Blondies are the golden, caramel-flavored cousins of brownies, loved for their soft, chewy texture and rich, buttery taste. Unlike brownies, which get their deep flavor from cocoa, blondies rely on brown sugar and vanilla to create a sweet, butterscotch-like experience. These dessert bars are incredibly versatile and can be customized with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit, making them a favorite for casual bakers and dessert lovers alike. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with extras, blondies offer a simpler, yet equally indulgent alternative to their chocolate counterpart, making them a classic treat for any occasion. For a cozy, seasonal twist, add a layer of cinnamon sugar to your favorite blondie recipe for an irresistible fall treat. The warm spice of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery base of the blondie, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and festive. By swirling a mix of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar over the blondie batter before baking, you introduce a sweet, spiced crunch that takes these bars to the next level. Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in, Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are a simple way to elevate the classic blondie into a fall-inspired favorite.
Why are these the best blondies
Warm Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar topping melts into the blondies as they bake, infusing each bite with a cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for any season. Buttery, Chewy Texture: The classic blondie base ensures a soft, chewy center with crisp edges, making every piece irresistibly moist and satisfying. Simple and Customizable: This easy-to-follow recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and can be adapted with or without chocolate chips and nuts, allowing you to cater to any preference. Eye-Catching Swirl: The cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a beautiful swirl effect on top, giving these blondies a visually appealing and delicious upgrade that everyone will love!
Ingredients and substitutes:
Butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can substitute with margarine or a neutral oil like coconut oil for a slightly different texture and flavor. White Sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crispness. You can replace it with light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. Brown Sugar: Adds a chewy texture and molasses flavor. Substitute with white sugar for a milder taste, though it may affect the chewiness. Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture. You can replace them with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for an egg-free version, but the texture will be slightly denser. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor. You can substitute with almond extract, maple extract, or even a touch of cinnamon extract for a spiced twist. All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the blondies. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. Chocolate Chips: Optional, add sweetness and texture. Swap with white chocolate, cinnamon chips, or omit for a more classic cinnamon sugar flavor. Pecans or Walnuts: Provide crunch. You can replace them with almonds, hazelnuts, or skip them entirely for a nut-free option. Cinnamon: The star flavor of the recipe. No direct substitute, but you can add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. Sugar for Topping: Adds sweetness and crunch to the cinnamon topping. You can replace it with brown sugar for a caramelized flavor.
Step-by-step: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. You can half the recipe for an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan.
Prepare the blondie batter: In a large bowl, cream the almost melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and fold into the wet ingredients until combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
Make the cinnamon sugar topping: In a separate small bowl, mix melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Assemble the blondies: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, spreading it gently over the batter. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your warm, spiced Cinnamon Sugar Blondies!
Tips for success
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth blending and a better, more even texture in the batter. Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense blondies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Distribute the Cinnamon Sugar Evenly: Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the blondie batter to ensure every bite has that warm, spiced flavor. Lightly swirl it for a marbled effect, if desired. Check for Doneness Early: Blondies can overbake quickly. Start checking at around 25 minutes and look for golden edges with a toothpick inserted in the center coming out with a few moist crumbs.
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Frequently asked questions
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