What happens when cinnamon rolls meet rich blondies? You get a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible, thanks to the magic of brown sugar and gooey cinnamon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or homemade gift, these soft and chewy bars are a family favorite. Save this idea for a decadent treat to enjoy with loved ones, Pin for later

Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the richness of blondies, all without the fuss of yeast or intricate rolling. Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth and a penchant for simplicity. This innovative dessert uses everyday ingredients to create a treat that’s both familiar and excitingly new. With its perfect balance of sweet and spice, and the ease of preparation that doesn’t require any special culinary skills, it’s a recipe that promises to become a staple in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a deep, comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist, and all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these blondies don’t require yeast, rising time, or the labor-intensive process of rolling and cutting dough. They can be mixed and baked in under an hour.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their simplicity, Cinnamon Roll Blondies are incredibly impressive. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a surprise dessert for friends. The gooey cinnamon sugar topping and the dense, chewy texture of the blondies will make everyone ask for the recipe.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Blondies include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and baking powder. For the cinnamon sugar topping, you’ll need additional granulated sugar and cinnamon. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using salted butter and omitting any additional salt, or substituting some of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor depth. However, keep in mind that such substitutions might slightly alter the texture and flavor profile of the blondies.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the blondies have a nice, chewy texture, don’t overbake them. They should be slightly tender in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• For an extra crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, broil the blondies for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Heat Control

The ideal baking temperature for Cinnamon Roll Blondies is 350°F (180°C). It’s crucial to not overbake, as this can lead to dry, hard blondies. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after 20 minutes and check every 5 minutes thereafter until they’re done. Signs of doneness include lightly golden edges and a set center that’s slightly tender to the touch.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these blondies comes from the cinnamon sugar topping. To achieve a nice crunch, make sure to sprinkle the topping evenly and consider broiling for a short time after baking, as mentioned earlier. The contrast between the crunchy top and the chewy blondie interior is part of what makes this dessert so appealing.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cutting and serving, let the blondies cool completely in the pan. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars on a cutting board.
• To make cleanup easier, prepare all your ingredients and tools before starting, and wash utensils and bowls as you go.
• Experiment with different types of sugar, like turbinado or Demerara, for the topping to get a slightly different flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

• These blondies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature when needed.
• For reheating, simply place a blondie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• When freezing, consider cutting the blondies before freezing for easier thawing and serving later.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Cinnamon Roll Blondies make a wonderful gift, especially during the holidays or for special occasions. Consider packaging them in decorative tins or jars, wrapped in cellophane or parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. You can also add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of each blondie before packaging.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: In addition to the cinnamon sugar, consider topping your blondies with a cream cheese frosting, chopped nuts, or even caramel sauce.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or use different types of sugar like muscovado for a deeper flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your blondies turn out too dry, they might have been overbaked. If they’re too gooey, they might not have been baked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: Always consider the role of the ingredient you’re replacing. For example, replacing butter with oil will significantly alter the texture and flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the edges and the center. Overcooked blondies will be hard and dark, while undercooked ones will be too soft and possibly raw in the center.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, Cinnamon Roll Blondies can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to cut them before freezing for easier thawing and serving.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe includes all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute, though this may affect the texture and consistency.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger batch may take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional desserts, offering the best of both worlds with their cinnamon roll-inspired flavor and blondie texture. They’re perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort, using ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make this recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!