Blondies are a rich, chewy, and irresistible dessert that have the texture of brownies but with a lighter, caramelized flavor. They’re often referred to as “brownies’ sweet cousin,” and they feature the delicious taste of vanilla, brown sugar, and butter. These golden bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family get-together, a potluck, or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. With their simple ingredients and quick prep time, blondies are both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make classic blondies from scratch, with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, chewy center. You can even add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits for a personalized twist. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Blondies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your blondies bake evenly and become golden brown.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the blondies out once they are done, and it prevents them from sticking to the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, resulting in a uniform texture for the blondies.
- Set Aside: Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Melt the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, allow the butter to cool slightly before using it in the batter.
- Combine with Brown Sugar: To the melted butter, add the packed brown sugar. Stir with a whisk or wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The sugar should be fully dissolved in the butter, creating a thick, glossy mixture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well until the eggs are fully incorporated, and the batter becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense blondies. The batter will be thick but smooth.
- Add the Mix-ins (Optional): If you’re using white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the batter now. You can customize your blondies with chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
Step 5: Bake the Blondies
- Transfer the Batter to the Pan: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
- Optional Topping: If you want to add an extra touch, sprinkle some additional white chocolate chips and chopped nuts on top of the batter before baking. This creates a nice decorative layer on top and adds texture.
- Bake: Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Start checking at the 25-minute mark, as oven temperatures vary. To test if the blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready.
- Cool Completely: Once the blondies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you used it) and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Cut into Squares: Once the blondies have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. They should be soft, chewy, and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Serve: Serve the blondies as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat.
Tips for the Perfect Blondies
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, cakey texture, whereas you want your blondies to be chewy and soft.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and vanilla helps the batter come together smoothly, ensuring a uniform texture in the final product.
- Customize Your Blondies: You can add your favorite mix-ins to the batter. Some popular options include milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, or even a handful of crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty combo.
- Check for Doneness Early: Since ovens vary, start checking your blondies a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. You don’t want them to overbake, as this can make them dry. The blondies should be set and golden brown on top.
- Cut After Cooling Completely: Let the blondies cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles. If you cut them while they are still warm, they might fall apart.
- Chill for Extra Firmness: If you prefer your blondies a bit firmer, you can refrigerate them for an hour or two after they’ve cooled to room temperature. This will give them a more structured texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Chip Blondies: Add a cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the batter for a more indulgent treat. The chocolate chips will melt into the blondies as they bake, adding pockets of rich chocolate flavor.
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Swirl in some caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt into the batter for a sweet and salty twist. The caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor to complement the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Peanut Butter Blondies: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the batter before baking, or mix in chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet, soft blondies.
- Coconut Blondies: Stir in shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical flavor. You can also top the blondies with toasted coconut for a beautiful, golden garnish.
- Vegan Blondies: To make these blondies vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of the eggs. For the topping, you can also use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Blondies: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like the baking powder and chocolate chips, are gluten-free.
Storing and Freezing Blondies
- Room Temperature Storage: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for several days after baking.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep the blondies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze blondies, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.
Final Thoughts
Classic blondies are a timeless dessert that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, perfectly chewy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like them with chocolate chips, nuts, or other fun mix-ins, blondies are a delicious and comforting treat. With their rich, caramel-like flavor and tender texture, they’re the ideal sweet treat to enjoy anytime.
Enjoy making these blondies, and feel free to experiment with your own flavor additions. They’re perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit at any gathering!