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Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe

Avatar photoByStacy
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 106 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, buttery blondies infused with that irresistible snickerdoodle cinnamon swirl, all topped with a spiced apple cider glaze that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s such a comforting treat, perfect for cozy afternoons or when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new go-to for gatherings or just because.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Brown Butter Magic: The nutty richness from browning the butter brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that amps up the whole dessert.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Surprise: That cinnamon sugar layer creates delightful pockets of flavor, making every bite a little adventure.
  • Unique Frosting Twist: The spiced apple cider frosting is like fall in glaze form—light yet unforgettable.
  • Perfect Texture: These blondies stay soft and chewy, never dry or crumbly, thanks to the careful balance of ingredients.
The image shows several square pieces of dessert bars stacked and scattered on a dark wire rack over a dark wooden surface. Each bar has three layers: a light brown bottom layer with a crumbly texture, a middle dark brown layer with a dense, almost marmalade-like texture, and a smooth, light beige top layer that looks like a glaze. Some pieces have a sprinkle of coarse salt on top. Near the bars is a bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with a gold and pearl ribbon. One bar is held above the others, showing the layers clearly. The overall lighting is warm and cozy, highlighting the texture and layers of the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars, snickerdoodle blondie bars, cinnamon blondie bars, apple cider glaze blondies, caramelized butter blondies

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of this Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, fresh spices and quality butter make a noticeable difference — trust me on that one.

Flat lay of melted golden brown butter pooled in a simple white ceramic bowl, a white bowl filled with light to medium brown packed brown sugar, a small white bowl holding rich reddish-brown ground cinnamon, a neat pile of pale all-purpose flour on white ceramic plate, three smooth whole brown eggs with clean shells evenly spaced, a small white bowl containing pure vanilla extract, a teaspoon of fine white baking powder in a tiny white bowl, a pea-sized portion of pale baking soda on a white ceramic dish, coarse white sea salt crystals in a small white bowl, a small heap of fine granulated white sugar mixed lightly with cinnamon on a white plate, and a tiny white bowl with amber spiced apple cider liquid—all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced spacing—placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars, snickerdoodle blondie bars, cinnamon blondie bars, apple cider glaze blondies, caramelized butter blondies
  • Salted butter: Browning the butter deepens the flavor, and using salted helps balance sweetness without extra salt.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for that classic snickerdoodle warmth.
  • Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is best – it truly elevates the swirl and overall aroma.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of your blondies, providing structure without making them tough.
  • Eggs: Bring everything together and add that tender crumb.
  • Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: Both work together to give the bars a perfect rise and chew.
  • Sea salt: Finishing touches with a sprinkle of sea salt contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
  • Spiced apple cider: For the frosting, it adds unexpected brightness and warmth.
  • Powdered sugar: Because nothing beats a silky smooth glaze.
  • Granulated sugar: For that classic cinnamon sugar topping.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe to keep things interesting. You can totally make it your own, depending on what flavors you crave or dietary needs you’ve got.

  • Nutty Twist: I once added chopped toasted pecans to the batter – my family went crazy for the extra crunch and depth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swapping the all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flour works well, just be sure to check for the right baking powder/baking soda compatibility.
  • Spiced Up: Sprinkle a little ground nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon swirl for a festive flair.
  • Vegan Version: I haven’t tried this myself yet, but using a vegan butter and egg substitute could work – if you give it a go, let me know how it turns out!

How to Make Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Start by mixing together the melted salted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until clumps form. This swirl layer is key—it adds those lovely pockets of cinnamon sweetness that peek out from the bars. Set this aside while you prep the batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Brown the Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Melt your butter in a pan and let it cook gently until it turns a light golden-brown, smelling nutty—this is where the magic begins and you’ll want to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, gently stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until just combined — don’t overmix or the bars become dense.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Spread half of the batter evenly on the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Then, dollop the remaining batter on top—not to worry if it doesn’t completely cover the swirl; it’s actually pretty charming to see the swirl peeking through!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the bars to be fully set but still soft in the center—the edges may start to pull away from the pan slightly. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This step is critical, so keep an eye near the end of the bake time.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting While Baking

