Name: Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 – 1 tsp almond extract (use 3/4 tsp for less almond flavoring; 1 tsp for more flavoring); 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for blondies)

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 – 1 tsp almond extract (use 3/4 tsp for less almond flavor; 1 tsp for more)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for blondies)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting)

4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick foil, or coat it with baking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the cinnamon filling by whisking together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes to thicken, then set aside.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream 3/4 cup softened butter with both sugars (1/2 cup granulated and 1 cup dark brown sugar) until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 5: Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until fully combined; the dough will be thick.

Step 6: Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 7: Spoon the chilled cinnamon filling over the dough layer, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 8: Flatten pieces of the remaining dough in your hand, then place them on top of the cinnamon filling. Press gently to spread the dough evenly over the filling.

Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the center is set. If the bars brown too quickly, tent foil over the pan halfway through baking.

Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 11: For optional frosting, cream together 1/4 cup softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream, mixing until smooth.

Step 12: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon if desired.

Step 13: Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger almond flavor, use the full 1 teaspoon of almond extract; reduce to 3/4 teaspoon for a milder taste.

Line the pan with parchment paper with overhangs on two sides to easily lift the blondies out after baking.

Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch.

If you prefer, skip the frosting for a simpler treat—or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

FAQs

Can I use regular brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, regular brown sugar can be used. It may slightly alter the depth of flavor but will still yield delicious results.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the cinnamon. You can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract if preferred.