Have you ever tasted a soft and chewy blondie that just melts in your mouth? If not, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite Cinnamon Sugar Blondies recipe. These delightful treats combine warm cinnamon with a rich, buttery base. From gathering ingredients to baking perfection, I’ll guide you step-by-step. Let’s make these easy blondies that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up these blondies whenever a sweet craving strikes.
- Deliciously Warm Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor that everyone loves.
- Perfect Texture: These blondies are chewy and rich, striking a perfect balance between fudgy and cake-like textures.
- Customizable: You can easily add in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make these blondies your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Measurement Conversions
– 1 cup = 240 ml
– 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
– 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
Ingredient Notes
– Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
– Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
– Granulated Sugar: This sugar sweetens the blondies and helps with texture.
– Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together.
– Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives a rich aroma.
– Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure.
– Baking Powder: This helps the blondies rise a bit.
– Salt: Fine salt balances the sweetness.
– Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.
– Topping Sugars: Combining sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet crust.
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these blondies soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Enjoy the process of baking these treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets everything ready for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help us lift the blondies out later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to blend until smooth. You want no lumps in this mix. Next, add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Whisk again until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies soft and chewy.
Baking the Blondies
Pour the blondie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar on top of the batter. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. After baking, cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares for serving.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, avoid overmixing. When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps your blondies soft and chewy. Also, use room temperature eggs. They blend better and help your batter stay smooth. Letting the blondies cool completely is key. This helps them firm up for easy cutting.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these blondies warm. You can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds a creamy touch that balances the sweetness. Another idea is to serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of caramel sauce. It makes each bite feel special.
Customizing the Recipe
You can easily customize your blondies. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. If you want a burst of flavor, mix in chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. You can also switch up the spices. A pinch of nutmeg or a hint of ginger can change the flavor profile. Just remember to keep the balance, so the cinnamon shines through!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter to blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies instead of the desired chewy texture.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the perfect bake, use a toothpick to test doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
Variations
Nut Additions
You can add nuts to your blondies for extra crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. Use about 1 cup of nuts. Fold them into the batter before baking. They add flavor and texture. You can also use almonds or hazelnuts if you like. This small change makes a big difference.
Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavor of these blondies easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Butterscotch or white chocolate chips are great too. If you want a fruity taste, mix in some dried cranberries or cherries. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract gives a nice almond flavor. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend works for baking. This change keeps the texture soft and chewy. You can also add a bit of cornstarch to help with the texture. Just 1/2 cup of cornstarch with gluten-free flour works well. Enjoy your blondies without worry!
Storage Info
How to Store Blondies
To keep your cinnamon sugar blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can stack them in layers, but place parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. This way, you can enjoy them longer without losing that soft, chewy texture. Keep the container at room temperature for the best taste.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some blondies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the blondies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.
Shelf Life
Cinnamon sugar blondies have a good shelf life. They can last about four to five days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they may stay fresh for up to a week. However, for the best flavor and texture, eat them within a few days.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar. It adds a rich flavor and moisture. Using all brown sugar will make the blondies denser and chewier. If you want a lighter texture, use a mix of both. Half brown and half granulated sugar works well for balance.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as an egg substitute. One egg equals 1/4 cup of applesauce. You can also use flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This mix binds the ingredients well.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Check the blondies at 25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes. Let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting.
You learned about the key ingredients and tips for making delicious blondies. I shared step-by-step instructions and variations to make them your own. Storing and freezing tips help keep them fresh. Remember, you can customize flavors or use nuts for added texture. With these insights, you can bake perfect blondies every time. Enjoy the process and make it fun! Happy bakin
