Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and consistent results.

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Allow some parchment paper to hang over the edges of the pan, this will be used to lift the blondies out after baking.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are okay.

Prepare the Pan:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

Create the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 minutes, or until a tester (like a toothpick) inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown and the cinnamon sugar topping should have formed a beautiful crackled surface.

Note: Every oven is different, so it is important to check on your blondies.

Cool and Cut:

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies from the baking dish. Cut into squares and enjoy.