If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that perfectly blends gooey blondie bars with all the cozy, swirly magic of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, these Cinnamon Roll Blondies will absolutely make your day. With swirls of cinnamon-sugar, a dreamy layer of cream cheese, and a sweet vanilla glaze on top, every bite is pure cinnamon roll comfort in portable blondie form. Whether you’re serving these at brunch, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging with a cup of coffee, this recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of wow factor to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each element here plays a key role in creating the irresistible taste, gooey texture, and beautiful ribbons of cinnamon-sugar that make these Cinnamon Roll Blondies so memorable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get baking:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and keeps the blondies moist and tender.
- Light brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, packed): Provides sweetness and deep caramel notes, essential for that classic blondie taste.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help create a soft, chewy crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Balances out the flavors and amplifies the cozy vanilla aroma throughout.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives these bars their structure and signature texture.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures lift and lightness so your blondies don’t turn out dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch goes a long way to enhance all the sweet cinnamon and buttery flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): The perfect base for your cinnamon swirl, providing both sweetness and texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Delivers that unmistakable, warmly spiced swirl—don’t skimp!
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Brings creaminess and richness to the irresistible swirl layer.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Blends seamlessly into the glaze for a perfectly smooth finish.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Helps thin out the glaze so it’s just right for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Infuses your glaze with another touch of fragrant sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Prepping your pan this way ensures that your Cinnamon Roll Blondies come effortlessly out of the pan with those beautiful, clean edges—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Blondie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed light brown sugar until everything is silky and smooth. Add in your eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is nicely combined. Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until no streaks remain. This step creates the luscious blondie base, so be careful not to overmix!
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This quick combo becomes the star swirl in your Cinnamon Roll Blondies, adding that classic cinnamon roll flavor and dreamy aroma.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of your blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Drop small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese across the layer, then use a knife to gently swirl it through. Spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Swirling is the secret to those gorgeous, bakery-style ribbons in every slice!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s just set (a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs). Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan before moving on to the next step—this makes cutting and glazing so much easier.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While your blondies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and easily pourable. If you want a little extra cinnamon flavor, a pinch of cinnamon in the glaze is heavenly! Drizzle generously over the cooled blondies, letting it sink into all those delightful nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
Once the glaze has set, lift the Cinnamon Roll Blondies from the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into 16 squares. Each piece is a little corner of cinnamon-swirled bliss, ready to enjoy or share!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Garnishes
For a truly bakery-worthy finish, try dusting the top of each blondie square with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra drizzles of glaze. Crumbled toasted pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunch and visual appeal, though these beauties are more than stunning with just their swirly glaze on display.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Blondies shine on their own but pair beautifully with simple sides. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream turns them into an extra-decadent dessert. For brunch, serve with fresh berries or fruit salad to balance the rich, spiced sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the blondies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for sweet gifts, or cut them into miniature squares and arrange on a platter for a party-ready bite-sized treat. For an occasion, stack blondie bars in a tall tower and drizzle with more glaze for serious wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Cinnamon Roll Blondies keep beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have a busy week ahead, this makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for grab-and-go snacking or dessert.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later—or prep for a future celebration. Simply wrap individual blondie bars in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a blondie or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the blondie and gently melts the glaze, recreating that gooey, cinnamon-filled magic every time. (If frozen, thaw before reheating.)
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Blondies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check all other ingredient labels if you have severe sensitivities, but the structure and flavor will remain pretty close to the original.
Why is my cream cheese layer sinking?
If the cream cheese isn’t softened or is added in large blobs, it might sink a bit during baking. To avoid this, bring your cream cheese to room temperature and gently swirl smaller spoonfuls into the batter rather than large clumps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully—just use a larger pan (such as a sheet pan) and keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker blondies may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Are Cinnamon Roll Blondies overly sweet?
They’re sweet but balanced! The tangy cream cheese swirl and a hint of salt in the batter help mellow the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use a lighter hand with the glaze or opt for a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
You can skip the glaze if you wish, but it really completes that classic cinnamon roll vibe. If you’re pressed for time or want something simpler, they’re still delicious with just the cinnamon-sugar swirl on top.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try these Cinnamon Roll Blondies! They’re as comforting and shareable as your favorite cinnamon rolls—packed into easy, portable bars you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you bake a batch for brunch, dessert, or just a weekday treat, don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds. Enjoy every cinnamon-swirl bite!
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Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a classic cinnamon roll and a rich blondie with these Cinnamon Roll Blondies. A buttery blondie base swirled with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese, topped with a sweet glaze – a decadent treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix blondie batter: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Layer and swirl: Spread half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar, add dollops of cream cheese, swirl gently. Top with remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out almost clean. Cool.
- Make glaze and finish: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over blondies. Slice after cooling.
Notes
- Enhance the glaze with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
