Cinnamon Sugar Blondies for Beginners: Chewy, Quick, and Absolutely Irresistible

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I baked blondies—it was a cool autumn afternoon, and I was determined to create something sweet but simple. These cinnamon sugar blondies became my go-to treat when I needed to whip up something quickly without compromising on flavor.

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What makes this recipe perfect for beginner cooks? For starters, it’s incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. These blondies are a delightful mix of chewy, buttery goodness with a crackly cinnamon-sugar topping that’s impossible to resist. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute cravings, unexpected guests, or a quick weeknight dessert.

If you’ve been hesitant to bake, let this recipe be your starting point. No fancy equipment or advanced techniques are required—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little bit of enthusiasm. By the end of this, you’ll have a plate of delicious blondies and a boost of confidence in your baking skills!

Ingredients and Preparation

To make these cinnamon sugar blondies, you’ll need just eight basic ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of each one, along with tips and alternatives to suit your needs:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the blondies. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Provides sweetness and gives the blondies their signature chewiness. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark brown sugar will add a deeper caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder and helps the blondies hold their structure. For a vegan option, you can substitute with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the blondies. For gluten-free blondies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 5 teaspoons sugar: Combined with cinnamon for the topping. You can use granulated sugar or swap it with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The star of the show! Feel free to adjust the amount if you want a stronger or milder cinnamon flavor.

Preparation Tips:

1. Prepping the Baking Dish: Line your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal. If you don’t have parchment, grease the pan generously with butter or cooking spray.
2. Measuring Ingredients: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Scoop your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t pack it in!
3. Room Temperature Egg: If your egg is cold, let it sit in warm water for a few minutes before using. This helps it mix more evenly into the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your cinnamon sugar blondies:

1. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and the perfect texture.

2. Prepare the pan:
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. If you don’t have parchment, grease the pan well.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.

4. Add the dry ingredients:
Sprinkle the flour and a pinch of salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Overmixing can make the blondies dense, so mix until no streaks of flour remain.

5. Spread the batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent baking.

6. Make the cinnamon-sugar topping:
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the blondie batter, ensuring an even coating.

7. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the blondies dry.

8. Cool and cut:
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice them into 16 bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, wiping the blade between slices if needed.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too dry? If your blondies turn out dry, they may have been overbaked. Reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes next time.
• Topping doesn’t stick? Ensure the cinnamon-sugar mixture is evenly sprinkled before baking. The moisture in the batter will help it adhere.
• Batter too thick? This can happen if your butter cools down too much. Microwave it briefly to loosen it up before mixing.

Efficient Kitchen Tips:

• Prepping in Advance: Measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing. This will make the process smoother and faster.
• Clean as You Go: While the blondies bake, take a moment to tidy up the kitchen. You’ll thank yourself later!
• Testing for Doneness: Start checking at the 20-minute mark. Blondies are meant to be slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.

Tool Substitutions:

• No mixing bowl? Use a large saucepan to melt the butter, then mix everything directly in it.
• No spatula? A large spoon or butter knife works just fine to spread the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon sugar blondies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to take them to the next level:

1. With Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
2. Drizzle with Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
3. Add Fruits: Pair with fresh berries or sliced apples for a refreshing twist.
4. Serve with Coffee or Tea: These blondies make a delightful treat alongside your favorite hot beverage.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion

Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and these cinnamon sugar blondies are proof! With their simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible flavor, they’re the perfect recipe for beginner bakers to try.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic happen! Once you’ve tried these blondies, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? Serve them in a unique way? I’d love to hear all about it!

Happy baking!