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    Home » Dessert » Bar

    Cinnamon Roll Blondies

    Published: Jul 22, 2022 · by Elizabeth Waterson · This post may contain affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen!

    395 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    hand holding up close bite of cream cheese frosted cinnamon blondie

    You will love this Cinnamon Roll Blondies recipe! Buttery, rich, and chewy blondies are swirled with cinnamon sugar baked to a golden brown and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Step-by-step photos teach you how to bake these cinnamon roll cookie bars!

    cinnamon roll blondies on a light pink surface

    Cinnamon rolls, are one of my true loves. And I actually enjoy making them from scratch. I've got a great recipe for making them the night before and baking first thing in the morning. Let me tell you, unreal. There is NO comparison to store-bought vs homemade cinnamon rolls. It's worth it and not hard at all. Enough about them.

    On to these Cinnamon Roll Blondies... I love combining two desserts into one.

    I added cinnamon in the blondie base and then made a butter/brown sugar/ cinnamon mixture and swirled it throughout before I baked.

    Let the bars cool and slather a big old scoop of cream cheese frosting on top.

    Finding the pockets of cinnamon sugar was delightful, a chewy cinnamon blondie topped with cream cheese frosting. Wow. Speechless. I prefer the bars chilled but to each their own!

    Fancy a chocolate chewy bar? Try my Thick & Chewy Brownies with Cocoa Powder. A pumpkin blondie? Try my Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.

    cinnamon roll blondies on a wire rack on top of a blue linen on a light pink surface

    Let's get to the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • More cinnamon roll recipes
    • More blondie recipes
    • Recipe Card
    • Recipe Ratings & Comments

    Ingredients

    Although this is quite an easy recipe there are three components but don't let it scare you!

    • Butter. I use salted but you can use unsalted if you want. The butter just needs to be melted.
    • Light Brown Sugar. The brown sugar creates an incredibly thick, moist and chewy cookie bar.
    • Large Egg. Your egg needs to be at room temperature, to do this quickly place the egg in a bowl of warm water before you crack it.
    • Pure Vanilla Extract. A splash of vanilla helps give the blondies a warm flavor base.
    • All-Purpose Flour. Be careful to measure your flour properly, I prefer a scale versus measuring cups.
    • Baking Soda. The baking soda will help the blondies rise up while baking.
    • Salt. Don’t forget this ingredient, it helps enhance all of the other ingredient flavor profiles.
    • Ground Cinnamon. This helps give that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.

    For the cinnamon-sugar mixture you'll need to mix together some melted butter, brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

    For the cream cheese frosting:

    • Cream Cheese. Make sure it's softened to room temperature.
    • Butter. This also needs to be softened to room temperature.
    • Confectioner's Sugar. Also known as powdered sugar, make sure it's sifted so you don't have any lumps.
    • Pure Vanilla Extract. Just a bit warms the frosting flavor.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream. The cream will make the frosting richer.

    Next time I might try adding some chopped roasted pecans on top for a nice crunch!

    ingredients for cinnamon roll blondies on a light pink surface

    Baking is a science and to really achieve the best results I highly recommend investing in a kitchen scale. This OXO Kitchen Scale is the one I use and is also the number one recommended kitchen scale by Cook's Illustrated. Think about it -what one person scoops into a "cup" is completely different from what someone else scoops!

    For ingredient quantities please reference the recipe card below. On the recipe card there is a button for US or M (Metric) measurements.

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350/180C and grease and line an 8-inch square pan with foil to overhang on the sides so you can easily remove the bars from the pan. 

    In a large bowl whisk together the butter and brown sugar, mixing until fully combined.

    brown sugar and melted butter in an glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen
    brown sugar and melted butter mixed together in a glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beat for one minute.

    egg and vanilla mixed into wet ingredients in a glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

    dry ingredients added to wet ingredients in an glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    Mix just until no flour streaks remain, don't overmix the blondie batter. Pour batter into prepared pan, press into a flat layer.

    cinnamon roll blondie batter in a glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    In a small bowl mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

    cinnamon swirl mixture mixed together in a small glass bowl on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    Using a spoon to drizzle cinnamon swirl mixture onto the blondie mixture. Using a butter knife swirl the spoonfuls.

    cinnamon roll blondie batter in a metal pan swirled with cinnamon mixture cinnamon roll blondie batter in a metal pan swirled with cinnamon mixture on a light pink surface with a blue linen

    Bake for 23-26 minutes, until blondies are golden brown and have set.

    Let cool for at least 45 minutes before icing. I let the blondies cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack then using the foil overhand I pull the blondies out of the tin to cool faster.

    cream cheese frosting in a glass bowl on a light pink surface

    In a medium bowl with a hand mixer whisk together the butter and cream cheese. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing on low to prevent a powdered sugar storm. Once all combined beat on high for 3 minutes. Spread on top of blondies and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.

    cinnamon swirl blondies topped with cream cheese frosting and ground cinnamon on a white plate on a light pink surface

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm environment then store the bars in the fridge.

    More cinnamon roll recipes

    This cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe is decadent and perfect for a party!

    For afternoon tea parties this cinnamon roll pound cake is just scrumptious!

    I think I might like these pumpkin cinnamon rolls over regular cinnamon rolls!

