If you love warm, gooey treats, you’ll adore my Cinnamon Roll Blondies! This delightfully sweet recipe combines the rich taste of cinnamon rolls with the chewy goodness of blondies. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake these delicious bars right in your kitchen. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery blondies with a cinnamon swirl and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, these blondies are a simple yet impressive dessert that anyone can make.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and they make a delightful treat to share at gatherings, parties, or as a sweet snack for family and friends.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make these blondies even more delicious!
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
You start with unsalted butter. It adds richness. Use brown sugar and granulated sugar for sweetness. They create a nice caramel flavor. Two large eggs bring moisture and help bind the mix. Vanilla extract adds a warm touch.
Next, grab all-purpose flour. It gives the blondies structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Salt balances the sweetness, and ground cinnamon gives that cozy, familiar taste.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the cinnamon swirl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. This blend creates a lovely sweet layer. It adds a burst of flavor in each bite.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
– 4 oz cream cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk
To top it off, the cream cheese frosting is a must. Start with softened cream cheese for smoothness. Mix in unsalted butter for creaminess. Gradually add powdered sugar to sweeten. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Add milk for the right consistency.
These ingredients come together to create a treat that delights the senses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
– Preheating the Oven: First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
– Greasing or Lining the Baking Dish: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This helps the blondies come out easily later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Combining Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy.
– Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Now, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
– Whisking Flour and Leavening Agents: In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure they are well mixed.
– Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing to keep your blondies soft.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
– Mixing Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Use a fork or small whisk to blend it well.
– Layering the Blondie Batter: Pour half of the blondie batter into the baking dish. Smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Carefully pour the rest of the batter over this layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top. Use a knife to swirl the batter gently.
Baking Process
– Baking Time and Temperature: Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
– Testing for Doneness: To check, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Cooling and Frosting
– Cooling the Blondies: After baking, let the blondies cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Preparing the Frosting Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. If it’s too thick, add milk a bit at a time until you reach your desired texture.
– Spreading the Cream Cheese Frosting: Once the blondies are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. This is the final touch for a delightful treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
– Avoiding Overmixing
To keep your blondies soft, mix the batter gently. Stir until just combined. Small lumps are okay! Overmixing makes them dense and tough.
– Tips on Checking Doneness
When baking, check for doneness at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If wet batter sticks, bake a bit longer.
Presentation Suggestions
– Serving Ideas
Cut blondies into neat squares. Arrange them on a pretty platter. This makes for a lovely display. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.
– Drizzling Extra Frosting or Garnishing
For a special touch, drizzle extra cream cheese frosting on top. Chopped nuts also add a nice crunch. This makes your treats look even more inviting.
Storage Tips
– Best Practices for Storing Blondies
Store blondies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to five days. Keep them at room temperature for best taste.
– Freezing Instructions
To freeze, wrap blondies tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw before enjoying!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing results. This helps to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser blondies instead of a tender texture.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the blondies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures your blondies are perfectly baked.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust your cream cheese frosting with milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This makes it easier to spread over the blondies.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make your cinnamon roll blondies even better. One way is by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, try adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
You can also use different spices. Instead of just cinnamon, try nutmeg or allspice. A pinch of cardamom can add warmth too. Mixing these spices can create a unique twist. Experiment to find your favorite blend.
Alternative Toppings
Frosting is a must for these blondies. You can try different frosting options. A simple vanilla or chocolate frosting works great. You might even want to use a caramel drizzle for a sweet touch. Think about your favorite flavors when choosing toppings.
Using whipped cream or ganache is another idea. Whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness. Ganache, made from chocolate and cream, gives a rich finish. Each option can change the flavor and look of your blondies.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free blondies, you can easily adapt the recipe. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond flour or coconut flour can work well too. These options give a nice texture and flavor. Always check the flour package for baking tips. This way, you can enjoy delicious blondies without the gluten!
Common FAQs
How long do Cinnamon Roll Blondies last?
Cinnamon Roll Blondies can last up to five days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap each blondie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Once cooled, frost them and store them in an airtight container. Making them a day before serving can even enhance their flavor as the ingredients meld together.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both options will give you a creamy texture. You can also use a simple buttercream made from butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.
Can I use a different size baking dish?
Yes, you can use a different size baking dish, but keep in mind that it might change the baking time. A smaller dish will make thicker blondies and may take longer to bake. A larger dish will make thinner blondies and may bake faster. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
What is the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies and brownies differ mainly in flavor and ingredients. Blondies use brown sugar and vanilla, giving them a sweet, buttery taste. Brownies contain cocoa powder or melted chocolate, making them rich and chocolatey. Both treats are delicious, but each has its unique flavor profile!
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content per Serving
Each blondie has around 200 calories. This amount comes from various ingredients.
– Butter: Adds a rich taste and about 100 calories per serving.
– Sugars: Brown and granulated sugars provide sweetness and around 70 calories.
– Eggs: Two large eggs add about 30 calories.
Macronutrient Profile
These blondies have a nice balance of carbs, proteins, and fats.
– Carbohydrates: Each serving has about 30 grams. Most come from flour and sugars.
– Proteins: With two eggs, expect around 2-3 grams of protein.
– Fats: The butter contributes about 10-12 grams of fat per serving.
Dietary Considerations
Be aware of common allergens in this recipe.
– Dairy: The cream cheese and butter contain dairy.
– Gluten: All-purpose flour has gluten; it’s not safe for those with gluten issues.
For a healthier option, you can swap some ingredients:
– Butter: Use coconut oil instead for a dairy-free choice.
– Flour: Try almond flour for a gluten-free option.
– Sugars: Substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious cinnamon roll blondies. We covered all the main ingredients and the step-by-step instructions to get you baking perfectly moist blondies. I shared tips to achieve the right texture and showcased fun variations to make them your own.
These blondies are a treat the whole family will love. Now, you can bake them with confidence and enjoy every bit
