When the craving for something sweet, chewy, and irresistibly buttery hits, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are your answer. This simple dessert recipe brings together rich brown sugar, melted butter, and warm cinnamon to create a bar that’s soft in the middle, slightly crisp at the edges, and layered with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust that melts in your mouth.

Think of them as the perfect blend of a cookie and a brownie—sweet, dense, and wonderfully aromatic. Whether you’re searching for an easy dessert recipe, a budget-friendly bake, or a cozy treat to share with family, these blondies deliver flavor and comfort in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, coffee breaks, or simple weeknight desserts, they’re a delicious reminder that sometimes the best desserts are also the easiest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Dessert: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish—no mixer needed.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples you already have on hand.
Perfect for All Occasions: Great for bake sales, lunchbox treats, or weekend baking.
Chewy, Buttery Texture: A perfect balance of soft and rich without being cakey.
Warm and Cozy Flavor: Cinnamon and brown sugar create that nostalgic comfort food sweetness.
Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Foolproof method that even novice bakers can master on the first try.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies recipe works together to create flavor, texture, and that signature chewy consistency:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – The base of every good blondie. Butter adds richness and gives these bars their dense, chewy texture. Melted butter ensures even mixing without needing a mixer, making this a go-to for easy baking recipes.

Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Provides sweetness and a caramel-like depth that makes blondies distinct from brownies. The molasses in brown sugar gives moisture and chewiness to the bars.

Large Egg (1) – Acts as a binder, helping the batter set while keeping it soft and tender.

Honey (¼ cup) – A touch of natural sweetness that enhances moisture and adds a subtle floral note. It also helps create a slightly glossy top crust.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Deepens the flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the richness of the brown sugar and cinnamon.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The structure of the bars. Just enough to hold everything together without making them dense or dry.

Salt (½ teaspoon) – A crucial flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and highlights the buttery notes.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, divided) – The star spice. Half goes into the batter for warm, cozy flavor, while the rest is reserved for that iconic cinnamon-sugar topping.

Granulated Sugar (3 tablespoons, for topping) – Mixed with cinnamon and sprinkled over the top before baking to create that irresistible golden crust.

Every ingredient plays a role in this chewy comfort food dessert, ensuring perfect texture, balance, and flavor with every batch.

Pro Tips

Don’t Overmix: Stir only until the flour is incorporated to keep your blondies tender and chewy.
Use Real Butter: It adds flavor that margarine can’t replicate. For extra richness, brown the butter before mixing.
Check Early: Every oven bakes differently—start checking at 20 minutes to avoid dry blondies.
Add a Twist: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a salted-caramel vibe.
Double the Batch: Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 5–7 minutes longer for family-size desserts or parties.

These simple baking hacks help ensure bakery-quality blondies every time.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Make this recipe your own with these easy, high-value variations and dietary swaps:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for gluten-free desserts.
Spiced Blondies: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Healthier Option: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while keeping moisture.
Nut Lovers’ Blondies: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips for a bakery-style upgrade.
Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour and a sugar substitute for low-carb dessert recipes.

These customizations make the blondies fit any craving, from healthy dessert ideas to indulgent weekend treats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies as-is for a simple dessert or elevate them into something truly special:

With Ice Cream: Warm blondies topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream make a decadent family dessert.
Drizzled with Caramel: Add a caramel or maple glaze for extra sweetness.
Paired with Coffee: A perfect easy coffee shop treat to serve with lattes or cappuccinos.
Holiday Dessert Board: Include them alongside snickerdoodles, brownies, and sugar cookies for festive spreads.
Lunchbox Snack: Cut into smaller bars for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

These blondies shine at any event—whether it’s a casual weekday dessert or a holiday table centerpiece.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

To Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.

To Store: Once cooled, store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Warm a blondie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.

Perfect for meal prep desserts or make-ahead baking, these blondies hold their texture and flavor beautifully.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Blondies are a beloved American classic—often called the “vanilla cousin” of brownies. They gained popularity in the early 1900s and have remained a go-to comfort dessert ever since. The addition of cinnamon sugar adds a warm, nostalgic touch that makes them reminiscent of snickerdoodles or cinnamon rolls—two other classic favorites of American home baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking pan and increase the baking time by 5–7 minutes.

2. How do I know when blondies are done?
They’re ready when the edges pull slightly from the pan and the center looks set but still soft.

3. Can I make these blondies dairy-free?
Yes—replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture stays chewy and delicious.

4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use whole-wheat flour, reduce the sugar slightly, or add oats for extra fiber.

5. Can I freeze baked blondies?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Maya