When it comes to creating the perfect dessert bar, chewy blondies deliver an irresistible mix of buttery sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. These treats, often compared to brownies but with a lighter, caramelized flavor, are perfect for gatherings, as a delightful afternoon snack, or whenever you crave something rich yet uncomplicated. This detailed recipe is built to produce consistently chewy, soft blondies with an ideal balance of sweetness and texture. With options for add-ins like white chocolate chips and walnuts, you can customize these to fit any preference.
Why Blondies Are a Must-Have Treat
Blondies offer a smooth, slightly caramel flavor due to their brown sugar base and buttery foundation. Unlike brownies, which emphasize chocolate, blondies are the perfect canvas for a variety of flavors, providing a softer, almost cookie-like experience in bar form. From their golden-brown crust to the chewy center, every bite delivers a warm, cozy sweetness that’s impossible to resist.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blondies
Achieving that perfect chewy, soft texture relies on the balance of ingredients. Each element plays a significant role in creating blondies that are rich and flavorful:
Brown Sugar Choices for Maximum Flavor
The type of brown sugar you use impacts the depth of flavor in your blondies. Dark brown sugar contributes a deeper, molasses-rich taste and yields a slightly more moist texture. On the other hand, light brown sugar brings a milder sweetness. You can choose either or a mix of both depending on your flavor preference:
- Light Brown Sugar: Lighter in color and flavor, adds sweetness without overpowering other ingredients.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a bolder flavor with more moisture, resulting in extra chewiness.
Butter – The Key to Rich, Buttery Blondies
Using melted unsalted butter rather than creamed butter provides a richer flavor and softer, chewy texture. Butter also ensures that the blondies don’t dry out and keeps them tender. Melting the butter allows for easier mixing, giving you a seamless batter that yields perfectly even bars.
Egg Yolks and Cornstarch – Essential for Soft, Chewy Texture
Adding an extra egg yolk gives the blondies a soft, custardy feel, which, when combined with cornstarch, results in a tender texture. Cornstarch acts as a softening agent, ensuring that the blondies remain chewy without becoming dense or overly cakey.
Ingredients List for Classic Blondies
Gather these simple ingredients for a batch of blondies that will fill your home with a warm, buttery aroma and deliver rich, chewy perfection:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar (light, dark, or a combination), tightly packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Blondies Recipe
Follow these steps to make flawless blondies every time. Each step is crafted to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal after baking. Alternatively, you can lightly grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Melted Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and both the brown and granulated sugars. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to combine until smooth. The sugars should fully dissolve into the butter, giving the blondies a chewy consistency.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until completely combined, making sure not to over-mix. The extra yolk enhances the creamy texture, providing a rich and tender consistency in every bite.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout the batter, so you won’t end up with clumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until no dry flour remains. The batter should be thick and sticky, perfect for creating dense yet chewy treats. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bars tough.
6. Fold in Add-Ins (Optional)
Now’s the time to fold in your chosen add-ins, such as white chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. These add bursts of sweetness and crunch, complementing the soft blondie texture without overpowering it. You can add up to 2 cups of mix-ins to customize your blondies.
7. Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the blondies dry.
8. Cool Completely and Cut into Bars
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
Blondies Variations and Add-Ins
1. Chocolate Lovers’ Blondies
For chocolate enthusiasts, try adding milk chocolate chunks, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or a swirl of Nutella in the batter before baking.
2. Nutty Caramel Blondies
Enhance your blondies with toasted pecans or macadamia nuts for an extra layer of crunch. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce after baking for a luxurious finish.
3. Fruity Blondies
For a fruity twist, incorporate dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even a handful of shredded coconut. These add-ins complement the blondie’s rich base with hints of tangy sweetness.
4. Mocha Blondies
Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha-flavored blondie. This pairs wonderfully with chocolate chips and creates a sophisticated twist on the classic.
How to Store and Serve Blondies
Storing Blondies
These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Blondies are delicious on their own, but you can take them up a notch by pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For special occasions, dust them with powdered sugar or serve alongside fresh berries.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Blondies Every Time
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature will make it easier to incorporate them, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make blondies dense. Lightly spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife to avoid overpacking.
- Don’t Overbake: Blondies continue to cook as they cool, so remove them from the oven when they are just set in the center to maintain that soft, chewy texture.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Each blondie contains approximately 370 calories, making them an indulgent treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g (11g saturated)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ½ teaspoon. This ensures your dessert bars aren’t overly salty.
2. What’s the best way to melt butter for blondies?
Melt butter over low heat on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as this can alter the consistency of the batter.
3. How do I know when blondies are done?
These bars are ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. They’ll firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! For a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 15×10-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
5. Are blondies and brownies the same?
While both are bar desserts, these treats emphasize a rich, caramel flavor from brown sugar, whereas brownies are chocolate-based. Each has its unique appeal and texture.
