I’ll never forget the autumn afternoon when I accidentally created the best batch of cinnamon sugar blondies I’d ever tasted. I was rushing to make brownies for my daughter’s bake sale when I realized I was out of cocoa powder. Rather than make an emergency store run, I decided to lean into the butterscotch flavors of brown sugar and add extra cinnamon instead. Those blondies sold out within minutes, and parents kept asking for the recipe. That happy accident became this easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe that I’ve been making ever since.
What makes these bars so irresistible is the combination of chewy edges, a soft center, and that gorgeous cinnamon-sugar crust on top. The brown sugar creates deep caramel notes that pair perfectly with warm cinnamon. Unlike their chocolate cousins, these easy cinnamon sugar blondies let the butter and vanilla shine through, creating a more nuanced flavor profile that appeals to people who find brownies too intense.
Why These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Work Perfectly
Blondies often get overlooked in favor of brownies, but this easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe proves they deserve equal attention. The key to perfect blondies lies in understanding how brown sugar behaves differently than white sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and creates that signature chewy texture. It also contributes subtle toffee notes that deepen the overall flavor.
These easy cinnamon sugar blondies come together in one bowl with no mixer required. The simplicity of the method means less cleanup and fewer opportunities for error. You don’t need to worry about creaming butter properly or whether your eggs are at room temperature—just melt, mix, and bake. This makes the recipe perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
The cinnamon-sugar topping transforms these from simple bars into something special. As the blondies bake, the sugar melts slightly and forms a delicate crust that adds textural interest. When you bite through that crispy top into the soft, gooey interior, you get a satisfying contrast that keeps you reaching for another piece.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Creating these easy cinnamon sugar blondies requires pantry staples you probably already have. Start with unsalted butter—melting it before mixing simplifies the process and ensures even distribution throughout the batter. The melted butter coats the flour particles, creating tender rather than tough texture. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level precisely.
Brown sugar is the star ingredient in this easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe. I prefer dark brown sugar for its stronger molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works beautifully too. The choice depends on whether you want subtle or pronounced butterscotch notes. Some bakers even use a combination of both for a more complex flavor profile.
All-purpose flour provides structure without making the blondies cakey. The amount matters—too much creates dry bars, while too little leads to greasy, flat results. Additionally, you’ll need eggs for binding and richness, vanilla extract for depth, and quality ground cinnamon for that signature warmth. The cinnamon-sugar topping requires just granulated sugar and more cinnamon, though I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cardamom for complexity.
Ingredient List for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
For the blondies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans (optional)
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Making these easy cinnamon sugar blondies starts with proper preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. This creates handles for easy removal later. While you can grease the pan instead, parchment paper guarantees clean release and eliminates any chance of sticking.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, then let it cool slightly—you don’t want it so hot that it cooks the egg when mixed. Meanwhile, combine your cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a small bowl and set it aside. Having everything ready before you start mixing ensures a smooth process.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and slightly thickened. This takes about a minute of vigorous whisking. The mixture should look smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until everything incorporates completely. You’ll notice the mixture becomes lighter and fluffier as you incorporate air.
Mixing and Baking Your Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and spices distribute evenly throughout the batter. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and fold together with a rubber spatula. Mix just until no flour streaks remain—overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, cakey blondies instead of chewy ones.
If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts to your easy cinnamon sugar blondies, fold them in now. I love the combination of cinnamon with dark chocolate chips, but chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful texture too. You could even use a combination of both for extra indulgence.
Spread the thick batter into your prepared pan, using the spatula to push it into the corners and smooth the top. The batter will be quite thick and may seem like there isn’t enough, but resist the urge to double the recipe in an 8×8 pan—it will spread during baking. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are set and the center barely jiggles when you shake the pan. A toothpick inserted two inches from the edge should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The center might look slightly underdone, but it will continue cooking as it cools. Overbaking creates dry, crumbly blondies rather than chewy ones.
Achieving the Perfect Texture in Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
The texture of these easy cinnamon sugar blondies separates good from great. You want crispy edges that provide contrast to the soft, almost gooey center. This textural variation comes from understanding how heat distributes in the pan. The edges receive direct heat from all sides and set quickly, while the center bakes more gently and stays soft.
Knowing when to pull your easy cinnamon sugar blondies from the oven requires judgment rather than relying solely on time. Oven temperatures vary, pan materials conduct heat differently, and even humidity affects baking. Watch for edges that pull slightly away from the pan and a top that looks set with just a hint of jiggle in the very center.
After removing the pan from the oven, let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This might be the hardest part of the recipe because the cinnamon-sugar aroma makes you want to dive in immediately. However, blondies need this cooling time to set properly. If you cut them too soon, they’ll fall apart and lose their beautiful square shape.
Once completely cool, use the parchment paper handles to lift the whole slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps maintain neat edges. For even more precise cuts, chill the cooled blondies for 30 minutes before slicing.
Creative Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
This easy cinnamon sugar blondies recipe serves as a wonderful base for experimentation. For apple cinnamon blondies, fold in ¾ cup of finely diced apple that’s been tossed with lemon juice. The apple pieces soften during baking and add moisture and fruity flavor. Granny Smith apples work particularly well because their tartness balances the sweetness.
Transform these into maple cinnamon blondies by replacing two tablespoons of brown sugar with pure maple syrup. The maple adds complexity and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. Additionally, you could sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the top before baking for a praline-like effect.
For an extra decadent version of these easy cinnamon sugar blondies, drizzle cooled bars with cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze. The tangy frosting cuts through the sweetness and adds another layer of flavor. You could also sandwich vanilla ice cream between two blondie squares for an impressive ice cream sandwich.
