How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Have you ever wished a cinnamon roll could be eaten like a brownie?

That warm, gooey center… the sweet swirl of cinnamon… and the creamy icing on top. What if we told you there’s a dessert that brings all the best parts of a cinnamon roll into a soft, chewy blondie bar? Cinnamon Roll Blondies are here to change the dessert game—and they’re way easier to make than you think!

For the best results, I baked these in a dependable 9×13-inch baking dish—it keeps the texture soft and uniform.

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Blondies So Special?

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Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the rich, buttery flavor of a blondie with the warm, spiced goodness of a cinnamon roll. They’re like a hug in dessert form.

Time Required:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 25–30 minutes
• Cool time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for beginner bakers!)

Whether you’re making a quick treat for after school or baking for a weekend get-together, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Here’s what you’ll need to make these gooey blondies and why each item counts:

For the Blondie Base:

• Butter (1 cup, melted): Gives richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and a caramel flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Helps the blondies hold together.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The structure of the blondie.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweet and sticky.
• Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice.
• Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps the swirl stay soft and blend in.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Creamy and tangy.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens.
• Milk (1–2 tbsp): Adjusts the texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Boosts the flavor.

Substitutions & Variations:

• No cream cheese? Use Greek yogurt for a tangy icing.
• Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
• Want it vegan? Use plant-based butter and egg replacers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Blondie Batter

• In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar.
• Add eggs and vanilla, then stir until smooth.
• Slowly mix in the flour and salt until just combined.

Tip: Don’t overmix! That can make your blondies tough.

3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until it looks like wet sand.

4. Assemble the Blondies

• Pour the blondie batter into the baking dish.
• Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture all over the top.
• Use a butter knife to swirl it into the batter, creating a pretty marbled effect.

Presentation Tip: Swirl gently for a ribboned look, or mix more for an even cinnamon flavor.

5. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean from the center. Let it cool before adding the icing.

6. Make the Icing

• Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Mix in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
• Drizzle the icing over the cooled blondies.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before eating.
• Freezer: Freeze iced or un-iced for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly.

To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Glazed Blondies: Use maple syrup in the icing.
• Nutty Cinnamon Blondies: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Apple Cinnamon Blondies: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped apples for a fruity twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Blondies: Add 1/3 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Blondies are the perfect mix of comfort and sweetness. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and even easier to eat. So next time you’re craving a cozy treat, whip up a batch of these—you’ll be surprised just how fast they disappear!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour mix for best results.

Q: Can I skip the icing?
Sure! The blondies are delicious on their own.

Q: Are these healthier than regular cinnamon rolls?
They’re made with fewer steps and less fat. You can also reduce sugar or use low-fat cream cheese.

Q: How can I make them more gooey?
Bake for the shorter end of the time range and don’t overbake.

Q: Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! Kids can help stir, swirl, and drizzle icing—just make sure an adult handles the oven.