    More blondie recipes

    • Apple Blondies 
    • Salted Chocolate Chip Pecan Blondies 
    • Chewy Gooey Candy Blondies
    • Pretzel Crusted M&M Blondies 
    • Cookie Butter Sea Salt Blondies 
    hand holding up close bite of cream cheese frosted cinnamon blondie

    ★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

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    Recipe Card

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    cinnamon roll blondies on a light pink surface

    Cinnamon Roll Blondies

    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    You will love this Cinnamon Roll Blondies recipe! Buttery, rich, and chewy blondies are swirled with cinnamon sugar baked to a golden brown and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Step-by-step photos teach you how to bake these cinnamon roll cookie bars! 

    • Total Time: 41 minutes
    • Yield: 9-16 Bars 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Blondies

    • 4oz (½ Cup) Butter, melted
    • 150 grams (¾ Cup) Light Brown Sugar
    • 1 Large Egg, at room temperature
    • 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 125 grams (1 Cup) All-Purpose Flour
    • ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
    • ½ Teaspoon Salt
    • ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

    Cinnamon Swirl

    • 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
    • 2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
    • ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

    Frosting

    • 3oz Cream Cheese, at room temperature
    • 1 Tablespoon Butter, at room temperature
    • 120 grams (1 Cup) Confectioner's Sugar, sifted
    • 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 1 Teaspoon Heavy Cream
    • Sprinkle of Ground Cinnamon

    Instructions

    Cinnamon Blondies

    1. Preheat oven to 350/180C and grease and line an 8-inch square pan with foil to overhang on the sides so you can easily remove the bars from the pan. 
    2. In a large bowl whisk together the butter and brown sugar, mixing until fully combined. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beat for one minute. Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan, press into a flat layer.

    Cinnamon Swirl

    1. In a small bowl mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
    2. Using a spoon drop dollops of cinnamon swirl onto the blondie mixture. Using a knife swirl the spoonfuls. Bake for 23-26 minutes, until blondies are golden brown and have set.
    3. Let cool for at least 45 minutes before icing. I let the blondies cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack then using the foil overhand I pull the blondies out of the tin to cool faster. You cannot frost the blondies while they are warm.

    Frosting

    1. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat cream cheese and butter for 1 minute. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing on low to prevent a powdered sugar storm. Once all combined beat on high for 3 minutes. Spread on top of blondies and add sprinkles of ground cinnamon. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Equipment

    fat daddios 8 inch square cake pan

    8 Inch Square Baking Pan

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    kitchen aid cordless hand mixer

    Cordless Hand Mixer

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    small angled spatula

    Small Angled Spatula

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    oxo food scale

    OXO Kitchen Scale

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    • Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
    • Prep Time: 15
    • Cook Time: 26
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: cinnamon roll cookie bars, cinnamon blondies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @confessionsofabakingqueen on Instagram and hashtag it #cbqbakes

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
    Cinnamon Roll Blondies on brown parchment paper

    This recipe was orginally published on May 30, 2016 as of March 27, 2022 the recipe and post has been updated.

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    1. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

      May 31, 2016 at 9:55 am

      I could eat an insane amount of these blondies! The frosting - swoon!!

      Reply
    2. Laura Dembowski says

      May 31, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      OMG! Just when I thought blondies couldn't get any better. I need the whole pan right now.

      Reply
    3. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

      May 31, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      ooooh oooh oooooh these blondies look so incredible! I love the cinnamon roll twist!

      Reply
    4. Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says

      June 01, 2016 at 11:12 am

      The cinnamon sugar swirl looks fantastic! What a great idea! You're right in that store bought cinnamon rolls have nothing on homemade 🙂

      Reply
    5. Laura Dembowski says

      November 07, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      Elizabeth, I made and LOVE these! They are seriously perfection and I want to eat them every day forever and ever. I posted about them on my blog too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        November 07, 2018 at 5:04 pm

        Aww Laura, that is awesome! They really are the best, thanks for coming back and letting me know!

        Reply
    6. Diane M Cammer says

      October 02, 2021 at 11:14 am

      Not yet - but - going to this weekend.
      Sounds soooo yu m m y.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        October 07, 2021 at 1:30 am

        Hi Diane, I would love to knnow what you think about the recipe, please do report back! XX Liz

        Reply
    7. Anoush says

      February 14, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      These were so delicious and so easy to make! I already had everything at home. It was so tasty and moist and that cream cheese frosting is to die for. The cinnamon roll plus blondie is the ultimate combination that will have your taste buds rejoicing!! Definitely will make again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Barbara says

      April 15, 2022 at 5:34 am

      Is there of making these from semi scratch instead of totally from scratch? Please let me know. Thanks

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        April 15, 2022 at 5:36 pm

        Hi Barbara, I have never done it but I would guess you could take store-bought refrigerated sugar cookie dough, take a 1lb package and press it into the pan then pour the cinnamon sugar swirl on top of that and bake until done. I would bake them in an 8-inch pan and guess the baking time would take 15-20 minutes. Then make the cream cheese frosting. Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you try the recipe I would love to know what you think! XX Liz

        Reply
    9. Rachel says

      August 02, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      This is one of my favorite recipes on your site! I love your original cinnamon rolls, but when I'm in the mood for quick and easy these suffice!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        August 03, 2022 at 7:34 am

        Thank you so much for the lovely review Rachel, so glad you enjoy the bars and rolls! XX Liz

        Reply
    10. Stacey says

      September 10, 2022 at 4:51 pm

      I found the batter quite thick, more like cookie dough. Will probably add some milk or another egg next time. Very tasty though!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Waterson says

        September 10, 2022 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Stacey, yes if you want it fluffier definitely do that! I personally like the denseness of them, but I am so glad you enjoyed the flavor! 🙂

        Reply

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    Waterson, Elizabeth Cropped Size Photo CAke copy 2

    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

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    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

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