Snickerdoodle blondies are another popular variation. Simply increase the cinnamon-sugar topping and add cream of tartar to the batter for that classic snickerdoodle tang. Some bakers even roll the entire batch in cinnamon sugar before baking for maximum coverage.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
These easy cinnamon sugar blondies shine in various serving scenarios. For casual snacking, cut them into generous squares and serve at room temperature with cold milk or hot coffee. The cinnamon-sugar topping creates beautiful sparkles that catch the light, making even simple presentation look appealing.
Dress them up for dessert by serving warm blondies topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. The warm blondie melts the ice cream slightly, creating a luscious sauce that pools around the edges. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top adds a sophisticated finish that enhances all the flavors.
For brunch gatherings, cut these easy cinnamon sugar blondies into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit. The bars pair wonderfully with coffee service and provide a sweet treat that isn’t too heavy for morning eating. They’re also perfect for afternoon tea alongside scones and finger sandwiches.
Pack them in school lunches, bring them to potlucks, or gift them to neighbors during the holidays. The bars travel well and don’t require refrigeration, making them ideal for any situation where you need a portable dessert.
Perfect Beverage Pairings for Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
The warm spice profile of these easy cinnamon sugar blondies pairs beautifully with various beverages. Coffee is perhaps the most natural companion—the slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweet bars. A medium roast with nutty notes works particularly well, as does a cinnamon-spiced latte that echoes the blondies’ flavor.
For tea drinkers, these easy cinnamon sugar blondies match wonderfully with chai or any spiced black tea. The overlapping cinnamon notes create a harmonious pairing. Additionally, vanilla rooibos tea offers a caffeine-free option that complements the butterscotch undertones.
Cold milk remains a classic choice, especially for kids or those who prefer simpler pairings. The milk’s creaminess balances the sugar and helps cleanse the palate between bites. Chocolate milk takes this pairing up a notch if you’ve included chocolate chips in your blondies.
For adult gatherings, try serving these easy cinnamon sugar blondies with spiced rum or bourbon. The caramel notes in the spirit echo the brown sugar in the bars, creating a sophisticated dessert course. A small glass of dessert wine like port or sherry also works beautifully.
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Understanding the nutritional content of these easy cinnamon sugar blondies helps you enjoy them mindfully. Each bar (assuming 16 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 2g
These values vary based on optional additions like chocolate chips or nuts. The bars provide quick energy from carbohydrates and sugar, making them good for an occasional treat rather than everyday eating. The butter contributes to the fat content but also provides richness and satisfaction that helps with portion control.
Cinnamon itself offers some health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation, though the amounts in these bars are modest. For a lighter version, you could reduce the sugar by two tablespoons without significantly affecting texture.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
These easy cinnamon sugar blondies store remarkably well, maintaining their texture for several days. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layering parchment paper between stacked blondies prevents them from sticking together and protects that beautiful cinnamon-sugar crust.
For longer storage, refrigerate the easy cinnamon sugar blondies for up to one week. Bring them to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave for that just-baked taste. Refrigeration makes them slightly denser but can actually enhance the chewy texture that many people love.
Freezing works exceptionally well for these bars. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. This makes it easy to grab single servings whenever a craving strikes. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave frozen bars for 15-20 seconds.
If you prefer warm blondies, reheat room-temperature pieces in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and makes them taste freshly baked. The cinnamon-sugar topping will sparkle even more after gentle reheating.
Troubleshooting Common Blondie Issues
Even with a simple recipe like these easy cinnamon sugar blondies, occasional problems arise. If your blondies turn out cakey rather than chewy, you’ve likely overmixed the batter or used too much flour. Mix just until ingredients combine, and consider weighing flour for accuracy—one cup should equal 120 grams.
Greasy blondies result from undermixing the butter and sugar or from underbaking. Make sure the butter and brown sugar mixture looks smooth and homogenous before adding other ingredients. Furthermore, bake until the edges are fully set even if the center seems soft.
When easy cinnamon sugar blondies spread too thin during baking, the batter might have been too warm. Let melted butter cool to room temperature before mixing, and consider chilling the batter for 15 minutes before spreading in the pan. This gives the flour time to hydrate and creates a thicker batter.
If the cinnamon-sugar topping disappears into the batter, you’ve probably sprinkled it on too early or the batter was too thin. Wait until just before baking to add the topping, and make sure your batter is thick enough to support it without absorption.
My Personal Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
After making these easy cinnamon sugar blondies hundreds of times, I’ve developed some tricks for consistently perfect results. First, always use fresh baking powder. Old leavening agents lose potency and won’t give you that slight lift that creates the best texture. Write the opening date on your baking powder container and replace it every six months.
Second, don’t skip the cooling time even though it’s tempting. I’ve learned this lesson multiple times—cutting warm blondies creates a crumbly mess. The bars need to cool completely for the structure to set properly. If you’re in a rush, you can speed cooling by placing the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
For the most beautiful cinnamon-sugar topping on your easy cinnamon sugar blondies, use a fine-mesh strainer to sprinkle it evenly. This prevents clumps and ensures every bite includes that sweet, spiced crust. I also like to reserve a tiny bit of the mixture to sprinkle over the bars just before serving for extra sparkle.
Finally, embrace variations based on what you have available. I’ve made these easy cinnamon sugar blondies with half whole wheat flour for extra nuttiness, stirred in butterscotch chips instead of chocolate, and even added a cream cheese swirl through the middle. The basic recipe is forgiving enough to accommodate your creative impulses while still delivering those classic blondie qualities everyone loves.