales
Their square shape makes them easy to cut and transport, while their shelf-stable nature means you can bake them a day ahead with no compromise in taste or texture.
Looking for more platter-friendly treats? Check out our salted caramel apple pie bars for a fall-themed addition.
Making It a Seasonal Favorite
Cinnamon naturally evokes feelings of fall and winter. But don’t box these blondies into one season.
- Add a dash of nutmeg or clove for a deeper autumn vibe
- Serve with vanilla ice cream in summer
- Drizzle with apple cider glaze for a Thanksgiving twist
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday finish
These simple tweaks help make this recipe a go-to throughout the year.
FAQ About Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Can you freeze cinnamon sugar blondies?
Yes! Once fully cooled, cut the blondies into squares and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a warm, gooey texture.
Why are my blondies cakey instead of chewy?
Cakey blondies usually mean too much flour or the use of a leavening agent like baking powder. This recipe intentionally omits leaveners to maintain a dense, fudgy center. Be sure to measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
How do I know when blondies are done baking?
At 22 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. The top should look just set but not over-browned. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
What’s the best way to store blondies for freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. If your home is particularly humid, refrigerate to avoid sogginess. Reheat briefly for best texture.
Final Thoughts on the Best Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe
If you’re after a no-fail dessert that brings major flavor with minimum fuss, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are a must-try. They’re chewy, rich, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness—all made in one bowl, no mixer needed. Whether you’re sharing with family or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t judge), these blondies deliver every single time.
Looking for inspiration? Try our pumpkin cheesecake truffles for another sweet treat that’s perfect for seasonal cravings.
PrintEasy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are chewy, buttery dessert bars with a crackly cinnamon sugar crust. Made in one bowl and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect treat for any season.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 5 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Stir again to combine.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon together.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overbake; blondies will firm up as they cool.
- Can be customized with add-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
