Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies (The Ultimate Chewy Recipe)

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies are the ultimate sweet treat, blending the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar with a warm, spicy cinnamon swirl. They have irresistibly chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and a dense, fudgy texture that will have everyone reaching for a second piece. This recipe is incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for a last-minute craving or a planned special occasion. Forget complicated techniques; this is straightforward baking at its most delicious.

What Makes These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies So Good?

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. We use melted butter, which is the secret to an ultra-chewy texture. Unlike recipes that call for creaming butter and sugar, melted butter creates a denser, more brownie-like consistency. The high ratio of brown sugar provides deep molasses flavor and extra moisture, ensuring these blondies never turn out dry. The beautiful cinnamon swirl isn’t just for looks; it weaves a ribbon of warm spice through every single bite, perfectly complementing the buttery, caramel-like flavor of the blondie base.

A freshly baked slab of brown sugar cinnamon blondies in a baking pan, with a visible cinnamon swirl.
Fresh out of the oven and ready to cool.

The Key Ingredients You’ll Need


This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking.

For the Blondie Batter

  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is crucial for that signature chewy texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar: This is the star of the show, providing moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
  • Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for these perfect bars.
  • Baking Powder: Gives just a little bit of lift without making the blondies cakey.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • Light Brown Sugar: More brown sugar creates the base of the swirl.
  • Ground Cinnamon: This provides the warm, aromatic spice that makes these blondies special.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies Step-by-Step

Making these gooey brown sugar blondies is a simple, three-part process. We’ll mix the batter, prepare the cinnamon swirl, and then assemble and bake.

  1. Prep Your Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to act as handles. This will make it much easier to lift the blondies out later.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Switch to a rubber spatula and fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough, cakey blondies.
  4. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small, separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl until they are evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the Blondies: Pour about half of the blondie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining batter in dollops over the cinnamon layer, then gently spread it to cover.
  6. Swirl and Bake: Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the layers together. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct ribbons of cinnamon. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
An extreme close-up shot of a gooey brown sugar blondie, showcasing its moist and chewy texture.
Look at that perfectly chewy and gooey center!

For more delightful baked goods, check out our amazing recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Chewy Blondies

Want to guarantee the best blondies every time? Follow these simple tips.

  • Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, mixing the batter too much develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a cake-like texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined for the ultimate chewy bite.
  • Use Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg will incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more uniform texture.
  • Do Not Overbake: The key to a gooey center is to pull the blondies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool.
  • Let Them Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! You must let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set properly, ensuring clean cuts and a perfect fudgy texture. If you love bar recipes, you have to try these Lemon Cookie Bars.

Fun Variations to Try

While this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of white, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a classic twist.
  • Nutty Goodness: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
  • Brown Butter: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, brown the butter on the stovetop before adding it to the sugar.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our collection of easy baking recipes for your next kitchen adventure.

Storing Your Blondies

To keep your blondies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Simply slice the cooled blondies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the chocolate! Brownies contain cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving them their rich chocolate flavor. Blondies, on the other hand, have no cocoa and get their signature caramel-like flavor from brown sugar.


The secret to chewy blondies is using melted butter (not creamed) and not overmixing the batter once you add the flour. Also, be careful not to overbake them; pulling them from the oven when the center is slightly gooey ensures a perfect chewy texture once they cool.


Your blondies are done when the edges are a light golden brown and have started to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs, but not wet batter.


Absolutely! This recipe is a wonderful base for additions. You can fold in about 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before spreading it in the pan.


Store your brown sugar cinnamon blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.


More Sweet Treats To Bake

We hope you love this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies recipe! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or share a picture with us on Pinterest! Your feedback helps us create more of the recipes you want to see. Happy baking!

A stack of perfectly chewy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies on a plate, showing the warm cinnamon swirl inside.
You won't believe how easy these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies are to make!

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies Recipe

An extreme close-up shot of a gooey brown sugar blondie, showcasing its moist and chewy texture.
FL Recipes

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies (The Ultimate Chewy Recipe)

The ultimate recipe for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Blondies! These bars are incredibly chewy, loaded with rich brown sugar and caramel notes, and feature a beautiful, warm cinnamon swirl throughout. The perfect easy dessert for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 blondies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 155

Ingredients
  

Blondie Batter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Swirl
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 inch baking pan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk and Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar until combined.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of brown sugar and the ground cinnamon for the swirl.
  6. Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
  7. Add the remaining batter in dollops on top and gently spread to cover the cinnamon layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together a few times.
  8. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalProtein: 2gFat: 6gFiber: 1g

Notes

Do Not Overmix: For the chewiest texture, fold the dry ingredients until just combined. A few flour streaks are fine.
Cool Completely: Allowing the blondies to cool fully in the pan is essential for them to set properly, ensuring a perfect fudgy texture and clean slices.
Keyword brown sugar blondies,chewy blondie recipe,cinnamon blondies

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