There’s something so comforting about biting into a warm, chewy blondie, especially one coated in sweet, cinnamon sugar. These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies combine the buttery, caramel-like flavor of classic blondies with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, making them the perfect treat for any time of year.

I first whipped up this recipe on a chilly fall afternoon, inspired by a craving for snickerdoodles but with a fudgier texture. Now, these blondies are a family favorite, especially during the holidays when we’re craving something sweet but simple.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Get ready to make your new favorite dessert bar! These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are as easy to bake as they are to devour, with a few irresistible qualities that make them a staple in my kitchen.

First off, these blondies are incredibly simple and quick to make. Using pantry staples and just a few easy steps, you’ll have a warm, cinnamon-scented treat in under an hour. No mixer required – just a bowl and a spoon, making cleanup a breeze too.

The texture is perfection – a chewy, fudgy center with a delicate crisp on the edges. This texture contrast, combined with the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, makes every bite a delight.

They’re also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to add in nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel, these blondies are open to variations to suit your tastes.

Plus, these blondies store and freeze well. You can make a batch in advance and keep some on hand for a quick snack or dessert anytime. Read on to see just how easy it is to whip up a batch of these comforting, cinnamon-spiced bars!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Each one is chosen to enhance the flavor and texture, bringing out that irresistible cinnamon and caramel taste that makes these bars so special.

Butter – Melted butter is the secret to creating a rich, chewy blondie base. It provides that soft, slightly fudgy texture while adding a rich, buttery taste. You can use salted or unsalted butter, just adjust the salt if using salted butter.
Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth to the blondies. The molasses in the brown sugar also contributes to the chewy texture. Light brown sugar is ideal, but dark brown sugar will work if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Vanilla adds warmth and enhances the other flavors, especially the cinnamon. A little extra vanilla goes a long way in these blondies, giving them a hint of cozy sweetness.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the star of this recipe! Mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top, it adds a warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery blondie base.
Flour – All-purpose flour works best here, giving the blondies just the right amount of structure without making them cakey. Be sure to measure accurately to avoid dry blondies.

For equipment, you’ll need an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. A mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula are also essential – no mixer needed!

How To Make These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Baking these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is as easy as it gets. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pan of warm, cinnamon-scented goodness in no time!

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to make removing the blondies easier.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve, giving you a glossy mixture. Add in the vanilla extract and a dash of salt (if using unsalted butter), then stir to combine.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and cinnamon into the wet ingredients, and fold them in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix – stop once you no longer see streaks of flour in the batter.
Spread and Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer. In a small bowl, combine some sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it generously over the batter. This creates a sweet, slightly crunchy crust as the blondies bake.
Bake and Cool
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look golden, while the center will still be slightly soft. Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Slice into squares and enjoy!

These blondies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also delicious after a day or two as the flavors deepen and meld together.

Storage Options

These Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are just as convenient to store as they are to bake, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week!

Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Refrigerated blondies have a firmer, chewier texture, which some people love.
Freezing: These blondies also freeze beautifully. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies is how adaptable they are. Here are some fun ways to customize them to your tastes:

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Blondies: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of sweetness and gooey texture.
Nutty Cinnamon Blondies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and nuttiness that complements the cinnamon.
Maple Cinnamon Blondies: Substitute a tablespoon of the brown sugar with maple syrup, adding a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Extra Spiced Blondies: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter along with the cinnamon.

Feel free to experiment and make these blondies your own – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic treat!