There's something about the words cinnamon roll and blondie showing up together on a Trader Joe's box that makes me instantly say, "Okay, yes, I need that." So I grabbed this Trader Joe's Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bar Baking Mix without hesitation and made it on a random Tuesday. And I'm happy to report-it's as delicious as it sounds.
These bars are rich, sweet, buttery, and have just the right amount of cinnamon swirl to make you feel like you're getting a warm bakery treat... without paying bakery prices. They're definitely more of a treat-yourself kind of thing than a casual snack, but honestly? I'll take it.
Taste and Texture
These are really good. Like, "cut one for the kids and eat two while standing at the counter" kind of good. The blondie base is super buttery and dense but not dry at all-kind of like the inside of a really good cookie. You can taste the brown sugar and vanilla in there, and it's rich without being too sweet.
Then you get to the cinnamon sugar swirl, and that's when things get serious. It's gooey in some bites, slightly crisp in others, and gives you that cinnamon roll flavor without the doughy mess. My kids loved them, which is no surprise, but I also sliced a square to have with coffee and yep-perfect pairing. It's one of those rare desserts that works as an afternoon treat and something you can sneak into a lunchbox.
If you've ever made regular blondies before, these are like the more festive, cinnamon-kissed cousin. They're not complicated, but they feel a little fancy.
Preparation
Okay, here's the thing: these take a little more effort than your average blondie mix. Nothing wild, but you do have to melt butter, mix two separate packets (one for the batter, one for the cinnamon swirl), and layer/swirly-swirl things before baking. It's not just a "dump and stir" situation.
That said, I still had the whole thing prepped and in the oven in under 15 minutes. You bake it for 35-40 minutes depending on your oven and how gooey you want the center. I pulled mine out at 38 minutes and the edges were golden and crisp, and the middle was still soft.
I let them cool for about 10 minutes, cut them into squares, and immediately popped a few into my kids' lunch containers. They held together really well and didn't crumble into oblivion, which is a win in the mom snack department.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rich, buttery flavor with that cinnamon roll twist
- Kid-approved and grown-up coffee treat material
- Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert
- Texture is dense and chewy, not cakey
- Feels a little special but still easy to make
Cons:
- Slightly more involved than other baking mixes
Location in Store
I found this in the baking section near the brownie and cookie mixes. Around fall it might get moved to one of those special display tables with all the seasonal goodies, so if you don't see it right away-check there. And if it's limited-time? Definitely grab a few extra.
Similar Products
If you love these cinnamon roll blondies, here are a few other Trader Joe's baking mixes worth trying:
- Brownie Truffle Baking Mix - Super fudgy and rich. A pantry staple in my house.
- Brookie Mix - A cookie + brownie combo that's also great for lunchboxes
- Pumpkin Bread Mix (Seasonal) - Another hit when you want fall vibes without the mess
Also, these pair so well with hot drinks. If you haven't tried them with Trader Joe's Vanilla Meringues on the side for a little crunch, you're missing out.
Final Verdict
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bars are that perfect in-between of "homemade" and "store-bought help." Yes, they take a few more steps than your usual mix, but the end result is 100% worth it. The buttery blondie base + cinnamon swirl is such a cozy combo, and they make an awesome treat for kids, guests, or yourself with a hot cup of coffee.
If you see this box, grab it. One for now, one for the pantry, and maybe a third to keep hidden for "emergencies."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5-worth the extra swirl)
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