Sinking your teeth into a warm, golden blondie that’s studded with rich swirls of cinnamon sugar feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp morning. These chewy cinnamon roll blondies marry the buttery sweetness of a classic blondie with all the comforting spices you adore in a homemade cinnamon roll. Every bite offers a tender crumb that yields just enough resistance to keep things interesting, while the cinnamon-studded pockets burst with inviting warmth. Whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or planning to wow guests at brunch, these bars deliver that nostalgic cinnamon roll vibe in a fraction of the time and effort.
What truly takes these blondies from “delicious” to “absolutely unforgettable” is the luscious cream cheese icing that crowns each piece. It spreads like a silky blanket, adding a tangy balance to the sweet spice beneath. As the chilled icing meets the still-warm blondie, it creates dreamy pockets of softness and slight gooeyness that beckon you back for another square. With minimal effort—just a few simple bowls, basic pantry staples, and under an hour from start to finish—you’ll be serving up a dessert that feels indulgent but is totally beginner-friendly. Trust me, once you taste how these blondies capture the essence of a cinnamon roll in a handheld treat, they’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEWY CINNAMON ROLL BLONDIES WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
Before diving into the baking process, let’s get to know the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of chewiness, sweetness, spice, and that creamy finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this irresistible dessert:
- Unsalted butter
Provides rich, creamy fat that ensures a tender yet chewy texture. Melting it before mixing helps the sugars dissolve evenly and keeps the batter silky smooth.
- Brown sugar
Infuses the blondies with deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to a moist, fudgy crumb. Its molasses content amplifies the cozy warmth of cinnamon.
- Granulated sugar
Adds bright sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp top layer that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior.
- Large eggs
Act as a binding agent, giving structure to the blondies and providing lift. Beating them in one at a time yields a light, uniform batter.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor profile with sweet, floral undertones that complement both the buttery base and the cinnamon spice.
- All-purpose flour
Forms the backbone of the blondies, lending enough structure to hold the bars together while still allowing for a tender bite.
- Baking powder
Offers a gentle lift to prevent overly dense bars, ensuring they remain chewy rather than cake-like.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness and heightens the other flavors, cutting through the richness to keep each bite lively.
- Ground cinnamon
Delivers that signature cinnamon roll aroma and flavor, distributing warm spice throughout each bite.
- Cream cheese
For the icing, this provides tangy richness and a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel, offsetting the sweetness of the blondies.
- Powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens the icing, creating a velvety topping that holds its shape while staying spreadable.
- Milk
Adjusts the icing’s consistency, ensuring it’s easy to spread without sliding off the bars.
HOW TO MAKE CHEWY CINNAMON ROLL BLONDIES WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
Let’s walk through the steps to transform simple pantry staples into a pan of dreamy cinnamon roll blondies crowned with silky cream cheese icing. This straightforward process covers batter preparation, baking, cooling, and finishing with the icing, guiding you from start to satisfyingly sweet finish.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the blondies out once they’ve cooled.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, with no visible lumps of sugar or butter.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract until it’s evenly distributed and aromatic.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Do not overbake, as this will ensure the blondies remain satisfyingly chewy.
7. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding any icing.
8. To make the cream cheese icing, place the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the icing is smooth and silky.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the icing seems too thick to spread easily, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
11. Once the blondies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a smooth layer.
12. Cut into squares and serve. These bars are at their chewy best when enjoyed fresh but can also be savored the next day once flavors have melded.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEWY CINNAMON ROLL BLONDIES WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
When it comes to presentation and pairing, a few simple touches can elevate these blondies from delightful to downright showstopping. Whether you’re pulling them out for a casual coffee break or a festive gathering, these serving ideas will help you highlight their cozy cinnamon charm.
- Warm and drizzled: Reheat individual blondie squares for 5–10 seconds in the microwave, then drizzle with an extra swirl of warmed cream cheese icing. The contrast of warm and cool textures creates an indulgent bite.
- Brunch board centerpiece: Arrange blondie squares on a wooden serving board alongside fresh berries, sliced apples, and small bowls of whipped cream or honey for an impressive spread that invites everyone to graze.
- Ice cream sandwich: Slice each blondie into thinner rectangles, then sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two pieces. Press the edges gently to seal and serve immediately for a playful twist.
- Festive dusting: Just before serving, sprinkle a blend of cinnamon and powdered sugar over the frosted top. The delicate pattern adds a decorative finish and a hint of extra spice.
HOW TO STORE CHEWY CINNAMON ROLL BLONDIES WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
Proper storage keeps these blondies tasting incredibly fresh, even a few days—or weeks—after baking. With their moist crumb and creamy icing, you’ll want to follow best practices to preserve their flavor, texture, and appearance until you’re ready to indulge again.
- Airtight container at room temperature: Once the icing has set, place the blondies in a single layer or with parchment between layers. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that tender, chewy texture.
- Refrigeration for longer freshness: For storage up to 5 days, keep your frosted blondies in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to revive their soft interior.
- Freezing uncut bars: If you’d like to stock up, wrap the entire iced slab tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before slicing.
- Individual slice storage: Freeze single servings by wrapping each blondie square in parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a treat on the go. Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
CONCLUSION
From start to finish, these Chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies with Cream Cheese Icing offer the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence, making them a go-to recipe for both rookie bakers and seasoned home cooks. We’ve covered everything from the essential ingredients—like melted butter, brown sugar, and warming ground cinnamon—to the step-by-step process that ensures each bar is ultra-chewy and crowned with a cloud of tangy, silky icing. The suggested serving ideas take these blondies beyond your everyday dessert, transforming them into showstoppers whether you’re hosting brunch, building a snack board, or simply craving a sweet solo escape. And with practical storage tips for room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing, you can keep a stash of these bars on hand for whenever the craving strikes.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later so you can revisit these cozy treats anytime. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer common questions, from ingredient swaps to troubleshooting tips. If you give this recipe a try, please leave your comments, questions, or feedback—I’d love to hear how your blondies turned out or help you troubleshoot any step. Happy baking, and here’s to turning simple pantry staples into pure cinnamon roll bliss!
Chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies with Cream Cheese Icing
Description
These Chewy Cinnamon Roll Blondies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring warm cinnamon and a luscious cream cheese icing, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars from the pan later.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake to ensure a chewy texture.
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Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
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To make the cream cheese icing:
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In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy using an electric mixer.
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Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth.
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Stir in the vanilla extract. If the icing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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Once the blondies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top.
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Cut into squares and serve.
Note
- For an extra cinnamon touch, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top of the icing.
- These blondies taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
- If you prefer a thicker icing layer, double the cream cheese icing recipe.
- Easily add nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat for brunch.
