What happens when cinnamon rolls meet gooey blondies? You get a match made in heaven with these easy homemade treats that combine sweet caramelized sugar and soft butter. Perfect for a weeknight dessert, they’re quick to whip up with simple ingredients like brown sugar and cinnamon. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert to try soon.

Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of blondies, all in one delightful treat. Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a creative twist on traditional desserts, using everyday ingredients to create a flavor sensation that is both comforting and exciting. With their ease of preparation, impressive results, and versatility, these blondies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your friends and family with a unique dessert. The best part? They require minimal effort and use ingredients you likely have on hand, making them a great option for busy home bakers.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a rich, sweet flavor profile that is balanced by the simplicity of the blondie base, making it easy to find all the necessary ingredients in your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: With a straightforward mixing and baking process, these blondies can be prepared in no time, perfect for those looking for a quick dessert solution without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their simplicity, Cinnamon Roll Blondies are sure to impress with their gooey cinnamon sugar topping and soft, chewy texture, making them a great choice for potlucks, parties, or as a special treat for your loved ones.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Blondies include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and baking powder. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile, or substituting some of the granulated sugar with honey for a slightly different taste. However, keep in mind that substitutions may affect the final texture and flavor of the blondies.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients by measuring out the flour, sugars, and spices, and softening the butter to room temperature.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the softened butter and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the batter is creamy and consistent.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and smooth out the top. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter, making sure to cover the entire surface for the best flavor and texture.
4. Step 4: Bake the blondies for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving. For an extra-special touch, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk while the blondies are still warm.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the blondies have the right texture, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake them. A slightly underbaked texture is better than an overbaked one, as the blondies will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
• Consider using high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor. Saigon cinnamon, with its sweet and spicy notes, pairs particularly well with the sweetness of the blondies.
• If you find the top of your blondies browning too quickly, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent overbrowning.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking Cinnamon Roll Blondies is 350°F (180°C), and the baking time should be around 25-30 minutes. The blondies are done when they are lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of underbaking, as the blondies will continue to cook a bit after they’re removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in Cinnamon Roll Blondies comes from the cinnamon sugar topping, which adds a delightful textural element to the soft and chewy blondie base. To enhance the crunch, make sure the topping is evenly distributed and consider adding a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top of the blondies before baking for an extra crunchy top.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a professional finish, use a sharp knife to cut the blondies into clean, straight bars. Cutting them when they’re completely cool will help prevent them from breaking apart.
• Consider using a water bath to ensure even baking and to prevent the edges from cooking too quickly. Consider using parchment paper or a silicone mat to make removal and cleanup easier.
• To make the blondies more visually appealing, drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after they’ve cooled slightly. You can also sprinkle them with additional cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Cinnamon Roll Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• When reheating, simply thaw the blondies at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the blondies to dry out.
• The best containers for storing blondies are airtight containers, such as glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This will help keep the blondies fresh and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or gift boxes lined with parchment paper or wax paper. You can also wrap individual blondies in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a more personalized touch. Don’t forget to include a card with the recipe and baking instructions, in case the recipient wants to make their own batch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor.
• Creative toppings: In addition to the cinnamon sugar topping, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even candy pieces to the top of the blondies before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use different types of sugar, such as turbinado or muscovado, for a slightly different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your blondies turn out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together, then stop mixing. If they’re too dry, it could be due to overbaking. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, such as vanilla extract, you can substitute it with a similar ingredient, such as almond extract. However, keep in mind that this may affect the final flavor of the blondies.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the blondies are undercooked, they will be soft and squishy in the center. If they’re overcooked, they will be dry and hard. Check the blondies frequently during the baking time to ensure they’re cooked to the right texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, Cinnamon Roll Blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the traditional recipe for Cinnamon Roll Blondies includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of blondies. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as the larger batch will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a delicious and creative dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of blondies. With their ease of preparation, impressive results, and versatility, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these blondies are sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give them a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make them your own. Happy baking!