If you have a soft spot for both cinnamon rolls and rich, buttery blondies, then you’re in for an absolute treat with this Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe. It’s the best of both worlds combined into one gooey, irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. Swirled with warm cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze, these blondies are simply perfect for sharing or satisfying your own sweet tooth in the coziest way imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing a crucial role in building the rich flavor, tender crumb, and that classic cinnamon roll sweetness that makes this recipe extraordinary. With pantry staples and just a few special touches, you’ll bring homemade magic to your kitchen.
- 1 cup (2 sticks; 227 g) unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, moist base and luscious texture for the blondies.
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar (packed): Adds warmth and depth with its molasses undertones, enhancing the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Help bind everything together while creating tenderness.
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Adds extra richness for a velvety crumb.
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract: Intensifies the sweetness and complements the cinnamon.
- 2 ½ cups (285 g) all-purpose flour: Forms the structure keeping the blondies chewy yet slightly soft.
- 2 tsp corn starch: Ensures a tender texture by softening the flour’s proteins.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the blondies a slight lift for a perfect bite.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Combined with sugar and cinnamon to create the signature cinnamon swirl.
- ¼ cup (packed) light brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a perfectly spiced swirl.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that channels all the cozy cinnamon roll vibes.
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds tanginess and creamy richness to the glaze.
- ¼ cup (½ stick; 57 g) unsalted butter, softened: Makes the glaze luxuriously smooth.
- 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a glossy finish.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Boosts the glaze’s flavor for maximum yum.
- Pinch kosher salt: Rounds out the sweetness with a subtle hint of saltiness in the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your blondies lift out easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and keeping the edges perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the melted butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, creating a luscious, aromatic base that promises rich flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Each of these ingredients plays its role in building structure while keeping the blondies tender and perfectly spiced.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the blondies soft and chewy. This delicate balance is what gives these blondies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix the additional melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to form your cinnamon swirl. Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top, add the remaining batter, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar. This layering creates the signature swirl running through the blondies that tastes just like a cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the blondies turn a warm golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time lets the blondies set while staying delectably soft inside.
Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Glaze
Allow the blondies to cool slightly while you whisk together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This cream cheese glaze is the ultimate finishing touch that mimics the irresistible frosting on a cinnamon roll.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm blondies. The warmth helps the glaze slightly melt into the swirl below, creating pockets of creamy cinnamon sweetness with every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these blondies even further, consider sprinkling a bit of crushed toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a crunchy contrast. You can also dust a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra spice notes that complement the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The creamy, sweet blondies pair delightful with these drinks, making your snack or dessert time a cozy, comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical dessert spread, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. Layer them between scoops of vanilla ice cream for a decadent blondie sundae that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life but may firm up the texture slightly.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat individual blondie pieces briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop a slice in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their gooey texture and melts the glaze into buttery bliss.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid overpowering the sweetness. Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you more control over the seasoning.
What if I don’t have corn starch?
While corn starch helps keep the blondies tender, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or potato starch without significantly changing the texture.
Is cream cheese necessary in the glaze?
The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that elevates the glaze from simple sweetness to something truly special. However, you can omit it and make a plain vanilla glaze if you prefer a lighter finish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup to achieve similar texture and flavor.
How thick should I spread the batter in the pan?
Spread the batter evenly but don’t overfill the pan to allow the blondies to bake through properly with lovely layers of cinnamon swirl. About ¾ inch thickness works perfectly in an 8×8 inch pan.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe is truly a winner if you want to experience the joy of cinnamon rolls in a new, playful form that’s easier to share and simply delightful. I hope you have as much fun making and devouring these as I do—trust me, they’ll become a fast favorite for your sweet tooth and cozy moments alike.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the rich, buttery sweetness of classic blondies with swirls of cinnamon sugar, delivering the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make bar form. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, they make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks; 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (285 g) all‑purpose flour
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (packed) light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick; 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, stirring well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon swirl. Spread half of the blondie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the blondies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: While the blondies cool slightly, whip together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm blondies before cutting into squares and serving for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies soft and tender.
- Use parchment paper so blondies can be easily removed from the pan.
- Allow blondies to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting completely.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top after glazing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American