Blondies Recipe: Blondies are the golden cousin of brownies, packed with rich buttery flavor and often a hint of vanilla. Unlike brownies, which boast deep chocolatey notes, blondies rely on brown sugar for their caramel-like sweetness.
They’re the perfect treat for those who enjoy desserts that aren’t overly chocolate-heavy but still crave a chewy, decadent bite. Blondies are versatile, easy to make, and a fantastic option for parties or casual baking days.
Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients Needed for Blondies
To whip up a batch of classic blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins for Customization:
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (100g) chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- ½ cup (150g) caramel chunks or white chocolate chips
Having all your ingredients measured and ready ensures a smooth baking process.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk and a rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch (or similar) baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- An oven thermometer (optional but helpful for accuracy)
Alternative Tools: If you don’t have a whisk, a fork works in a pinch. No parchment paper? Lightly grease your pan with butter or oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over the edges for easy removal. If using non-stick spray, coat the pan evenly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature blondie flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Fold the Mixtures Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough blondies. If you’re adding any mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.
5. Bake the Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. 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. Avoid overbaking for soft, chewy blondies.
Tips for Perfect Blondies
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Melted butter adds richness, but don’t skip cooling it slightly before mixing.
- For ultra-chewy blondies, slightly underbake them and let them cool completely in the pan.
Variations of Blondies
Blondies are endlessly versatile, making them a canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some popular variations to try:
1. Chocolate Chip Blondies
Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a classic twist. The chocolate bits melt into the buttery dough, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness.
2. Nutty Blondies
Add ¾ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Nuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also balance the sweetness with a toasty flavor.
3. Caramel Blondies
Swirl in caramel sauce or add caramel chunks to the batter for a decadent dessert. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for salted caramel blondies.
4. Gluten-Free or Vegan Blondies
For gluten-free blondies, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
5. Fun Mix-Ins
Experiment with dried fruit, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Blondies
Blondies store well, making them perfect for meal prepping or gifting.
Short-Term Storage
- Once cooled completely, store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Long-Term Storage
- For extended storage, freeze blondies in a single layer or stack them with parchment paper in between.
- Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Blondies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with thoughtful serving ideas:
- Warm and A La Mode: Heat a blondie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for themed parties or holidays.
Troubleshooting Blondies
Even with simple recipes, things can occasionally go wrong. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
Problem: Blondies Are Too Dry
- Cause: Overbaking or too much flour.
- Solution: Check your oven temperature with a thermometer and measure flour accurately.
Problem: Blondies Are Too Gooey
- Cause: Undercooking or excessive wet ingredients.
- Solution: Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes and let them cool completely before cutting.
Problem: Blondies Are Crumbly
- Cause: Too much sugar or not enough butter.
- Solution: Stick to the recipe ratios, and ensure you’re using the correct measurements.
FAQs about Blondies Recipe
What are blondies?
Blondies are a popular dessert similar to brownies but made without cocoa powder. Instead, they feature a rich, vanilla-flavored base with brown sugar, giving them a delicious butterscotch taste.
What ingredients do I need for blondies?
To make classic blondies, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit according to your preference.
How do I ensure my blondies are chewy and not cakey?
The key to chewy blondies lies in the sugar and butter ratio, and not overbaking them. Using more brown sugar than white sugar and melting the butter before mixing can help achieve a denser, chewier texture. Also, make sure to remove them from the oven when they are just barely set in the middle.
Can I make blondies without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free blondies by substituting each egg with alternatives like a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers.
How long do blondies keep?
Blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to three months, and thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve.
Are blondies supposed to be gooey in the middle?
Yes, a perfect blondie is slightly underbaked in the center, giving it a gooey, soft texture. If you prefer a firmer texture, simply bake them a few minutes longer.
Can I add cocoa to make them into brownies?
While you can add cocoa powder to the blondie recipe to create a chocolatey version, the texture and flavor will differ from traditional brownies due to the use of brown sugar and vanilla.
Conclusion
Blondies are a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with rich, buttery flavors. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer them plain or jazzed up with mix-ins, blondies are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking take over. Enjoy the warm, chewy goodness of homemade blondies today!
