Imagine the swirl of a cinnamon roll and the chewy texture of your favorite blondie combined in one irresistible treat — that’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Blondies deliver. Each bar is rich with brown sugar and a warming blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, drizzled with a silky cream cheese glaze that brings classic bakery vibes straight to your home kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch or just because you have a craving for something truly special, these bars are a celebration of nostalgic flavors and effortless preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It only takes a handful of pantry basics to whip up stunning Cinnamon Roll Blondies, but every ingredient has a mission here. Each adds its own touch, from gooey richness to that signature swirl of cinnamon spice, making the final bars totally craveable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps deliver an extra-chewy, tender blondie base.
- Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, packed): Provides deep caramel notes and keeps the blondies soft and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts sweetness and adds just the right amount of crispness to the edges.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and providing lightness as the blondies bake.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for batter, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Infuses the blondies and glaze with comforting warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure and classic blondie heft with a perfect, chewy bite.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise just enough for a plush, soft center.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the warm flavor of the spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The soul of these blondies — bringing cozy, aromatic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an extra layer of spice that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For creamy, melty pockets that make each bar a little extra special.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): The silky sweet base for that signature cream cheese glaze.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Brings tang and lusciousness to the drizzle, reminiscent of classic cinnamon roll icing.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the glaze for easy drizzling and a beautiful finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to guarantee even baking. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over the edges so you can pop out the blondies easily once they’ve cooled. This step is a life-saver when it’s time to slice and serve clean, picture-perfect bars!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Next, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step lays the foundation for those ultra-chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies and brings all the sweetness and moisture together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these separately prevents lumps and ensures the warm spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is as flavorful as the last.
Step 4: Fold Together and Add Mix-Ins
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough blondies. If you’re feeling decadent, gently fold in the white chocolate chips at this stage. Their creamy sweetness is optional, but they truly transform these Cinnamon Roll Blondies into an extra-special treat.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the thick blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top for uniform baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center springs back lightly to the touch. Avoid overbaking — you want the center just set for that perfect chewy, fudgy texture unique to Cinnamon Roll Blondies.
Step 6: Glaze and Slice
Once fully cooled, whip up your glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled blondies, then use the parchment flaps to lift them from the pan. Slice into bars and get ready to swoon!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar across the top adds instant visual appeal and amps up that nostalgic cinnamon roll vibe. For a touch of elegance, scattered white chocolate curls or a handful of toasted pecans are beautiful (and tasty!) finishers. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of glaze for those who crave even more lusciousness.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Blondies shine alongside a big mug of freshly brewed coffee or a frosty glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve them with juicy fresh berries or a fruit salad — the bright, tart fruit balances the warm, spiced sweetness of the bars. They’re also amazing next to vanilla bean ice cream for the dreamiest dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your blondies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for birthdays or holiday gatherings, or stack small squares on a pretty plate for a dessert board. For parties, consider making mini blondie bites in a muffin tin and serving them in cupcake papers. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream alongside will absolutely wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Blondies keep incredibly well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to stay ultra-soft, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to prevent them from drying out. Just be sure the blondies are fully cooled and the glaze is set before storing.
Freezing
If you have leftovers or like to plan ahead, these blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap bars individually or as a whole slab (unglazed is easiest) in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, and just before serving, drizzle on a fresh batch of glaze for that just-baked look and taste.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked coziness, warm individual blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you stored the glaze separately, you can also refresh the bars in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes and then shower them with glaze once cooled slightly. Warm Cinnamon Roll Blondies are an absolute treat, meltingly soft and bursting with cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Blondies without white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The white chocolate is totally optional. Leaving it out won’t affect the structure — you’ll simply have a classic, pure cinnamon blondie experience with all that delicious buttery chew and warming spice.
How do I know when my Cinnamon Roll Blondies are perfectly baked?
Look for golden edges and a center that is set but still slightly soft — a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. It’s better to underbake a little than to risk a dry blondie, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Double all ingredients and bake in two pans or one larger pan, but keep an eye on baking time — bigger batches may need a few extra minutes. Just don’t forget to line the pans so you can lift your Cinnamon Roll Blondies out easily once cooled.
Is there a way to make these blondies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a good plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and milk in the glaze. The resulting blondies will still be packed with flavor and wonderfully chewy, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Why did my blondies turn out dry or crumbly?
Dryness usually comes from overbaking or adding too much flour. Always measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, and check for doneness a couple of minutes before the recipe suggests — every oven bakes a little differently.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the swirl of flavors and textures in these Cinnamon Roll Blondies. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply to treat yourself, I can’t recommend them enough. Go ahead — give them a try and let these gooey, spiced bars win over your friends and family, one bite at a time!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls in the form of soft, chewy blondies topped with a creamy glaze. These cinnamon roll blondies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Cool completely.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled blondies, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking.
- Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
