Sweeten Your Day with Easy Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team
There s something irresistibly comforting about the blend of cinnamon and sugar, especially when it transforms into a warm, chewy treat. I found myself in the kitchen one rainy afternoon, craving the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls but wanting something quicker and easier to make. That s when I whipped up these Cinnamon Roll Blondies!
In just 45 minutes, you can dive into a buttery, chewy dessert that captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll all in a single bowl. Drizzled with luscious cream cheese frosting, these blondies are sure to impress both your family and friends. Whether you re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a gathering, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. Trust me, you won t want to miss out on this delightful twist on two beloved desserts!
Why You ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Chewy, Buttery Delight: The perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a heavenly treat that satisfies your sweet cravings.
One-Bowl Wonder: No need for multiple dishes just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Quick to Make: Ready in just 45 minutes, ideal for busy cooks or last-minute dessert plans.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These blondies are sure to impress friends and family, whether for a gathering or a cozy night in.
Versatile Base: Add your favorite mix-ins or serve warm with ice cream for an extra-special dessert experience.
Indulge in the comforting flavors and textures of these blondies the perfect alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls!
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Ingredients
For the Blondies
- Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and richness; you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Light Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; can be replaced with dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Large Egg + Egg Yolk Binds the ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture; no substitutes recommended, but a flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla Extract Enhances flavors; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
- All-Purpose Flour Forms the structure of the blondies; for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Powder Provides leavening for a fluffy texture; no substitutions recommended.
- Salt Balances sweetness; sea salt or kosher salt can be used as alternatives.
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- Cinnamon Brings warmth and spiced flavor; it s essential for the cinnamon roll aspect.
- White Sugar Sweetens the cinnamon mixture; can be replaced with a sugar alternative if desired.
For the Icing
- Cream Cheese Adds creaminess and tang to the frosting; substitute with vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Heavy Cream Allows for a smooth icing; use dairy-free cream or almond milk for a lighter option.
- Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting; there s no direct substitute available.
- Vanilla Extract Flavors the icing; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
- Salt Enhances overall flavor; it s optional but adds valuable balance.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8Ã8-inch pan with parchment paper. This ensures your blondies will bake evenly and won t stick.
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Whisk together melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and well-combined, creating a rich base.
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Incorporate the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is fully blended. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
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Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your blondies chewy and delicious.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Make sure it s smoothed out for even baking.
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Mix cinnamon and white sugar in a small bowl, then drop spoonfuls of the mixture on top of the blondie batter. Swirl the cinnamon sugar gently with a knife to create a beautiful marbled pattern.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly underdone. You want that soft, gooey texture that makes these blondies irresistible.
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Prepare the icing by melting cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until fully combined and smooth. This creamy topping is what makes these blondies truly special!
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Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the cooled blondies and cut into squares. You ll want to let them cool completely for the ideal texture before cutting.
Optional: Top with chopped nuts for added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Blondies?
There s nothing quite like a warm, sweet treat to elevate your meal or snack time, inviting cozy moments that linger in the air.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries balances the sweet blondies beautifully, adding a burst of freshness.
- Coffee: A rich, hot cup of coffee complements the flavors perfectly, making for an ideal pairing during a leisurely brunch or afternoon break.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a decadent touch, providing a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy texture of the blondies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices from chai enhance the cinnamon flavor, creating a comforting beverage to enjoy alongside these sweet treats.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layering blondie crumbs with yogurt and granola creates a deliciously indulgent parfait, perfect for a brunch spread.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of warm caramel sauce elevates each bite, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
- Chocolate Milkshake: This classic treat adds nostalgic fun and pairs wonderfully with the buttery flavors of the blondies for a true indulgence.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top gives a satisfying crunch, while complementing the chewy blondie texture with its nutty flavors.
- Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness, making for a balanced dessert option.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the blondie batter and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. To do this, simply follow the recipe steps until you spread the batter in the pan, cover it well, and store it in the fridge. When you re ready to bake, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before swirling in the cinnamon sugar and baking it. Additionally, you can make the cream cheese icing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before drizzling over the blondies for that creamy finish. These make-ahead tips ensure your treats are just as delicious, while also granting you extra time to enjoy!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Blondies
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Room Temperature: Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them chewy and delicious!
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Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate blondies for up to a week. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze blondies for up to a month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before enjoying.
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Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, gently reheat individual blondie squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their delightful chewy texture!
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these blondies to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil and use vegan cream cheese for a completely dairy-free treat.
These small adjustments help keep the buttery richness without the dairy. -
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for gluten-free blondies.
Enjoy the same delicious chewiness without sacrificing flavor! -
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an extra crunch.
The added texture brings a delightful surprise to every bite. -
Chocolate Swirl: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the batter.
This creates a rich blend of flavors that will excite any chocolate lover. -
Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a warming spice kick.
Experimenting with different spices offers a whole new level of flavor complexity! -
Fruit-Filled: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors.
These additions provide a burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the blondies. -
Add Zest: Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus note.
The zesty brightness lifts the rich flavors and adds an unexpected layer of richness. -
Heat It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the cinnamon mixture brings a subtle heat to balance the sweetness.
This surprising kick can make the flavors pop and delight adventurous palates.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Roll Blondies
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the batter to maintain that chewy texture. Overmixing can lead to cakey blondies, which we definitely don t want!
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Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your blondies at 30 minutes to ensure they remain slightly gooey in the center a true mark of perfection!
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan; this helps them set properly and ensures clean cuts when you slice them.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for pure vanilla extract and fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavors in your cinnamon roll blondies.
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Customize Your Icing: Feel free to adjust the cream cheese icing to your liking; more powdered sugar will make it sweeter, while a splash of heavy cream can add a lighter texture.
Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right butter for the Cinnamon Roll Blondies?
Absolutely! It s best to use unsalted butter for your blondies, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe. It should be softened but still slightly cool to the touch for easy mixing. If you re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with coconut oil; just ensure it s melted and slightly cooled before mixing.
What s the best way to store leftover Cinnamon Roll Blondies?
You can store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which keeps their chewy texture intact. If you need them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge where they can stay fresh for up to a week just be sure to cover them well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze my Cinnamon Roll Blondies?
Yes, definitely! To freeze your blondies, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to get that soft, chewy texture back.
My blondies came out too cakey. What did I do wrong?
Very common! If your blondies are cakey, it s likely due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Make sure to fold the dry ingredients in gently until just combined. Another tip is to keep an eye on them while baking; they should still be slightly underdone in the middle for that gooey, chewy result.
Are there any dietary considerations for making these blondies?
Yes, if you re looking to make these blondies suitable for different dietary needs, you can use egg substitutes like a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous) for a vegan version. For anyone with gluten sensitivities, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in place of all-purpose flour. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or intolerances!
How can I ensure the icing is smooth and easy to drizzle?
I recommend melting the cream cheese with the heavy cream over low heat until it s fully combined and smooth. If your mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream or almond milk to achieve a silky consistency. Stir continuously while melting to prevent burning and clumping. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the blondies for the best results.



