Blondies

Introduction

Blondies are a delightful dessert bar that often gets described as the golden sibling of brownies. Instead of relying on cocoa or melted chocolate, blondies are made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, which give them a chewy, caramel-like flavor with a hint of butterscotch. They’re simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.

Their soft, chewy texture paired with a slightly crisp top makes them a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you keep them plain, add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in peanut butter, blondies are endlessly customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love blondies because they’re quick to make, require just one bowl, and deliver huge flavor with minimal effort. They strike a balance between cookie bars and brownies, with that buttery richness and chewy bite that I can’t resist.

What makes them extra special is their versatility—you can dress them up with different mix-ins or keep them plain for a classic treat. They also pack and store well, making them great for picnics, bake sales, or gifting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Simple & Quick: No complicated steps, just mix and bake.
• Unique Flavor: Sweet, buttery, and caramel-like thanks to brown sugar.
• Versatile: Perfect with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit add-ins.
• Great for Sharing: Easy to slice and portion.
• Crowd Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 12 blondies
• Calories: ~210 per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional Mix-ins:
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips or dried fruit

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and line baking pan.
2. Mix melted butter and brown sugar.
3. Whisk in egg and vanilla.
4. Fold in dry ingredients.
5. Add mix-ins if desired.
6. Spread batter into pan and bake until golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add egg and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

• Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Add Mix-ins (Optional)

• Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired add-ins.

Step 5: Bake

• Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Step 6: Cool & Slice

• Let blondies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

How to Serve

• Enjoy plain with coffee or tea.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce for dessert.
• Pack in lunchboxes or gift as a sweet homemade treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For chewier blondies, slightly underbake them.
• Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the texture soft.
• Line pan with parchment for easy removal and clean slices.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Blondies: Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips.
• Nutty Blondies: Fold in walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
• Peanut Butter Blondies: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
• Fruit Blondies: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries.
• Spiced Blondies: Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8x8-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowl and whisk/spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Conclusion

Blondies are the perfect dessert when you want something quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. With their chewy, caramel-like flavor and endless possibilities for add-ins, they’re a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served plain, studded with chocolate chips, or topped with ice cream, blondies always deliver a satisfying sweet bite that’s both comforting and indulgent.