Soft cinnamon sugar blondies

Soft and chewy cinnamon sugar blondies satisfy those cinnamon roll cravings in a fraction of the time. This recipe delivers all the warm comforting flavors you love in a bar that comes together quickly with simple ingredients and finishes with a rich cream cheese glaze.

I made a batch for last year’s holiday brunch and everyone went back for seconds. Even my pickiest nephew still asks for these whenever he visits.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter melted: gives richness and keeps the blondies tender Use European style for extra flavor
• Light brown sugar: adds deep caramel notes and moisture Always pack it firmly for accurate measuring
• Granulated sugar: brings a classic sweetness Choose superfine or caster sugar for a smoother blend
• Large eggs: help bind the bars and add chewiness Let them come to room temperature for fluffier texture
• Vanilla extract: boosts all the cozy cinnamon flavors Go for pure extract instead of imitation for best taste
• All purpose flour: provides structure Use unbleached for better results
• Cornstarch: makes each bite extra soft and prevents dryness
• Baking powder: gives a gentle lift so your blondies are not dense or stodgy
• Salt: balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors Try a fine sea salt
• Ground cinnamon: is the signature spice Look for a fresh fragrant variety for bold flavor
• Cream cheese chips or white chocolate chips: add creamy pops of flavor I like to search for the cream cheese version when I want them extra special
• Cinnamon sugar swirl: of brown sugar and cinnamon melts into a gooey topping Be sure to use fresh cinnamon
• Powdered sugar for the glaze: makes it smooth and sweet Sift before using to avoid lumps
• Spreadable cream cheese: ensures a velvety glaze Choose full fat for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line your eight inch square baking pan with parchment paper letting a bit overhang the edges This helps you lift out the blondies cleanly after baking

Make the Blondie Base:

In a large mixing bowl vigorously whisk together the melted unsalted butter light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and smooth This creates a shiny crackly top when baked

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract Beat until the mixture is thickened and even colored This step adds structure for a chewy texture

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Sift the flour baking powder cornstarch salt and ground cinnamon right into the wet mixture Stir gently with a spatula until most of the flour disappears Over mixing can make the bars tough so fold just until combined

Fold in Chips:

Scatter in the cream cheese chips or white chocolate chips Fold by hand so they evenly distribute without breaking up

Transfer to the Pan:

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

In a small bowl mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon until uniform Evenly sprinkle this over the batter Swirl gently with a kitchen knife or toothpick for a marbled effect but do not over mix or the swirl will disappear

Bake:

Place the pan in your preheated oven at three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Bake for forty to fifty minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs

Cool Completely:

Let the blondies cool in the pan for about two hours This allows them to firm up and gives clean slices

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a small bowl blend together the sifted powdered sugar soft spreadable cream cheese and vanilla extract Work until smooth and thick

Finish:

Pipe or drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled blondies Slice and serve for maximum wow factor

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My favorite part of this recipe is the cream cheese glaze It tastes like the gooey center of a cinnamon roll Growing up my mom sprinkled extra cinnamon sugar on top and we would fight over the corner pieces with the most crunchy swirl

Storage Tips

Store blondies tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days For longer freshness refrigerate up to five days Always let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best soft texture If you need to store for more than a week freeze tightly and thaw slices individually

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white chocolate chips if cream cheese chips are hard to find For the glaze plain Greek yogurt gives a tangy twist in place of cream cheese Gluten free all purpose flour blends work well for a wheat free version just add an extra tablespoon of liquid to the batter

Serving Suggestions

These blondies are perfect as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and coffee Warm individual slices in the microwave for that just baked effect Serve with vanilla ice cream for a next level dessert anytime

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Cultural and Historical Context

Blondies are a classic American treat often called the cousin to brownies Traditionally flavored with brown sugar for a caramel taste this version channels cinnamon rolls—a beloved breakfast and dessert throughout the US—making them a hybrid that feels right at home in any kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ How do cream cheese chips affect texture?

Cream cheese chips add a creamy, slightly tangy melt-in-the-mouth contrast to the sweet, tender blondie base, enriching its overall softness.

→ Can I substitute brown sugar in the topping?

Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown adds a deeper molasses flavor but the topping's texture remains pleasant regardless.

→ What is the best way to achieve a swirl effect?

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly, then gently swirl with a knife to distribute flavors without over-mixing the batter.

→ How long should the blondies cool before glazing?

Allow at least two hours cooling in the pan to let the blondies fully set and firm up before applying the cream cheese glaze for best results.

→ Can the baking pan size be adjusted?

An 8-inch square pan is ideal for thickness; using a larger pan may yield thinner blondies and alter baking time slightly.