Cinnamon Roll Blondies Bliss

This hearty Cinnamon Roll Blondies recipe combines the best of a gooey, buttery blondie with the comforting swirls of a cinnamon roll. The result is an irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma while baking.

I first created these when hosting a surprise brunch for my sister. The scent of cinnamon filled the house and everyone kept wandering into the kitchen asking what was in the oven. Now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Gives these blondies their rich foundation and helps create that perfect chewy texture
• Brown sugar: Provides that deep caramel flavor that makes blondies distinctive from regular brownies
• Ground cinnamon: The star here; look for Ceylon cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors; use pure rather than imitation for best results
• Powdered sugar: Creates that perfect smooth glaze that resembles classic cinnamon rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pan:

Carefully line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is crucial for perfect blondies that don't stick.

Create the base:

Mix melted butter with both sugars until completely smooth and slightly thickened. This creates the foundation for that perfect chewy texture. The mixture should look glossy and well combined.

Add wet ingredients:

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and stir until the mixture becomes lighter in color. This aeration helps create the perfect blondie texture.

Combine dry ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt ensuring there are no lumps. The thorough mixing of dry ingredients prevents pockets of flour in your finished blondies.

Fold together:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, folding gently just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make your blondies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Create the cinnamon swirl:

Layer half the batter in the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, then repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to create swirls throughout for that beautiful cinnamon roll effect.

Bake to perfection:

Place in preheated oven and bake until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. This ensures you get that perfect fudgy center that makes blondies so irresistible.

Glaze while warm:

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the slightly cooled blondies. The warm blondies will help the glaze set to the perfect consistency.

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The cinnamon is truly what makes these special. I discovered that letting the blondies cool for about 15 minutes before adding the glaze creates the perfect consistency where the glaze partially sinks in but still maintains that classic cinnamon roll look.

Storage Solutions

These blondies stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves on the second day as the flavors have more time to meld together. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate for up to a week but always bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Make It Your Own

The basic recipe is wonderful but you can easily customize these blondies to suit your taste. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch. White chocolate chips work beautifully with the cinnamon flavor. For a more complex flavor profile, add a quarter teaspoon of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture, which gives them a chai-inspired twist.

Troubleshooting Tips

The most common mistake with blondies is overbaking. They should come out of the oven looking slightly underdone in the center since they continue cooking as they cool. If your glaze seems too thick, simply add a few more drops of milk until it reaches drizzling consistency. For clean cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe clean between each slice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I store Cinnamon Roll Blondies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to extend freshness.

→ Can I substitute the cinnamon?

Yes, you can substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or a blend of warm spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.

→ What glaze options can I use?

Aside from the classic powdered sugar and milk glaze, try cream cheese frosting or a maple drizzle for added flavor.

→ Can these blondies be made gluten-free?

Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for structure.

→ How can I enhance the cinnamon swirl flavor?

Adding a pinch of cardamom or a few drops of vanilla extract to the cinnamon mixture can deepen the flavor profile.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.