Ah, blondies. The buttery, caramel-y cousin of the brownie. These delightful squares are the perfect treat for any occasion, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
What sets blondies apart? It’s all in the flavor. While brownies get their rich intensity from cocoa powder, blondies embrace the warmth of brown sugar and vanilla. This creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. The texture? Perfectly chewy edges with a soft, gooey center. Is your mouth watering yet?
The beauty of blondies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a dash of love, you’ll be pulling a tray of these golden beauties out of your oven in no time. So, are you ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s make some blondies!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet work best!)
Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty crunch)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
Tools of the Trade:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal and cleanup!)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Let’s Get Baking!
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and makes for effortless cleanup later!
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Cream Together the Goodness: In your large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates those signature chewy blondie edges.
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Eggs & Flavor Burst: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Vanilla is our secret weapon here, adding a fragrant depth to the blondie’s flavor profile.
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Dry Ingredients Unite: In your medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a consistent texture.
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Combine & Conquer: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Chocolate Chip Heaven: Now, for the best part! Gently fold in your chocolate chips. You can even get creative here! Butterscotch chips, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can take your blondies to the next level.
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Pan & Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cool & Cut: Once baked, let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows them to firm up and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Blondie Baking Tips & Tricks:
- Don’t overbake! Overbaked blondies will be dry and crumbly. It’s better to slightly underbake them, as they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool.
- Room temperature ingredients are key. They incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more consistent texture.
- Line your pan! This makes removing the blondies a breeze and simplifies cleanup. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Perfect Blondie Square
FAQs About Blondies:
Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will result in a slightly richer, more molasses-forward flavor.
Q: Can I freeze blondies?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked blondies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Q: My blondies are always flat. What am I doing wrong?
A: This could be due to overmixing the batter, using old baking powder, or not creaming the butter and sugar long enough. Be sure to follow the recipe closely and use fresh ingredients for best results!
Blondie Batter in a Bowl
Enjoy Your Gooey, Chewy Goodness!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of homemade blondies, ready to be devoured. These treats are perfect on their own, but why not elevate them further? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Yum!
Craving more delicious treats like these blondies? You might enjoy our recipe for Snickerdoodle Blondies or explore a whole new world of sweetness with our Snickerdoodle Cake recipe!
We’d love to hear about your blondie adventures! Share your baking experiences, tips, and photos in the comments below. Happy baking!
