If a gooey cinnamon roll and a buttery blondie had a baby, this would be it. These Cinnamon Roll Blondies are rich, soft, and swirled with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar filling that melt perfectly into the blondie base. Finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze, they capture all the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll—without the kneading, rolling, or rising.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These blondies offer everything you love about cinnamon rolls in a simpler, faster form. The dense, buttery blondie base pairs beautifully with the warm swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, while the cream cheese glaze adds a touch of tangy sweetness. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—and no yeast or waiting time required.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the blondie base:
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
For the cinnamon swirl:
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the cream cheese glaze:
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2 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 tbsp butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
directions
1. Prepare the blondie batter:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
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Whisk in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Make the cinnamon swirl:
5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Assemble the blondies:
6. Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
8. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
4. Bake:
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
10. Cool completely in the pan before glazing.
5. Make the cream cheese glaze:
11. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
12. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
6. Glaze and serve:
13. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies.
14. Cut into bars and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 16 blondies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for texture.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for deeper spice.
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Maple Glaze: Swap the cream cheese glaze for a maple glaze using maple syrup and powdered sugar.
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Mini Blondies: Bake in a muffin tin for individually portioned blondie bites.
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Add-Ins: Mix white chocolate chips or raisins into the blondie batter.
storage/reheating
Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these without the glaze?
Yes, they’re still delicious on their own, but the glaze adds that authentic cinnamon roll finish.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, but it will create a deeper molasses flavor and darker color.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture?
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag through the batter in a figure-eight motion.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
The edges should be golden and the center should be set but still soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking pan (such as 11×15) or bake two separate batches.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and glaze the blondies a day ahead. Store covered at room temperature or refrigerate.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Use a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
Are these more like cake or bars?
They’re denser than cake, more like a chewy bar with a gooey swirl and a soft bite.
What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Blondies are the perfect fusion of two classic treats—rich, chewy blondies and gooey cinnamon rolls. With their swirled cinnamon filling and tangy cream cheese glaze, they deliver everything you love about cinnamon rolls with half the effort. These bars are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
[tasty-recipe id=”18710″]