There’s something downright magical about baking a sweet treat on a chilly afternoon, don’t you think? The way the warm scents waft through the house, wrapping you in a cozy embrace, instantly brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the smell of cinnamon floating in the air. Each winter, she would whip up her famous cinnamon-raisin cookies, and I can still picture her rolling the dough with little hands helping where I could. Today, I want to share with you a delicious twist on those comforting flavors: Cinnamon Streusel Blondies. These blondies combine the richness of brown sugar with a delightful cinnamon streusel topping, making them the perfect treat to cozy up with as you sip a cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, comforting flavors that make you feel right at home.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for satisfying that afternoon sweet tooth without too much fuss.
- These blondies are chewy, gooey, and downright addicting!
- Great for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients and let’s create some magic in your kitchen:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts work great)
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup oats (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
Note: If you want to amp up the flavor, you can use a higher quality vanilla extract. It makes a difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s dive in and get these blondies baking!
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will help the edges get nice and crispy!
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix everything together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Watch out! Don’t overmix; otherwise, your blondies may turn out a bit dense.
- Add nuts (if using): Gently fold in the chopped nuts. This adds a lovely crunch, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out!
- Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and oats (if using). Use your hands to create a crumbly mixture – this is the magic that will crown your blondies!
- Combine it all: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, then sprinkle the streusel on top, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Bake it to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you have the classic recipe down, let’s play around a bit!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or some ginger for a spicy kick.
- Yummy Additions: Incorporate shredded coconut or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Substitutions: You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version, and flaxseed meal can work as an egg substitute if you want a vegan option.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing 8 oz. of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Swirl it into the batter before adding your streusel topping!
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are a joy to serve and even better to share! Imagine cutting them into generous squares and serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for that extra cozy feel. They can also be packaged up nicely and given as a thoughtful gift to a friend or neighbor – nothing says “I care” like homemade goodies!
Storage Tips
Worried about leftovers? Don’t be! These blondies store beautifully. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Whenever you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that warm gooeyness!
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor and color. Just stick with something similar in sweetness for the best results.
What if my streusel becomes too wet?
If it feels more like a paste than crumbs, you can add a touch more flour—or simply use a fork to fluff it up until you achieve a crumbly texture.
Can I halve this recipe?
Sure thing! Just adjust your baking time a bit, as a smaller batch will bake quicker. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark.
Are there any gluten-free options?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my sweet friends! Cinnamon Streusel Blondies that are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please drop a comment below or tag me on social media to share your baking adventures. Happy baking, and remember – every scoop of sweet goodness you create is a little step towards making your kitchen a happier place!
Print
Irresistible Cinnamon Streusel Blondies Quick Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Discover a quick easy recipe for delicious Cinnamon Streusel Blondies Perfectly fluffy with a crunchy topping theyre a musttry treat 155 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Cinnamon Streusel Blondies are rich, chewy treats topped with a deliciously crunchy streusel, perfect for cozy afternoons and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
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