Cinnamon Sugar Blondies Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are a mouthwatering dessert that combines the sweet, buttery goodness of classic blondies with a warm, spiced cinnamon sugar topping. These rich, chewy treats are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a simple treat, or looking for an easy dessert to share, Cinnamon Sugar Blondies deliver a comforting sweetness with a hint of cinnamon spice.

These blondies are a variation of the classic brownie, made without cocoa powder but still rich and buttery, with a soft, chewy texture. The addition of cinnamon sugar on top creates a delightful contrast to the sweet base, making each bite more irresistible than the last. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious blondies ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The warm cinnamon sugar topping adds a comforting spice to the sweet, buttery base, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
• Soft, Chewy Texture: These blondies have a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them an incredibly satisfying treat.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a weeknight dessert, Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are versatile enough for any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious blondies without needing any fancy ingredients.
• Easy to Make: These blondies come together quickly and require minimal effort, making them perfect for novice bakers or anyone looking for a fuss-free dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 16 blondies
• Calories per Serving: Around 180-200 calories per blondie, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Fat: 9-11g
• Carbohydrates: 24-28g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 18-20g

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Special Equipment

Although Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are easy to make, there are a few pieces of equipment that will make the process more efficient and ensure that your blondies turn out perfect every time:

1. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for baking blondies, giving them the right thickness. A glass or metal baking dish works well, as long as it’s properly greased or lined with parchment paper.
2. Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized mixing bowls are necessary for combining the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
3. Electric Mixer (Optional): While not necessary, an electric mixer can make creaming the butter and sugar together quicker and more efficient. However, you can also mix by hand using a whisk or spoon.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important to ensure that your blondies turn out perfectly. Be sure to measure the flour, sugar, and other ingredients properly.
5. Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of bowls and mixing everything together thoroughly.
6. Cooling Rack: After baking, transferring the blondies to a cooling rack ensures that they cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the blondies after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer (or a whisk if you prefer) to beat the butter and sugar together until it becomes smooth and creamy. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which makes the blondies light and chewy. Beat for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate fully into the mixture. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the blondies and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. The baking powder ensures that the blondies rise slightly, and the cinnamon gives them their signature spiced flavor. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense blondies. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring everything is well mixed.

6. Spread the Batter in the Baking Dish

Once the batter is fully combined, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to spread the batter evenly across the dish. The batter will be thick, so it may take a bit of effort to get it to cover the bottom evenly.

7. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Stir well to make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed in the sugar.

8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the blondie batter. The cinnamon sugar will create a deliciously sweet and spiced crust on top of the blondies as they bake, adding an extra layer of flavor.

9. Bake the Blondies

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The blondies are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Be sure not to overbake, as this can lead to dry blondies. If you like your blondies slightly gooey in the center, remove them from the oven a minute or two earlier.

10. Cool the Blondies

Once the blondies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom and ensures they maintain their chewy texture.

11. Cut and Serve

Once the blondies have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. You should be able to get about 16 squares from a 9×13-inch baking dish. Serve them as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing with the sugar. This helps create a smooth, creamy mixture that ensures the blondies have a perfect texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense blondies that lack the desired chewy texture.
• Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on the blondies as they bake, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake them. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Add Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, you can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The melty chocolate will add richness and extra flavor to the blondies.
• Chill the Batter for Extra Chewiness: If you want extra chewy blondies, try chilling the batter in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the baking dish. This helps the dough firm up and leads to a denser, chewier texture.

Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: For a fall-inspired twist, add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin to the batter, along with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. The pumpkin adds moisture and a warm, autumn flavor.
• Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: For an extra nutty flavor, brown the butter before mixing it with the sugar. This adds depth and richness to the blondies, creating a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
• Nutty Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor. The nuts pair well with the cinnamon and add a savory contrast to the sweet blondies.
• Apple Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist. The apples add moisture and a sweet, tangy contrast to the cinnamon flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the blondies for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Enhance your Cinnamon Sugar Blondies experience with the following pairings:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, cinnamon-spiced blondies. The cool, creamy ice cream balances the sweetness of the blondies and adds an extra indulgence.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the blondies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon flavor in the blondies makes them the perfect match for a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the spicy notes of the blondies.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies offer the perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and chewy texture, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you bake them for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these blondies are sure to be a hit. With easy ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to make a batch of these delectable treats that everyone will love. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Sugar Blondies—they’ll become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!