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This cozy twist on classic cinnamon rolls transforms those iconic swirls and flavors into convenient, hand-held blondie bars. The perfect balance of brown sugar sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, and tangy cream cheese frosting delivers all the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls without the lengthy process.
My family requests these blondies almost weekly during fall and winter months. I first created them when craving cinnamon rolls but lacking the time for yeast dough, and they've become our signature dessert for weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create that chewy blondie texture. Use high quality butter for best flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Infuses a caramel undertone throughout both the blondie base and cinnamon swirl. Make sure it's fresh and soft for proper incorporation.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings the signature warmth. Choose fresh, aromatic cinnamon as older spice loses potency.
- Cream cheese: Creates that quintessential tangy frosting. Allow it to come to room temperature for optimal smoothness.
- All purpose flour: Forms the structure. Proper measuring technique is crucial for the perfect dense yet tender texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors. Real extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8x8 square pan with foil and thoroughly coat with nonstick spray. The foil creates handles for easy removal after baking, while the spray ensures nothing sticks. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking from the start.
- Create the Blondie Base:
- Whisk melted butter and brown sugar vigorously for a full minute until completely smooth. This step incorporates air and creates the foundation for chewy texture. Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thickened.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle flour, baking powder and salt directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a rubber spatula using a cutting motion until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain to avoid overdeveloping the gluten which would make tough blondies.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until smooth and glossy. This creates a caramelized mixture that will set into ribbons of cinnamon goodness. Stir in cinnamon and salt off heat to preserve the aromatic qualities.
- Create the Swirl Pattern:
- Drizzle or dollop the warm cinnamon mixture over the blondie batter in the pan. Use a sharp knife tip to create figure-8 motions, swirling just the top portion of the batter. Less swirling creates more distinct ribbons of cinnamon throughout the finished bars.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for precisely 21-24 minutes until the edges set and brown slightly while the center maintains a slight jiggle. This ensures fudgy centers rather than dry, cakey blondies. The bars will continue cooking from residual heat after removal from the oven.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing:
- Beat very soft cream cheese until completely smooth before adding remaining ingredients. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but fluid enough to drizzle. Adjust with more powdered sugar or milk to achieve the perfect pouring consistency.
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I discovered the magic of these blondies when my daughter requested cinnamon rolls for a school bake sale with only two hours notice. The entire batch disappeared within minutes, and three parents requested the recipe before pickup time even ended.
Storage Solutions
These cinnamon roll blondies stay remarkably fresh when stored properly. For best results, place cooled blondies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They maintain perfect texture at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. You can even freeze unfrosted blondies for up to 3 months wrapped individually in plastic wrap then stored in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh frosting before serving.
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Creative Variations
The versatile base recipe welcomes numerous delicious adaptations. For apple cinnamon roll blondies, fold 1/2 cup of finely diced apples tossed with cinnamon into the batter. Coffee lovers can replace vanilla extract with coffee extract in both the blondies and frosting. For extra indulgence, sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pecans over the cinnamon swirl before baking. During holiday seasons, add orange zest to the frosting for a festive twist reminiscent of orange sweet rolls.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious at room temperature, these blondies transform into an extraordinary dessert when gently warmed for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. The heat reactivates the cinnamon aroma and slightly melts the frosting, mimicking a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll. Serve alongside coffee for breakfast or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert. For brunch gatherings, cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a tiered platter with fresh berries for visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve a perfect swirl in the blondies?
Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a figure-8 motion with a sharp knife for an even, attractive swirl. Avoid swirling too deep into the batter.
- → Can I make the icing thicker?
To thicken the icing, add more powdered sugar gradually and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
- → What is the best way to measure the flour?
Fluff the flour with a measuring cup, scoop a heaping portion, and level it off with the back of a knife for accurate measurements.
- → How do I know when the blondies are baked perfectly?
The edges should be set and slightly brown, with the center having a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
- → Can I make the blondies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made in advance. Allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to three days.