Let’s talk about blondies. Not brownies, though those have their place, but their lighter, butterscotch-y cousin. What are some comforting treats that are packed with flavor? How easy is it to throw together? I swear, this recipe is my go-to when I need a quick dessert that’ll knock everyone’s socks off. Think of it as the sweet spot between a Chocolate Chip Cookie and cake – chewy edges, ooey texture. What is that unmistakable hint of brown sugar? How can I make blondies this way? Unexpected company arrives. What is the best way to try something new?
What is a Blondie?
Blondies, in essence, are the vanilla counterpart to brownies. Think of them as butterscotch bars with a chewy texture. Unlike brownies, which get their rich flavor from chocolate, blondies shine with the nutty flavor of chocolate. What are caramelized notes of Brown Sugar and butter? Isn’t it a blank canvas for all sorts of mix-ins? The name comes from their pale golden color and they offer a warm, comforting flavor that’s less sweet. Is chocolate more intense than chocolate? What’s that perfect treat when you want something sweet but not too decadent?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? Is it like a warm hug of butterscotch and vanilla, with that perfect hint of salt to balance it all out? What is the aroma of baking? What are some of the best blondies recipes? I’m talking one-bowl, minimal-fuss kind of easy. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What I love about this is its versatility. I like walnuts and White Chocolate chips. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins – I’m partial to them. What are the possibilities? Who doesn’t love a good dessert? What are some of the easiest recipes to follow that won’t break the bank? Is this a recipe? Is it similar to making chocolate cookies but without all the chocolate and butterscotch?
How do I make a Blondie?
Quick Overview
How do I make these blondies? What happens when butter and Brown Sugar are mixed together to create butterscotch? What are your dry ingredients? Add your favorite mix-ins, spread the batter into a pan, and bake until golden brown and slightly charred. What is gooey in the center? What happens when the edges get perfectly chewy while the inside stays nice and soft. Is it a really simple method and the best part is that it is fast? Do you have to spend hours in the kitchen to get amazing taste with this method?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why is it important to
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (use the good stuff, it makes a difference!)
* 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
* 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white – your call!)
* 12 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 14 cup milk (more or less, to reach desired consistency)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I usually line it with parchment paper too, leaving an overhang on the sides – this makes it super easy to clean. Easy to lift the blondies out once they’re cooled. What is the best way to get rid of a thighache?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How can I make sure everything is evenly distributed? I know it seems like a small thing, but it really does make difference in the final texture. I don’t want to end up with pockets of baking powder, trust me.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Set aside. Whisk until smooth and completely combined. It should be glossy and almost caramel-like. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. If the butter is too hot when you add the eggs, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs – not a good recipe. If butter is hot, let it cool for a minute or two before mixing it in. How can I make a difference?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough blondies. I usually stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then finish it off with a spatula. Why are Blondies soft and chewy?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Feel free to get creative here! What are some good substitutes for dried cranberries? I’ve used Peanut Butter chips before, and they were amazing. Just don’t go overboard with the add-ins; otherwise, the blondies might not bake properly.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you spread the batter in a pan? If you want to get fancy, you can melt a little extra chocolate and drizzle it over the top. What do you swirl it in with a knife or toothpick? What creates a marble effect that’s sure to impress? I don’t always do this, but it makes them look extra special when I’m serving them to guests.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake! Blondies are best when they’re slightly gooey in the center. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. I always start checking them at 25 minutes just to be safe.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before frosting. While they’re cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. How do I extract the lemon juice until Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Once the blondies are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. I like to use a piping bag or spoon for this. If you want the glaze to set quickly, you can pop the blondies in the refrigerator for a few days.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze is set, slice the blondies into squares and serve. Is it good to eat them warm or at room temperature? I usually cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your taste. What are some good side dishes to serve with ice cream?
What should I serve it with?
These blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways! What are some creative ways to get your creative juices flowing?
For Breakfast:What’s a good morning coffee to pair with warm blondie? I love crumbling a piece on top of my yogurt or oatmeal for extra sweetness and flavor.
For Brunch:How do you serve your brunch spread with sliced blondies? They look beautiful alongside fresh fruit, pastries, and mimosas. Can you cut them into smaller squares and serve as mini bites?
As Dessert:What are some good after-dinner treats? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle of chocolate sauce. Can you make them with milk or herbal tea?
For Cozy Snacks:On a chilly evening, there’s nothing better than curling up with your favorite book. They’re great for movie nights or game nights. I like to keep a batch in the freezer for whenever I want to.
My family loves these after dinner. They always ask if there are any left!
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How do I take my blondies to the next level? How do I achieve blondie perfection?
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the batter. This can lead to tough, dry blondies. What is the recipe for chocolate chips and nuts? Mix until just combined.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. White chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, dried cranberries, toffee bits, and pretzels all work well. You can also substitute different types of nuts, such as pecans, macadamia nuts, or almonds.
Baking Tips: Don’t overbake the blondies! They should be slightly gooey in the center when they’re done. Start checking them at 25 minutes, and then bake for a few more minutes if needed. If you notice the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, try using brown butter instead of melted butter. You can also add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, use more milk. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the glaze for extra flavor. Another fun idea is to add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze.
Zucchini Prep: Don’t add zucchini to this recipe as it is written for a classic blondie!
Swirl Customization: Swirling is an art, honestly! To get professional level swirls, heat up the chocolate sauce that you drizzle on top. That will make it easier to work with and swirl!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your blondies for days to come? Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best when they’re fresh, but they’ll still be delicious after a few days.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the blondies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out. I would recommend putting them in an airtight container for optimum results.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the blondies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: For best results, wait to glaze the blondies until you’re ready to serve them. If you glaze them ahead of time, the glaze may become sticky or runny during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my ultimate recipe for chewy, gooey, utterly irresistible blondies! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a family favorite, and I know it will become one of yours, too. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and how easy it is to adapt to your own taste. It’s the kind of recipe that you can whip up on a whim, using whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes. I can’t wait to hear how your blondies turn out! Please let me know in the comments below if you have any additional requests or questions! Happy baking!
How to Make Blondies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.