Description
Delightful and indulgent Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the soft, rich flavors of cinnamon rolls with the easy-to-make texture of blondies. Featuring a luscious cinnamon butter filling layered between a thick blondie batter, and finished optionally with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this treat is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Blondies
- 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
Frosting (Optional)
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick foil, or lightly coat with baking spray for easy removal. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Chill this cinnamon filling in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Set aside.
- Cream Butter for Blondies: Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 1 minute, to incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Sugars: Add granulated sugar and dark brown sugar to the creamed butter, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, helping to dissolve the sugar.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, distributing the flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Assemble the Blondies: Divide the dough in half. Press half the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Add Filling Layer: Spoon the chilled cinnamon filling over the dough layer, spreading it into an even layer to cover completely.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough in your hands and place them on top of the filling. Press and spread gently to create an even top layer covering the filling.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the center is set. If the blondies brown too quickly, tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting or cutting.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): In a mixer bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream into the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost Blondies: Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies evenly. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
- Serve: Cut the blondies into 9 servings and serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or non-stick foil in the pan to ensure easy removal without sticking.
- Adjust the almond extract quantity based on your preferred intensity of almond flavor.
- Chilling the filling helps it thicken for better layering between the blondie batter.
- If the blondies brown too quickly during baking, tent with foil to prevent burning.
- The frosting is optional but adds a delicious creamy finish reminiscent of cinnamon roll icing.
- Allow blondies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll blondies, blondies recipe, cinnamon dessert, cream cheese frosting, baked treats
