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### Preparing the Chewy Cinnamon Raisin Blondies
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process. These blondies are easy to make and don’t require any special equipment. All you need is a bowl, a spatula, and a baking dish!
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining the dish with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the blondies once they’re baked. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can simply grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
#### **Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures that the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any clumps of spice in your blondie batter. Set this dry mixture aside.
#### **Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a whisk. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 3-4 minutes. The butter and sugar should blend well, giving the mixture a smooth, creamy texture.
#### **Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly fluffy.
#### **Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure that the blondies remain tender. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
#### **Step 6: Fold in the Raisins and Optional Mix-ins**
Once the batter is mixed, gently fold in the raisins, nuts (if using), and oats (if using). Make sure that the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring every bite of blondie will have a chewy raisin for a burst of sweetness.
#### **Step 7: Transfer the Batter to the Baking Dish**
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure that the blondies bake evenly.
#### **Step 8: Bake the Blondies**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies should turn golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of the baking dish.
#### **Step 9: Let Them Cool**
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Allowing them to cool before slicing ensures that they set properly and maintain their chewy texture.
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### How to Serve and Enjoy Chewy Cinnamon Raisin Blondies
Now that your blondies are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas on how to serve your Chewy Cinnamon Raisin Blondies:
– **On Their Own**: These blondies are delicious enough to stand alone as a dessert. Their chewy, cinnamon-scented texture is satisfying on its own, making them perfect for a simple afternoon treat or an after-dinner dessert.
– **With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream**: Pair the blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, gooey texture of the blondies combined with the cold creaminess of the ice cream is a match made in heaven.
– **As a Snack**: These blondies make a great snack to bring to work, school, or a picnic. Their sturdy texture means they’ll hold up well in a lunchbox, and the sweet, spiced flavor will keep you coming back for more.
– **Serve with Coffee or Tea**: Blondies go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon flavor complements the warmth of a morning or afternoon beverage.
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### Tips for the Best Chewy Cinnamon Raisin Blondies
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing the blondie batter can lead to tough, dense bars. Stir the ingredients together just until combined.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and vanilla helps to create a smooth, homogenous batter, which results in the perfect blondie texture.
– **Chill the Batter for Extra Chewiness**: If you have time, chill the batter for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and results in a chewier texture.
– **Storage**: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
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### Variations to Try
– **Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Raisin Blondies**: For an extra indulgence, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter. The combination of cinnamon, raisins, and chocolate is a timeless classic.
– **Coconut Blondies**: If you love coconut, you can add shredded coconut to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and raisins.
– **Apple Cinnamon Raisin Blondies**: Add small chunks of apple to the batter for a fruity twist on the classic cinnamon raisin blondie.
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### Conclusion
These **Chewy Cinnamon Raisin Blondies** are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. The combination of cinnamon, raisins, and a chewy, golden-brown base creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a quiet afternoon at home, or baking for a special event, these blondies are sure to impress.
With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful flavor, these blondies bring together the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins in a way that feels like home. Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy every bite of these irresistible treats!
