Cinnamon Roll Blondies are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, transformed into irresistibly chewy, gooey dessert bars. With a swirl of cinnamon sugar marbled right through brown sugar blondie batter, then finished with a lush cream cheese glaze, these bars really do taste like a cinnamon roll—just without all the rolling, rising, and fuss. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or sharing at a party, this is one of those crowd-pleasing bakes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cinnamon Roll Blondies so magical is the simple list of kitchen staples—each one plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, a tender crumb, that dreamy cinnamon swirl, and of course, the signature tangy glaze. Gather these ingredients and you’ll be halfway to some seriously delicious homemade blondies!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Creates a rich, moist base and deep buttery flavor in every bite.
- Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, packed): The secret to chewy, caramelly blondies—don’t skimp on packing that measuring cup!
- Eggs (2 large): Add structure and keep the blondies soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Gives both the batter and glaze that warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The essential backbone for your blondies—sift for best results if you like!
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift for a thick, chewy bar.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and makes the cinnamon pop.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): For that classic cinnamon sugar swirl on top.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show—make sure it’s fresh for the biggest flavor payoff.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The tangy base to your dreamy glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the glaze without grittiness.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the glaze creamy and drizzle-ready.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cream cheese glaze with one more layer of warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing—this makes lifting out your finished Cinnamon Roll Blondies a breeze (and cleanup is basically nonexistent!).
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until it looks silky and slightly thickened. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything’s smoothly blended and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into your wet ingredients. Mix just until you don’t see any more dry patches—overmixing can make your blondies tough.
Step 4: Assemble the Swirl
Spread your luscious blondie batter evenly into the prepped pan. In a small bowl, stir the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this sweet blend all over the top, then grab a knife or skewer and gently marble it through the batter. The more generous you are with your swirling, the prettier your Cinnamon Roll Blondies will be!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s just set—a wooden pick inserted should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are totally fine).
Step 6: Make & Drizzle the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the blondies cool completely in the pan, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and easy to drizzle. Once the bars are cool, give them your most artful drizzle or zigzag. Don’t skimp—the glaze is part of the magic!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once glazed, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment and slice into sixteen even squares. Now comes the best step: dig in and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Garnishes
For a little flourish, dust your Cinnamon Roll Blondies with a touch more cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving. A swirl of extra glaze or a scatter of white chocolate chips on top looks gorgeous and adds extra sweetness—especially if you want a bit of dazzle for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a steamy mug of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Their cinnamon warmth also makes them a dreamy brunch treat alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a savory egg casserole for that sweet-and-savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making Cinnamon Roll Blondies for a party, slice them into cute bite-sized bars for a dessert platter. Stack two with extra glaze in between for a “blondie sandwich,” or serve them in cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go option at potlucks and bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Blondies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The moisture from the brown sugar and glaze keeps them soft and chewy, so you can bake ahead with zero worries about dryness.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these! Let the blondies cool and glaze them, then wrap individual bars tightly or store in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temp when the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave a blondie for 10–15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. The glaze will get just a touch gooey, and the cinnamon swirl aroma will fill your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Blondies gluten free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Because this recipe is fairly forgiving, your blondies should turn out just as deliciously chewy.
What’s the best way to get a pronounced swirl on top?
Be generous when sprinkling your cinnamon sugar and don’t be shy with your swirling—dragging a knife all the way through the batter both lengthwise and crosswise gives you gorgeous ripples in every slice.
Can I add nuts or chocolate to the batter?
Definitely! Folding in chopped pecans or white chocolate chips before baking takes these Cinnamon Roll Blondies to the next level with crunchy or creamy add-ins. About 1/2 cup of either is a great place to start.
How can I make the glaze extra thick or thin?
For a thicker cream cheese glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner, more drizzle-able consistency, add a splash more milk—just a teaspoon at a time so you don’t overdo it.
Do Cinnamon Roll Blondies need to be refrigerated?
They don’t have to be, but if your kitchen is warm or you want the glaze to stay firm, popping them in the fridge is totally fine. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls but want something you can whip up in under an hour, these Cinnamon Roll Blondies are about to be your new go-to treat. They’re perfect for family gatherings, office potlucks, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your day. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious fusion of cinnamon rolls and blondies with these soft, chewy bars topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into wet mixture.
- Spread batter: Spread batter in the pan.
- Add cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over batter, and swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Make glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled blondies. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra decadence, fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
