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Soft, gooey, thick, and perfectly chewy — snickerdoodle blondie bars are up today! Made with nutty browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and all the classic dry ingredients. The dough is layered with a thick swirl of cinnamon sugar, then baked and frosted. The light coat of frosting makes these bars extra special — it’s what takes them from cozy to spectacular.
I simmer a little apple cider with cinnamon and vanilla for the frosting, which keeps every bite flavorful, gooey, salty, and so delicious. These are perfect for baking all fall long and right through the holidays!
I know it’s only October, but with so much holiday planning already happening, I can’t help but be excited! Are you all looking forward to Thanksgiving this year?
We have some fun Halloween plans that I’m super excited about, but Thanksgiving is definitely where my focus is right now. I’ve been planning menus and testing new recipes like crazy — it’s been so cozy and creative around here.
When I have weeks filled with recipe testing, I sometimes call in help choosing which ones to share. My cousin Abby is always my go-to girl — she’s the best at picking recipes you all end up loving the most. Fun fact: she’s the one who told me to make my very popular White Chicken Chili!
So when I reached out to Abby this past week, she didn’t even hesitate, “Snickerdoodles are always #1 for me!!”
And that was that! Easy choice — and thank goodness she said it, because these turned out nearly perfect.
They’re soft, sweet, and just the right amount of salty — perfect for dinner parties, snacking before (and after) Thanksgiving dinner, or wrapping up for holiday gifting!
These are the details
Ingredients
- salted butter
- eggs
- brown sugar
- vanilla
- flour
- cinnamon
- baking powder
- baking soda
- sea salt
Ingredients for the frosting
- spiced apple cider
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
Kitchen Tools
For this recipe, you’ll need a couple of mixing bowls you love to bake with, a square baking dish, and an electric mixer to mix the batter.
The Steps
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
Use your hands to form a soft cinnamon crumble — this will create the perfect sugary ripple throughout the bars.
Step 2: Mix Up the Blondie Batter
Start with melted, lightly browned butter (this adds so much flavor). Add the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix to combine.
Now, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt — pretty standard blondie ingredients! Beat until the dough just comes together. Try not to overmix!
Step 3: Layering
Spread about half the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch brownie pan.
Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl crumbs evenly over top, then dollop the remaining batter over the swirl. Gently spread to mostly cover.
Don’t worry if some of the swirl peeks through — that’s what gives these blondies their pretty marbled look!
If you’re short on time, you can lightly sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar and skip the frosting.
Step 4: Baking
Bake the blondies for about 30 minutes, until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: The Frosting
While the bars bake, make the frosting.
Simmer the apple cider on the stove until it reduces to about 2–3 tablespoons. If you have a cinnamon stick, toss it in for extra flavor.
Once reduced, whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a small pinch of sea salt until smooth and glossy.
When the blondies come out of the oven, immediately pour the glaze over the top. Allow the frosting to set for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Finish with a very light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt (optional).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut into bars and enjoy warm — gooey centers and all!
They’re perfect for dinner parties, pre- or post-Thanksgiving snacking, or wrapping up as a sweet hostess gift.
Looking for more sweet cinnamon recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Chewy Frosted Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodles
Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Chewy Brown Butter Pretzel Pecan Cookies
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
Lastly, if you make these Frosted Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Frosted Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars
Servings: 16 bars
Calories Per Serving: 158 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
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
- ½ 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
Cinnamon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1. To make the cinnamon swirl. Mix all ingredients until clumps form. Set aside.2. To make the bars. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. 3. In a bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, beating until combined. 4. Spread half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl. Dollop remaining batter on top, spread in an even layer. It's OK if the batter does not cover the surface. The cinnamon swirl can peak out!5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until fully set. 6. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat. Simmer 5 minutes or until reduced to 2-3 tablespoons. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour the warm frosting over the bars. Allow the frosting to set, at least 1 hour. 7. Mix the cinnamon and sugar, then dust with a very light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and flaked sea salt (optional).
This post was originally published on October 24, 2025
This recipe was a huge hit for Thanksgiving! my family was raving over them and was disappointed that I only brought one pan, will be a holiday staple forsure 💕
Hey Jordon,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad it was a winner! Happy Holidays!
These are really good. Tastes like a cinnamon strudel.
Hey Melissa,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I am so glad to hear this recipe turned out nicely for you!
These are amazing!! I so appreciate your recipes, especially the desserts. They’re just sweet enough and have multiple different flavors and textures. The same is true with this recipe. The frosting is crisp and contrasts nicely with the soft blondie bar underneath. The cinnamon and sugar combo isn’t overpowering, and the entire bar is so flavorful. I can’t wait to bring these into the office tomorrow!
Hey Kristanne,
Thanks for testing this recipe out, I’m thrilled it was a success for you. Happy November!🍂🍁
These were delish! I am enjoying all your fall treats and main dishes! These were quick and easy to make. The apple cider is a fun, unexpected twist and makes the frosting a topic of conversation. I used some of the left over apple cider for your yummy apple muffins. Keep the recipes coming! My family is loving all the new dishes I’ve been making from your cookbooks the past year!
Hey Laura,
Happy Monday! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks a lot for making it and your comment!
Two questions. We do not love apple cider and I do not want to buy it just for this. I have a bottle of pumpkin beer – could I try boiling that down and using or should I just use milk?
Also – do you pour the frosting on the blondies when they are right out of the oven and still hot?
Thank you and have a great day.
Hi Karin,
I wouldn’t use beer here, I would go with the milk:) You can pour the frosting over the blondies once they are cooled.
I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions!
The best recipe ever. Only think tho mine didn’t look like the pic lol. Everyone loved them
Hey Rachel,
Love to hear this! Thanks so much for trying this recipe and your comment! Enjoy your day!
Can you please use a tripod in your videos instead of holding the camera? It’s so shaky it makes me feel a bit sick. I do see you use a fixed camera for some portions, hoping you can use it for all. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your suggestion, Avery!
Have a great week!
These were sickeningly sweet and too dry.
Hi Lauren,
So sorry to hear this recipe was not enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try. Have a great Sunday!
Making these right now and my house smells like Fall! Cannot wait to share them with my friends and family at a Halloween party tonight.
Thanks so much, Joe! I hope everyone loves this recipe! Have a great weekend!
I saw the sneak peeks Amber Interiors put up of your new space & wow!!!!
Thanks Ashley! It’s pretty amazing:) I can’t wait to share more!
Wayyyyy too sweet for me.
Hi Emma,
So sorry to hear this, please let me know if I can help in anyway!
This is delicious!! Tastes like a snickerdoodle doughnut!!
Yay!! Thanks so much, Sharon! Love to hear you enjoyed this recipe:) Happy Friday!
Just made this and am trying it while it is still cooling down – absolute delicious cinnamony sweet treat. I switched out the apple cider for milk in the frosting as I didn’t have any of that at home. I do think next time I would like to try it with the apple cider – maybe the flavour would cut through the sweetness a bit and add another dimension.
Hey Lynne,
Happy Friday!! I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, I am so glad to hear it was a hit!
I don’t want apple cider snickerdoodle flavor, what can I use instead?
Hi Wren,
The apple cider is only used in the frosting:) You could use milk in place of the apple cider. I hope you love this recipe!
If I used milk instead of cider how do I boil it down?
You don’t need to boil it down:)
These sound good, but I’m a little hesitant to try them when you said she only told you this idea less than a week ago and you’ve been traveling. How have these been able to be thoroughly tested? I love snickerdoodles but I don’t want to waste ingredients.
Hey Sarah! I tested these many times before I left for my travel! Promise they are good to go.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Happy Sunday!!