These classic Blondies, often referred to as blond brownies, are rich, buttery, and delicious. They are packed with white chocolate chips and have a soft, chewy texture. This easy recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making them perfect for bake sales, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With their rich caramel flavor from brown sugar and a golden crust, they are sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed) or dark brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with a few more white chocolate chips.

7. Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the middle is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

8. Let the blondies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrients

• Calories: 367 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 43g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 58mg

• Sodium: 134mg

• Potassium: 110mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 30g

• Vitamin A: 415IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg

• Calcium: 71mg

• Iron: 1mg

What Makes Blondies Different from Brownies?

At first glance, blondies might seem like a variation of brownies, but they have their own distinct flavor and texture. While both treats are made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, blondies replace the rich cocoa powder that defines brownies with the warm flavors of brown sugar and vanilla. This gives them a caramel-like taste that makes them distinct from their chocolatey counterparts.

Blondies have a soft, chewy texture with a golden-brown crust that adds an irresistible crunch. The addition of white chocolate chips provides bursts of sweetness that complement the caramelized flavor from the brown sugar. Depending on your preference, you can also add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture and flavor. These classic blondies strike a perfect balance between sweetness and richness, making them a universally loved treat.

The Appeal of Simple Ingredients

One of the most appealing aspects of making blondies is how simple the ingredients are. Most of the components are pantry staples, meaning you probably already have them on hand. The base is made from just a few ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Eggs and vanilla extract round out the wet ingredients, while white chocolate chips bring a creamy sweetness. Optional add-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans elevate the flavor and texture, but they’re completely optional.

What makes blondies so special is that they don’t require any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. You don’t need chocolate or cocoa powder like you would for traditional brownies—just the simple components that are readily available. This makes blondies not only an easy dessert to whip up, but also a great go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests.

The Simple Process of Making Blondies

Making blondies is straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. You can mix everything by hand in just a few bowls, which makes cleanup easy and quick. To start, you’ll need to prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper. The parchment paper ensures that the blondies come out easily once they’ve cooled, and it’s a simple trick that prevents them from sticking to the pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the wet ingredients—melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can cause the blondies to be too dense, so it’s important to stop once everything is incorporated.

Next, fold in the white chocolate chips and any nuts you choose to add. At this point, you can also sprinkle a few more white chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for an extra sweet finish.

Baking the Blondies to Perfection

Once your batter is ready, spoon it into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. The baking time for these blondies is fairly short, typically around 23-27 minutes. The goal is to bake them until the edges are golden and the center is set. The toothpick test is a reliable way to check for doneness—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready. Keep in mind that the blondies will continue to cook slightly once they’re out of the oven, so don’t worry if the center seems a bit soft.

Once baked, let the blondies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you cut into them too soon, they may fall apart. Once fully cooled, you can slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.

Versatility of Blondies

What’s great about blondies is that they’re highly versatile. The basic recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate chips, you can swap them out for milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. The nuts are another optional ingredient—if you prefer walnuts, pecans, or almonds, feel free to toss them into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Blondies are also a great base for other flavor combinations. Consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of espresso for a more complex flavor profile. For a tropical twist, you could incorporate coconut flakes or even pineapple. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative and experiment with different add-ins.

Healthier Modifications for Blondies

While classic blondies are certainly a treat that’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation, you can make some adjustments to make them a little healthier. For instance, substituting half of the butter with Greek yogurt can help cut down on the overall fat content while maintaining a moist, chewy texture. You could also swap out the granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to make the recipe a bit more wholesome.

If you’re looking to make these blondies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may change slightly. There are also dairy-free options available, such as plant-based butter and non-dairy chocolate chips, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary needs.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These classic blondies are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, they travel well, and they’re sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or a special celebration, blondies are always a hit. Their golden color and rich flavor make them an ideal treat for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. They also make an excellent addition to a dessert table at parties or potlucks.

Since they store well at room temperature for several days, you can make them ahead of time, which is great for busy schedules. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months and thaw them as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, classic blondies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Their rich, buttery flavor, chewy texture, and sweet white chocolate chips make them a treat that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, they’re ideal for novice bakers or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. Plus, their versatility allows you to customize them to suit your taste, whether you prefer to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other flavorings. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own with a cup of coffee or serving them at a party, these blondies are a perfect choice for satisfying your sweet tooth.