Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

I can still hear the oven clock tick as I pull the pan from the oven. The kitchen fills with warm cinnamon and caramelized butter. The kids press their noses to the glass, little fingers fogging the window, and Jake comes in from the city with his coat smelling like rain and coffee. Those first bites of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are always a small, perfect truce after a long day. The top cracks just enough to show the dense, tender center. Steam curls up, and someone always insists on a second square before dinner settles in.

There is something about the sound of the pan cooling on the counter and the quiet chatter that follows. It is a simple kind of celebration. I make these blondies when I want to welcome people home, when I need a quick dessert after a late meeting, or when Wednesday feels like it might swallow us whole. They are quick, comforting, and honest food that asks very little and gives a lot.

I keep a small stack of recipes on the fridge door. Sometimes I flip through them, and I will admit I have a soft spot for warm, spiced sweets that feel like an embrace. If you like cozy cinnamon treats, you might also enjoy soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies, which are another favorite in our weekend baking rotation.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Works for Busy Families

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies fit right into our family rhythm. They are fast to make, forgiving if you rush a step, and loved by every age. My girls, ages seven and ten, help with the topping. They take the job very seriously and always add “just a little extra” sugar.

This recipe landed in our rotation because it combines pantry staples with a little home-spun magic. Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon make a soft, rich square that pairs well with everything from milk to strong coffee. I bake a pan after school or on a Sunday afternoon while I start dinner. The house smells like cinnamon and caramel, and people drift in.

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are also great for school packs and last-minute guests. They keep well, travel well, and taste even sweeter when you eat them together, hands sticky and faces smiling. I believe food like this brings us back to each other after a busy day in the city.

Bringing Cinnamon Sugar Blondies to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Before we list the ingredients, let me tell you how making these blondies feels. The butter melts into a glossy pool. Brown sugar nests into it, like a soft blanket. The batter becomes thick, almost like caramel. When you stir in the flour and cinnamon, the batter goes from pale gold to a warmer hue, flecked with spice.

Baking is part rhythm and part attention. You want to watch the edges for that golden hint. When a toothpick comes out clean, you know the oven and the timing have done their part. When I grease the pan, I hum a song because the kids think it means we can dance when the blondies are done. From there, the oven does the rest and the house transforms with that cozy cinnamon scent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Use the best butter you can find. It makes a noticeable difference. I keep a stick of butter soft on the counter when I plan to bake. If you like a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar. For the cinnamon, choose good ground cinnamon. It smells sweeter and warmer.

If you want to pair these blondies with a spiced cake sometime, try my quick apple cake idea in the fridge-worthy list: easy cinnamon apple cake. It shares a similar cozy spice profile.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
    Tip: Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting afterward.
  2. In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
    Tip: Let it cool just enough so it does not cook the eggs when you add them.
  3. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
    Tip: Stir until creamy and glossy.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
    Tip: Mix briskly so the batter becomes smooth and even.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
    Tip: This makes sure the baking powder is even and the cinnamon is not clumped.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
    Tip: Stir until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
    Tip: An offset spatula helps make the top even.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the batter.
    Tip: Press lightly with your fingers so the topping sticks.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden, and a toothpick comes out clean.
    Tip: Watch for golden edges. Ovens vary, so check at 18 minutes if yours runs hot.
  10. Let cool, cut into squares, and enjoy your delicious cinnamon sugar blondies!
    Tip: Let them cool a bit so the center sets. They are still good warm if you can’t wait.

These steps are short and clear. They help you focus on the parts that matter: melting, mixing, and timing. Small pauses, like letting the butter cool slightly or pressing the cinnamon-sugar topping, make a big difference. I teach the kids to measure and whisk, and they feel proud when the squares come out just right.

Serving Cinnamon Sugar Blondies at the Family Table

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

We serve these blondies in our small kitchen nook. The table is usually cluttered with homework and a stray scarf. Someone pours milk while another grabs a fork. There is always a soft argument about who gets the corner pieces. The blondies send up a lazy ribbon of steam at first. Plates clink and spoons tap. Laughter fills the space between bites.

