Name: Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving something uniquely sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, Cinnamon Roll Blondies are the perfect treat to satisfy that desire. These delightful bars take the best elements of a cinnamon roll—rich cinnamon sugar swirls and cream cheese icing—and combine them into a chewy, blondie-style dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a solo snack, Cinnamon Roll Blondies bring all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in every luscious bite.

Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Blondies comes from simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. From the nutty brown sugar to the creamy frosting, every component is essential for making these blondies absolutely unforgettable.

1 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and moistness.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the blondies.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic hint.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates other flavors.
1/2 cup brown sugar: For the cinnamon swirl, adding extra sweetness and texture.
1 tbsp cinnamon: The star spice that gives these blondies their signature flavor.
1/4 cup butter, melted: Combines with the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl’s perfect moistness.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and tangy icing that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing just right.
1–2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the icing’s consistency for easy drizzling.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a final fragrant touch to the cream cheese topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper; this ensures the blondies come out cleanly and makes for easy cleanup. Having the pan ready ahead of time smooths out the process and keeps you organized.

Step 2: Mix the Blondie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar first—this step helps dissolve the sugar slightly and contributes to the dense, chewy texture. Then add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Gradually fold in the flour and salt; be gentle here to avoid overmixing since that could make the blondies tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter together until the texture resembles wet sand. This mixture is the heart of what transforms these blondies into cinnamon roll magic—it will swirl through the batter to create pockets of warm, spiced sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Blondies

Pour the blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it with a spatula for an even layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter’s surface. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the blondie batter, creating beautiful marbled swirls that will bake into irresistible ribbons of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the blondies for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Make sure not to overbake because the interior should remain moist and slightly fudgy. Once baked, let the blondies cool completely in the pan before adding the icing to avoid melting it away.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Add powdered sugar, then gradually mix in milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and drizzle-worthy. Pour this luscious icing over the cooled blondies, spreading gently or letting it cascade naturally for a rustic look.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Garnishes

To elevate these blondies, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add stunning visual appeal and enhance the warmth of the cinnamon flavor.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Blondies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich chai tea, echoing those familiar breakfast vibes. For something heartier, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a dessert that feels indulgently cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the blondies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. Another fun idea is layering pieces in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced fruit compote to create a stunning layered dessert that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and iced, Cinnamon Roll Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without worrying about them drying out.

Freezing

If you want to prepare Cinnamon Roll Blondies in advance, you can freeze them without icing for up to two months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the cream cheese icing and serving.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until heated through. Avoid overheating as this can dry out the texture. Warm blondies taste so comforting, nearly as if they’ve just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese icing?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate instead. Each option complements the cinnamon swirl beautifully.

Are Cinnamon Roll Blondies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a certified gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What makes these blondies different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that are yeast-leavened and rolled, Cinnamon Roll Blondies are baked as a dense, chewy bars with cinnamon swirls and iced with cream cheese frosting. They provide the signature cinnamon roll flavors but in a quicker, easier format.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch, while raisins bring bursts of chewy sweetness. Fold them into the batter along with the flour to distribute evenly.

How do I get the perfect swirl effect?

To achieve swirl magic, first drop evenly spaced spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture across the blondie batter, then gently run a butter knife through in swirling motions. Avoid over-mixing to keep those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons distinct.

Final Thoughts

If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quick, no-fuss dessert, you absolutely have to try making Cinnamon Roll Blondies. They’re a warm hug in bar form—soft, buttery, and laced with cinnamon sugar swirls, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. I promise once you taste them, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with loved ones or keep all to yourself!

Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously soft and chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the rich flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the easy-to-make texture of blondies. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, these blondies are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the blondie batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Make the cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will create a flavorful swirl in the blondies.
Assemble the blondies: Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top of the batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the blondie batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before icing.
Make the icing: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and vanilla extract. Mix until the icing is smooth and spreadable. Drizzle the icing over the cooled blondies.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the blondies tender and chewy.
Use softened cream cheese for smooth, lump-free icing.
Adjust the amount of milk in the icing to reach your desired consistency.
For extra gooeyness, slightly underbake the blondies and let them set while cooling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American