Cinnamon Roll Blondies: A Swirled Delight Recipe

Recipes Italian Chef

Cinnamon Roll Blondies: A Swirled Delight Recipe

Cinnamon rolls and blondies – two beloved desserts, each offering a unique comfort. What if you could combine them into one incredible treat? Enter: Cinnamon Roll Blondies. These bars are a delightful fusion of chewy, buttery blondie goodness swirled with a generous ribbon of cinnamon-sugar, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They’re easier than making traditional cinnamon rolls, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, and guaranteed to impress anyone you share them with.

This recipe guides you through creating these irresistible blondies, from preparing the cinnamon swirl to baking them to golden perfection. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds with every bite!

## Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Blondies

* **Easy to Make:** Forget the kneading and rising time of cinnamon rolls. These blondies come together quickly and easily.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of buttery blondie, warm cinnamon, and tangy cream cheese glaze is simply divine.
* **Perfect Texture:** Chewy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and everyone loves blondies. Combining them makes for an instant hit.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences – add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Blondies:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

**For the Cinnamon Swirl:**

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

**For the Cream Cheese Glaze:**

* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 3-4 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

## Equipment

* 8×8 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Blondies.

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the blondies out of the pan after baking. Grease the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray or butter. This ensures the blondies don’t stick.

**Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter**

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until well combined and smooth. This is crucial for creating a chewy texture.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl**

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until a thick paste forms. This mixture will create the beautiful cinnamon swirl in your blondies.

**Step 4: Assemble the Blondies**

Pour about two-thirds of the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan using a rubber spatula.

Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the blondie batter. Try to distribute the cinnamon swirl evenly across the surface.

Pour the remaining blondie batter over the cinnamon swirl dollops. Gently spread it to cover as much of the cinnamon swirl as possible, although it’s okay if some remains visible.

Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon swirl into the blondie batter. Create a marbled effect by dragging the knife through the batter in a swirling motion. Be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the swirl.

**Step 5: Bake the Blondies**

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown and the center should be set.

**Step 6: Cool the Blondies**

Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures the blondies are firm enough to slice.

**Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze**

While the blondies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar all at once, as this can create a cloud of dust.

Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if needed. The glaze should be thick enough to spread but thin enough to drizzle.

Stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the flavor of the glaze.

**Step 8: Frost the Blondies**

Once the blondies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board.

Spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the blondies. You can also drizzle the glaze for a more decorative look.

**Step 9: Slice and Serve**

Slice the blondies into squares and serve. These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

## Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Blondies

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the blondie batter can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese blends more easily into the glaze, creating a smoother texture.
* **Adjust the Glaze Consistency:** Add more or less milk to the cream cheese glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting warm blondies will cause the glaze to melt and become runny.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the glaze for added flavor and texture.

## Variations and Adaptations

* **Add Nuts:** Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the blondie batter for a nutty crunch.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Fold chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the glaze to enhance the sweetness and create a salty-sweet flavor combination.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the blondie batter for a mocha flavor.
* **Brown Butter:** Brown the butter before adding it to the blondie batter for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, in the blondie batter or glaze.
* **Vegan Version:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg, and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese to create a vegan version of these blondies.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Warm:** Serve the blondies slightly warm for an extra-gooey treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Pair the blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the blondies with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
* **As a Gift:** Wrap the blondies in cellophane and tie with a ribbon to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

## Storing Your Cinnamon Roll Blondies

* **Room Temperature:** Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the blondies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different size baking pan?**

A: Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch baking pan, but the blondies will be thinner and may require a shorter baking time. Keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?**

A: Light brown sugar is recommended for its molasses flavor, which complements the cinnamon. However, you can substitute it with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or granulated sugar for a less intense sweetness.

**Q: Can I make these blondies ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can bake the blondies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving.

**Q: My blondies are too dry. What did I do wrong?**

A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry blondies. Be sure to check them frequently during baking and remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

**Q: My glaze is too thick. How can I thin it out?**

A: Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

**Q: Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?**

A: Yes, you can use a stand mixer for both the blondie batter and the cream cheese glaze. Use the paddle attachment for the blondie batter and the whisk attachment for the glaze.

## Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Blondies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress. With their chewy texture, warm cinnamon swirl, and tangy cream cheese glaze, these blondies are a delightful treat that you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds with these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Blondies!

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