Blondie Recipe: Chewy, Cinnamon-Sugar Topped Bars in Under 30 Minutes

Introduction

If there’s one dessert that disappears fast in my house, it’s these blondies recipe. Chewy, golden, and finished with a crackly cinnamon sugar topping, this blondie recipe has become our family’s favorite. My kids call them “cinnamon cookie bars,” and honestly, I can’t blame them for sneaking one before dinner. They’re that good.

You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, no fancy tools or obscure ingredients needed. It’s a one-bowl wonder, which means fewer dishes and more time eating. Let’s dive in.

Background: What Is a Blondie Dessert?

Blondies are the fair-haired cousin of brownies. Where brownies bring the chocolate punch, blondies go for a deep, rich butterscotch vibe, thanks to brown sugar and butter. The texture? Still chewy. Still satisfying. Just…blonde.

When you’re craving a bar dessert but want to skip the cocoa, this is your answer. Plus, these blondies are one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. No mixer, no chill time, just quick, sweet satisfaction.

Why We Love These Blondies

• Chewy texture with just the right amount of bite
• Crackly cinnamon sugar topping that adds crunch and spice
• Simple prep—just one bowl and no fancy ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Versatile—great for potlucks, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks

Common Questions About Blondies

Are blondies supposed to be gooey?

Yes! That’s part of their charm. Pull them when the edges are golden and the center looks just set. They’ll keep cooking in the pan from residual heat. Gooey is good.

Are blondies vanilla brownies or cookies?

Kind of both. They’re made like brownies—same method, same pan—but taste like the best vanilla cookie you’ve ever had. A chewy, bar-shaped cookie with a soft center.

What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?

Brownies use cocoa or melted chocolate. Blondies skip the chocolate and go heavy on brown sugar and vanilla. It’s butterscotch vs. chocolate. You really can’t go wrong either way.

How to make chewy blondies?

Use brown sugar for moisture, don’t overbake, and let them cool in the pan. Overmixing can make them cakey, so go easy once the flour goes in.

Ingredients for the Best Blondie Recipe

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  Melting the butter gives you that dense, fudgy texture—like a brownie without the chocolate. Unsalted lets you control the salt level better.
  
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  This is the soul of a blondie. It gives a rich, butterscotch-like flavor and keeps the bars chewy and moist. No white sugar here—brown is king.
  
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
  Adds structure and binds everything together. Room temp eggs mix in more smoothly, helping to emulsify the batter.
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Vanilla is key in blondies since there’s no chocolate to steal the show. It deepens the flavor and brings a warm, bakery-style aroma.
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  Provides the structure, but not too much—you want it chewy, not cakey. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid overpacking.
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Balances the sweetness and makes the vanilla and brown sugar pop. Don’t skip it—it’s essential for flavor contrast.
  
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  This is for the topping. When it bakes, it forms that irresistible crackly crust that gives each bite a tiny crunch.
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  Also for the topping, cinnamon adds a warm, spicy-sweet note that elevates the entire dessert. Think snickerdoodle meets blondie.

Instructions: Blondie Dessert Recipe from Scratch

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. (Parchment helps lift the blondies out easily and keeps the edges from sticking.)

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fully blended—this is your base and gives that butterscotch flavor. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then stir again until the mixture looks glossy. This means it’s well-emulsified, which helps with the blondie’s structure and chew.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt directly to the bowl. Stir just until the flour disappears—no more, no less. Overmixing can lead to dense, cakey blondies instead of chewy ones. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Spread, Top, and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges with a spatula. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Don’t wait for it to look fully firm—that happens during cooling. Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Information :

Blondie Recipe: Chewy, Cinnamon-Sugar Topped Bars in Under 30 Minutes

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• Author: Emilio
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These chewy blondies come together in one bowl and bake in under 25 minutes. Topped with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust, they’re rich, buttery, and absolutely addictive.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and stir until glossy and well combined.
4. Add the flour and salt, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
6. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
7. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
8. Let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra texture, you can stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or drizzle caramel on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: blondie, cinnamon, dessert bar, quick bake, chewy blondie

Benefits of This Blondie Recipe

Conclusion: Make These Gooey Blondies with Cinnamon Topping Today

If you’ve been looking for a foolproof dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this cinnamon-topped blondie recipe is it. You get all the rich, chewy satisfaction of a brownie—but with a warm, buttery twist that only brown sugar and vanilla can bring. And that cinnamon-sugar crust? It crackles like the top of a snickerdoodle and adds a spicy-sweet contrast that keeps you reaching for just one more square.

They come together in one bowl, bake in under 25 minutes, and cool right in the pan. No fancy tools, no chilling, no stress. Just gooey, golden perfection every time.

So next time you’re in the mood for something cozy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing—whether it’s for a bake sale, a potluck, or a “just because” treat—make these blondies recipe. Let them cool if you can wait, or dive in warm for a melty, soft-center bite.

And hey—if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page. You’ll find beautiful carrot cake plating ideas, decorating tips, and a collection of mouthwatering recipes to spark your creativity in the kitchen..