Snickerdoodle Blondies

Snickerdoodle Blondies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: the buttery, chewy texture of blondies and the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodles. These blondies take everything you love about classic snickerdoodle cookies—the slight tang from cream of tartar, the fragrant cinnamon, and the soft chew—and combine it with the rich, dense quality of a blondie.

Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home, Snickerdoodle Blondies are simple to make but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The generous cinnamon-sugar topping forms a delicate crust that perfectly contrasts the soft interior, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist.

This recipe is easy enough for beginners but yields professional-quality results, making it a go-to for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details to bake the ultimate Snickerdoodle Blondies that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy Texture: The blondies are dense and moist, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss: The topping adds a signature snickerdoodle flavor and a slight crunch.
Easy to Make: With no need to roll dough or scoop cookies, this recipe simplifies the process.
Perfect for Sharing: The blondies are easy to slice and transport, making them ideal for gatherings.
Customizable: Add a twist with mix-ins like white chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16 blondies
Serving Size: 1 blondie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

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-Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Make the Blondie Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies dense. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.

Step 6: Assemble the Blondies

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, ensuring it reaches the edges.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be set but soft.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.

Ingredient Background

Butter

Using melted butter adds richness and ensures the blondies are moist and tender. The slight cooling before mixing prevents the eggs from scrambling.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, contributing to the chewy texture of the blondies.

Cream of Tartar

This signature ingredient in snickerdoodles provides the classic tangy flavor while also activating the baking soda for leavening.

Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon is essential for the signature flavor of these blondies, bringing warmth and depth.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the sweetness and complements the cinnamon, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Technique Tips

Cool the Butter: Allowing the melted butter to cool slightly prevents it from curdling the eggs when mixed.

Mixing Matters: Stir the batter until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can make the blondies tough.

Even Spreading: Use a spatula to spread the thick batter evenly in the pan for uniform baking.

Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs, the blondies are ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

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

Layered Blondies: Add a layer of cream cheese filling or caramel sauce in the middle of the batter for a decadent twist.

Snickerdoodle Bars: Double the cinnamon-sugar topping and create a marbled effect by swirling it into the batter with a knife.

Additional Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs to ensure they incorporate evenly into the batter.

Perfect Edges: Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the sides. This makes removing and slicing the blondies much easier.

Customizable Topping: For an extra crunch, sprinkle turbinado sugar or crushed cinnamon candies over the top before baking.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Blondies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the cream of tartar and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Spiced Blondies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Blondies: Fold 1/2 cup of white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for bursts of sweetness.

Nutty Blondies: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storing

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

Freezing: Slice the blondies and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Reduce Sugar: To cut down on sweetness without compromising flavor, use a natural sugar substitute like coconut sugar, which adds a subtle caramel-like note to the blondies. Alternatively, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup, balancing the sweetness with a bit more cinnamon in the topping to enhance the overall flavor.

Whole Wheat Flour: Replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour not only boosts the fiber content but also adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon. For an even healthier option, use whole-grain pastry flour to maintain a lighter texture while still incorporating whole grains.

Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter for plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine or coconut oil. Ensure the other ingredients, such as the sugar and any optional toppings, are certified dairy-free. The result is a blondie that retains its rich, buttery flavor without any dairy. If using coconut oil, consider adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract to balance the coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Afternoon Tea: Slice the blondies into smaller squares and serve them on a decorative platter alongside a selection of teas, such as chai or Earl Grey, to complement the warm cinnamon flavor. Include a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an elegant presentation.

Holiday Desserts: Arrange the blondies on a festive tray lined with parchment paper or holiday-themed doilies. Drizzle melted white chocolate or cream cheese glaze over the top and sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter for an extra festive touch. They make a perfect addition to dessert buffets or holiday cookie exchanges.

Potluck Favorites: Pack the blondies in a decorative tin lined with wax paper for easy transport. To add flair, tie the tin with a ribbon and attach a tag with the recipe. This personal touch makes the blondies a standout contribution to any potluck or gathering.

Special Equipment

9×13-Inch Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is essential for achieving the perfect thickness and consistency of blondies. A glass or metal dish works equally well, but remember to adjust the baking time slightly if using glass, as it retains heat longer.

Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper ensures the blondies won’t stick, making removal and cleanup a breeze. Allowing the parchment to overhang the sides creates convenient “handles” to lift the blondies out of the pan for slicing.

Offset Spatula: An offset spatula makes spreading the thick batter evenly in the pan much easier, ensuring the blondies bake uniformly. It’s also handy for smoothing the cinnamon-sugar topping across the surface without disrupting the batter. For added versatility, use the spatula to drizzle melted chocolate or glaze for a professional-looking finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these blondies without cream of tartar?
   Yes, but they won’t have the traditional tangy flavor. Substitute with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
2. How do I prevent blondies from overbaking?
   Check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Remove them when the edges are golden and the center is set but soft.
3. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
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?
   Overmixing the batter or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix just until combined and bake until the center is slightly soft.
7. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
   Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits make great additions.
8. How do I make thicker blondies?
   Bake the batter in an 8×8-inch pan for thicker blondies. Increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle Blondies bring together the best of both worlds, combining the comforting flavors of snickerdoodles with the rich, chewy texture of blondies. With their buttery base, signature cinnamon-sugar topping, and soft interior, these blondies are a treat that never fails to impress.

This versatile recipe is easy to customize and perfect for sharing, whether at family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual afternoons with friends. By following the tips and variations provided, you can make these blondies your own and enjoy them in countless ways.

Bake up a batch of Snickerdoodle Blondies today and experience the magic of this sweet, cinnamon-spiced dessert. They’re guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

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