Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies

Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies combine the warm, spiced flavor of snickerdoodle cookies with the buttery, dense texture of blondies. These decadent bars are further elevated by a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl that runs through the center, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or as a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, these blondies are as versatile as they are delicious. The buttery base, combined with the sweet and spiced cinnamon swirl, creates a dessert that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is designed for both novice and experienced bakers, offering foolproof steps to ensure perfect results every time. Let’s dive into creating these irresistible Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Buttery Texture: The dense, chewy blondie base melts in your mouth.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: Adds a stunning visual element and enhances the warm, comforting flavors.
Quick and Easy: No rolling or chilling dough—just mix, layer, and bake.
Perfectly Portable: Great for parties, bake sales, or gifting.
Customizable: Add nuts, white chocolate chips, or a cream cheese drizzle for extra flair.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 blondies
Serving Size: 1 blondie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 21g

Ingredients

For the Blondie Batter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and glossy.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense blondies.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Spread half of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, spreading it evenly across the surface. Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and gently spread it to cover. Use a butter knife to create swirls by dragging it through the batter in a zigzag pattern.

Step 6: Add the Optional Topping

If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the surface for an extra spiced crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan, then transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve.

Ingredient Background

Butter

Melted butter is key to achieving a rich, moist texture in these blondies. Letting it cool slightly before mixing prevents the eggs from curdling.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar provides moisture and a caramel-like depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the star spice in this recipe, offering its warm, aromatic flavor in both the swirl and optional topping.

Cream of Tartar

This signature ingredient in snickerdoodles adds a tangy note and contributes to the chewy texture of the blondies.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough blondies.

Swirl with Care: When creating the cinnamon swirl, avoid overmixing the layers to maintain the visual effect and distinct flavors.

Use Room-Temperature Eggs: This helps the eggs mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother texture.

Cool Before Slicing: Allow the blondies to cool completely for clean slices and to let the flavors settle.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Blondies: Bake the batter in a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized versions. Adjust the baking time to 12–15 minutes.

Layered Blondies: Add a layer of cream cheese filling between the batter and cinnamon swirl for an indulgent twist.

Snickerdoodle Blondie Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans. Layer them with cream cheese frosting for a snickerdoodle-inspired cake.

Additional Tips for Success

Even Layers: Use a spatula to spread the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly for consistent results.

Parchment Paper Overhang: Leave enough parchment paper hanging over the sides of the pan to easily lift the blondies out for slicing.

Check Doneness Early: Start checking the blondies at the 30-minute mark. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so aim for slightly underdone centers that set as they cool.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Blondies: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Nutty Cinnamon Swirl Blondies: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for added crunch.

Chocolate Twist: Add white chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled blondies.

Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan-friendly option.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Reduce Sugar: Replace half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or reduce the overall sugar by 1/4 cup.

Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter alternatives and ensure the sugar is vegan-certified.

Low-Calorie Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Afternoon Tea: Present the blondies on a tiered platter for an elegant tea party display. Pair them with a selection of teas like chai, cinnamon-spiced black tea, or herbal options such as chamomile or peppermint. For added flair, garnish each blondie with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Complement the platter with fresh fruit or a variety of cookies for a complete afternoon tea experience.

Holiday Desserts: Transform the blondies into a festive centerpiece by drizzling white chocolate in zigzag patterns and sprinkling them with edible glitter, red-and-green sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy. Arrange them on a decorative holiday tray lined with parchment paper featuring seasonal designs. Serve alongside hot chocolate with whipped cream or eggnog to create a memorable holiday dessert spread.

Potluck Favorites: For a potluck, pack the blondies in a decorative tin or sturdy box lined with parchment paper to keep them fresh and visually appealing. Tie the container with a festive ribbon and include a handwritten recipe card or serving suggestion note for a personal touch. To make them even more appealing, cut them into smaller, bite-sized portions and place them in colorful cupcake liners for easy serving.

Special Equipment

9×13-Inch Baking Dish: This size baking dish ensures the blondies bake evenly and achieve the perfect thickness. Opt for a glass or metal pan depending on your preference. Glass retains heat longer, which can slightly affect the texture, so reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes if using glass.

Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes lifting the blondies out of the pan effortless. Be sure to cut the parchment paper slightly larger than the pan to create an overhang, which acts as handles for easy removal and slicing.

Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is invaluable for spreading the blondie batter and cinnamon swirl evenly. Its angled design makes it easier to reach into the corners of the pan without disturbing the layers. It can also be used to create decorative swirls or to smooth out toppings like melted chocolate or frosting.

Fine Mesh Sifter: A fine mesh sifter is perfect for evenly dusting the blondies with cinnamon-sugar topping or powdered sugar for a professional-looking finish. This tool also ensures that any toppings are distributed lightly and evenly across the surface without clumps, adding to the visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to maintain balance.
2. How do I prevent blondies from sticking to the pan?
   Use parchment paper with an overhang, or grease the pan thoroughly before adding the batter.
3. Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Bake and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
4. What’s the best way to reheat blondies?
   Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their soft texture.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use a larger pan or bake in two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.
6. Why are my blondies dry?
   Overbaking is the most common culprit. Check for doneness early and aim for slightly underbaked centers.
7. Can I add mix-ins?
   Absolutely! White chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins make excellent additions.
8. How do I make them thicker?
   Use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker blondies. Increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies are the ultimate dessert for lovers of warm, spiced flavors and buttery textures. Their rich, dense base, complemented by the fragrant cinnamon-sugar swirl, makes them a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is easy to customize, offering endless opportunities to experiment with flavors and presentation. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them as an indulgent snack, these blondies are sure to impress.

Try this recipe today and savor the comforting flavors of these irresistible blondies—they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!