Description
These Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the warm, cozy spices of cinnamon in a soft, chewy blondie. Swirled with a cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with a spiced apple cider glaze, these bars offer a delightful twist on classic snickerdoodle cookies, perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Blondie Batter
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, melted and lightly browned
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Spiced Apple Cider Frosting
- 1/3 cup spiced apple cider, no added sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Mix until clumps form. Set this cinnamon swirl mixture aside for layering.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix the Blondie Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the 3/4 cup browned melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Layer the Batter and Swirl: Spread half of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over this layer. Dollop the remaining batter on top, then gently spread it out to form an even layer. It’s fine if some cinnamon swirl mixture peeks through the top.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars are fully set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
- Prepare the Spiced Apple Cider Frosting: While the bars bake, bring 1/3 cup spiced apple cider to a boil on the stovetop over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces to 2-3 tablespoons. Remove from heat, then whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Bars: Pour the warm spiced apple cider frosting evenly over the baked blondie bars. Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Lightly sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the set frosting. Optionally, add a pinch of flaked sea salt to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Brown the butter gently to avoid burning—it should have a nutty aroma and golden color.
- The spiced apple cider frosting adds a unique flavor and moist finish.
- Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase cinnamon in the swirl or topping slightly.
