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These delicious Cinnamon Roll Blondies mix the soft, buttery goodness of a classic blondie with those delightful swirly cinnamon patterns we love. When they're baking, your home will smell amazing - it's the kind of scent that makes everyone wonder what's cooking.
I came up with this recipe during a surprise morning party for my sister. As they baked, everyone kept coming into the kitchen asking what smelled so good. Now my family won't let me show up to gatherings without them.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Creates that moist, rich base and helps get the chewy texture just right
- Brown sugar: Adds that special caramel-like taste that makes blondies different from regular brownies
- Ground cinnamon: The key flavor - try to get Ceylon cinnamon if you can, it's got more depth
- Vanilla extract: Brings out all the other flavors - don't go with fake stuff, real vanilla makes a difference
- Powdered sugar: Makes that silky, smooth topping that looks just like real cinnamon rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment, making sure some hangs over the edges so you can lift the blondies out easily. Don't skip this - it's how you'll get perfectly shaped treats.
- Create the base:
- Blend the melted butter with sugars until you get a smooth, slightly thick mix. This sets you up for that perfect chewy bite. You want it looking shiny and well-mixed.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Mix in the eggs one by one, stirring well each time. Then add vanilla and mix until it looks lighter. This helps air get in for the right texture.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together so there aren't any clumps. Good mixing now means no flour pockets in your finished treats.
- Fold together:
- Gently mix dry stuff into wet mixture bit by bit, just until blended. Don't overdo the mixing or your blondies might turn out tough - stop when you can't see any flour anymore.
- Create the cinnamon swirl:
- Spread half the batter in your pan, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, then add the rest of the batter and more cinnamon sugar. Take a knife and swirl through it all to get that pretty cinnamon roll pattern.
- Bake to perfection:
- Put in your heated oven and cook until the sides look set but the middle still wobbles slightly. This is how you'll get that awesome fudgy center everyone loves about blondies.
- Glaze while warm:
- Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over the barely cooled blondies. The warmth helps the glaze set just right.
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The cinnamon really makes these stand out. I've found that waiting about 15 minutes before adding the glaze works best - that way it partly soaks in but still looks like those classic cinnamon rolls we all love.
Storage Solutions
These treats stay good in a sealed container at room temp for about 3 days. They actually taste even better on day two as the flavors mix together more. If you need to keep them longer, put them in the fridge for up to a week, but always let them warm up before eating to get the full flavor.
Make It Your Own
While the basic version tastes great, you can easily switch things up. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch. White chocolate chips go really well with the cinnamon flavor too. For something different, add a bit of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix - it'll give them a chai-like taste that's really good.
Troubleshooting Tips
Most people mess up by baking these too long. They should come out looking a bit underdone in the middle since they'll keep cooking as they cool down. If your glaze seems too thick, just add a few more drops of milk until it pours easily. Want nice clean slices? Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to store these blondies?
Keep them in a sealed container on the counter for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge for freshness up to a week.
- → Can cinnamon be swapped out?
Absolutely! Nutmeg or a mix of spices like cardamom and allspice are tasty alternatives.
- → What other glaze options work?
Try cream cheese frosting for tanginess, or a dash of maple syrup for sweetness.
- → Is there a gluten-free way to make these?
To go gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 baking mix with xanthan gum. It’ll hold everything together perfectly.
- → How do I make the cinnamon flavor pop?
Enhance the swirl by adding a splash of vanilla or a touch of cardamom to the cinnamon mix.
- → Any fun serving ideas?
They’re delicious warm, paired with a dollop of whipped cream or your favorite ice cream.