Heat the spiced apple cider in a small saucepan until it boils, then reduce heat and simmer until it has reduced down to 2-3 tablespoons. Immediately stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. This frosting is warm and pourable — perfect for glazing those bars fresh from the oven.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Pour the warm apple cider frosting evenly over the baked blondies. Let it set for at least an hour — this gives the frosting time to slightly firm up but remain luscious. Finally, toss together the cinnamon and granulated sugar and lightly dust over the top. If you love a salty-sweet combo like I do, sprinkle some flaked sea salt on top just before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe

  • Watch Your Brown Butter: I learned that stirring constantly as butter browns keeps it from burning and gives you that perfect nutty scent.
  • Don’t Overmix Flour: Just combine until no streaks remain; this keeps your bars tender and chewy rather than tough.
  • Let Frosting Cool Slightly: Pour the glaze warm but not hot to avoid melting the bars’ surface too much.
  • Use Parchment Paper: This makes removing the bars a breeze and keeps the edges neat – a lifesaver in my kitchen!

How to Serve Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe

The image shows a group of square-shaped dessert bars arranged on a dark wire rack over a wooden surface. Each bar has two layers: a bottom and top layer of golden brown cake-like texture with a visible dark brown filling in the middle. The top of each bar is coated with a smooth light brown glaze that shines softly, with a sprinkle of coarse salt crystals adding texture. Some bars are stacked in pairs, creating a small tower in the center, and a few are wrapped loosely with a thin silver ribbon decorated with small crystals. Two cinnamon sticks tied with the same silver ribbon sit near the front, adding warmth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars, snickerdoodle blondie bars, cinnamon blondie bars, apple cider glaze blondies, caramelized butter blondies

Garnishes

I adore finishing these blondies with a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sometimes, when I’m feeling fancy, I add a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few chopped toasted nuts for extra texture and festivity.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or coffee. They even make a lovely dessert plate with fresh berries on the side, balancing out the richness with some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or sprigs of fresh mint. Layered in a glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and cinnamon dust, they also make a beautiful dessert centerpiece that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bars soft and the frosting intact. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too, just bring them back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars freeze beautifully. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and pull them out whenever I need a sweet treat. They thaw in under an hour at room temperature and taste fresh as ever.

Reheating

When I want a warm bite, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 15 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting slightly and revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. Oven reheating works too but takes longer, about 5-7 minutes at 300°F wrapped loosely in foil.

FAQs

  1. Can I make these blondie bars dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes. Just keep in mind that browning the butter imparts a unique flavor; with alternatives, that nutty depth may be less pronounced, but the bars will still be delicious.

  2. What if I don’t have spiced apple cider for the frosting?

    No worries! You can simply use regular apple cider and add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg while reducing it to keep the spiced character. Or substitute with apple juice, though the flavor will be a bit milder.

  3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

    Look for bars that are set around the edges and slightly soft but not wet in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. The bars will firm up as they cool and with the frosting on top.

  4. Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?

    Yes! Just use a larger baking dish like 9×13 inches and adjust the baking time — start checking around 35 minutes. The bars might take up to 45 minutes depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe has definitely earned a special place in my recipe collection. I love how each bite is layered with buttery richness, cinnamon warmth, and that unique apple cider frosting glaze that just sings fall flavors. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but impressive enough when company drops by. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll be making these again and again, just like I do!

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Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Frosted Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a spiced apple cider frosting. Soft and chewy with a delicate cinnamon sugar topping, these bars offer a delightful twist on classic snickerdoodles, perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

The Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Bars:

  • 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

Frosting:

  • 1/3 cup spiced apple cider, no added sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix until clumps form, then set this mixture aside.
  2. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, beat together the browned melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt, mixing until just combined.
  4. Assemble the bars: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over this layer. Dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it out in an even layer. It’s fine if the cinnamon swirl peeks through.
  5. Bake the bars: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bars are fully set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the frosting: While the bars bake, bring the spiced apple cider to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the cider reduces to 2-3 tablespoons. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Frost the bars: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the baked blondie bars. Allow the frosting to set for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
  8. Add finishing touches: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Lightly sprinkle over the set frosting along with an optional pinch of flaked sea salt for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for the best batter consistency and even baking.
  • Lightly browning the butter enhances the flavor but be careful not to burn it.
  • The frosting sets as it cools; patience is key to achieve the perfect finish.
  • For an optional twist, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
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Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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