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There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, buttery baked treat that melts in your mouth while delivering just the right amount of sweetness. The Classic Blondies Recipe is exactly that—a golden, chewy bar dessert that strikes the perfect balance of rich brown sugar flavor, subtle vanilla notes, and a tender crumb. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or packed as a snack, these blondies bring a nostalgic yet timeless appeal that’s sure to brighten any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, texture, or that lovely golden color that makes blondies so appealing.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings rich flavor and tender texture to the blondies.
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture that keeps the bars chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and lend structure to the batter.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall taste.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the body and structure for the blondie bars.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds pockets of melty chocolate for extra indulgence.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Classic Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready the moment your batter is mixed. Grease your 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up effortless.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is key to achieving that signature rich, caramel flavor and moist texture in your blondies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk these into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined. The eggs provide structure while vanilla enriches every bite with warm sweetness.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Stir in the salt and all-purpose flour carefully until just combined. Be gentle with this step—overmixing can lead to tough blondies, and you want them to stay tender and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
If you’re using chocolate chips and nuts, fold them in now, distributing them evenly without breaking down the batter. These additions lend delightful surprises throughout each square of blondie.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden shade and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, a slight underbake results in chewier blondies.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step helps them firm up, making it easier to slice neat squares that hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Classic Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the presentation of your blondies. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a refreshing contrast that brightens the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
Classic blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee or tea. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve alongside a warm latte or a cold glass of milk to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, cut blondies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative picks—perfect for parties and potlucks. You can also sandwich them with frosting or peanut butter for a fun twist on the classic bar dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Blondies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. They maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor, making them great for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm your blondies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat briefly in the oven at a low temperature. This revives their soft, gooey texture and aromas as if they just came fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is essential for classic blondies because it adds moisture and that distinctive caramel-like depth. Using white sugar alone might make the blondies drier and less flavorful.
Are nuts necessary in the Classic Blondies Recipe?
Nuts are completely optional. They provide a lovely crunch and complement the sweet flavors, but you can skip them or substitute with your favorite mix-ins to suit your taste.
How do I make my blondies extra chewy?
To achieve that chewy texture, underbake the blondies slightly, removing them when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Also, using brown sugar and melted butter contributes to chewiness.
Can I make blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just be sure the mix includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to hold the texture together.
Why do my blondies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can cause cakey blondies. Mix just until combined and watch bake time closely to keep your bars tender and chewy as intended by the Classic Blondies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of buttery richness, sweet caramel flavor, and a tender chewy texture, this Classic Blondies Recipe is a must-try. It’s uncomplicated, quick, and always delivers a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug. Grab your ingredients and make a batch today—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delightful bar dessert in your baking repertoire.
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Classic Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Blondies are a rich and chewy bar dessert featuring a buttery base, packed with light brown sugar, vanilla, and optional chocolate chips or nuts. This easy-to-make American treat offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture with a golden crust and soft center.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Optional Mix-ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, ensuring even sweetness.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until fully combined to create a creamy batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the salt and all-purpose flour gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender blondie texture.
- Fold in mix-ins: If desired, fold in semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the batter for bursts of flavor and crunch.
- Bake the blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 bars to ensure clean slices and maintain texture.
Notes
- For chewier blondies, consider underbaking slightly by reducing the baking time by 2–3 minutes.
- Chocolate chips can be swapped with white chocolate or butterscotch chips to customize flavor.