I like to serve them slightly warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them extra special for guests. For weekday treats, a simple cup of tea or a strong espresso is perfect. If the children are around, milk cups and napkins make them feel grown-up and cozy.

Pair these squares with a fruit salad for a lighter counterpoint. The cinnamon-sugar notes pair beautifully with crisp apples or poached pears. Sometimes we pile them onto a small tray for neighbor visits. The smell invites conversation and often a story about someone’s day.

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. I like to layer parchment between squares if I stack them. This keeps the topping from sticking and the pieces looking neat.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled squares individually on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to three months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes if you want the top re-crisped. A 10-second zap in the microwave will warm them through if you’re in a hurry. Flavors actually deepen after a day. The cinnamon and brown sugar settle and taste richer the next morning.

If you plan to pack these in lunchboxes, wrap each square in wax paper. They stay fresh and travel well. My girls have taken them to school for bake sales. We cut them smaller for that and label them with a little heart.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

  1. Use room-temperature eggs. They mix more evenly into the batter and give a smoother texture.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing makes the blondies tougher. Stir until just combined.
  3. For a softer center, watch the bake time closely and pull the pan when the middle feels just set. It will finish as it cools.
  4. If you want a deeper caramel flavor, swap half the brown sugar for dark brown sugar.
  5. Press the cinnamon-sugar topping gently so it melts slightly into the batter during baking.

These are small changes that make the recipe resilient. I learned them through kitchen mishaps, experiments, and the occasional overbaked pan. They come from doing this enough to know what each step will do.

Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

You can adapt this recipe in a few fun ways. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch. Stir in white chocolate chips for sweetness that melts into ribbons. For a fall twist, fold in a half cup of grated apple and reduce the sugar a touch.

If you want to lean into maple flavors, try a maple-cinnamon swirl. You can find inspiration and similar ideas in places like chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate. I enjoy that contrast of maple and cinnamon and sometimes drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup over warm squares for a glossy finish.

For a citrus lift, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a fresh note. If you want gluten-free blondies, swap in a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Expect slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be there.

These variations let you make the recipe your own. I rotate through them depending on what is in the pantry or what the kids ask for.

Print
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Cinnamon Sugar Blondies cinnamon sugar blondies 2025 12 21 025034 150x150 1

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies


  • Author: cookthatdish
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously soft and rich blondies infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
  3. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the batter.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden, and a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool, cut into squares, and enjoy your delicious cinnamon sugar blondies!

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy with tea or coffee.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often prep it in the morning before the girls wake up, then finish it right before dinner. It keeps the flavor fresh and saves time later.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly. Taste and adjust as needed.

How do I know when the blondies are done?

Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely. Fold them in with the flour for even distribution. Adjust quantities to taste.

Are these suitable for school lunches?

Yes. They travel well and stay moist. Wrap individually for easy packing.

A Final Thought

Cooking these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is like pressing the pause button on a noisy day. The simple act of melting butter and stirring sugar brings an immediate sense of calm. It is a small ritual that signals home.

I bake them when the weather turns cold and when it does not. I make them for celebrations, for quiet Tuesdays, and for when guests arrive unexpectedly with tired smiles. The recipe is forgiving and friendly, and it asks little of you while giving a lot back in warmth.

Thank you for letting me share this small corner of my kitchen with you. May these blondies bring a moment of sweetness to your table and a few extra minutes of slow conversation in your busy life. Remember, cooking is not always about perfection. It is about the people who gather to eat together.

Conclusion

If you want another classic version to compare notes, try Cinnamon Sugar Blondie Recipe | Buns In My Oven for a slightly different take and helpful visuals. For a different spin with extra cinnamon charm, check out Cinnamon Sugar Blondies – Tabs & Tidbits for inspiration and helpful tips.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like cinnamon and butter.

Author

  • Sarah Delmont

    Sarah Delmont is the heart behind Cook That Dish, a vibrant space where healthy, creative cooking meets the joyful chaos of family life in New York City. A mom of two, she shares approachable recipes that transform everyday meals into delicious, health-conscious adventures, proving that wholesome food can be both exciting and easy.