There is something incredibly heartwarming about a batch of golden, chewy bars fresh from the oven, and that is exactly what you get with this Classic Blondies Recipe. These bars capture the perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet brown sugar flavor, enhanced by melty chocolate chips that add delightful pockets of joy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or a friendly get-together, these blondies deliver comfort and sweetness with every luscious crumb. The beauty of this Classic Blondies Recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, making it a must-have go-to dessert that will quickly become everyone’s favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly essentials that work harmoniously to create the tender, flavorful texture and beautiful golden color of your blondies. Each addition plays a key role in making this dessert irresistibly delightful.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a rich, moist base and smooth flavor; melting ensures easy mixing and even texture.
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (packed): Adds warmth, sweetness, and moisture with those lovely caramel undertones that define blondies.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy yet tender structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the blondies, creating the structure for those satisfying bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides a gentle rise for a light but chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks: Melty pockets of chocolate that add richness and contrast in every bite.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and an extra layer of texture, perfect if you enjoy a bit of contrast.
How to Make Classic Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by either greasing it well or lining it completely with parchment paper. This step ensures your blondies won’t stick and come out with clean edges for perfectly cut squares later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend is where the magic begins, setting the tone for the blondies’ buttery sweetness. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined and velvety.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will provide structure and ensure your blondie texture is just right—chewy and tender without being dense.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until you see no more flour. Overworking the batter can make the blondies tough, and you want them to stay light and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in the Fun Stuff
Now for the best part: fold in the chocolate chips or chunks and the optional chopped nuts if you’re using them. This is where your blondies start to get personality – those melty chocolate pockets and crunchy nut pieces create that perfect bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and the edges to start pulling away from the pan slightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs to keep your blondies chewy, not dry.
Step 7: Cool Before Cutting
Let your blondies cool completely in the pan. This step is key — cooling allows them to set perfectly so that when you slice them into bars, they hold together beautifully without crumbling apart.
How to Serve Classic Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
While these blondies shine on their own, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them to extra special treats. A drizzle of warm caramel or melted white chocolate creates a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress guests. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt also add exciting flavor contrasts that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your blondies alongside a cup of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness. For brunch or afternoon tea, pair with fresh fruit or a light salad to keep things feeling fresh and inviting. These versatile bars also work as a crowd-pleasing dessert at any potluck or picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your blondies stacked in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a charming, casual look. Cut them into bite-sized squares for a party platter or tray bake. You can even sandwich a layer of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff between two blondie bars for a playful twist that’s bound to delight kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Blondies Recipe bars store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for snacking whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. If you want to maintain their perfect chewy texture, avoid refrigerating as this can dry them out.
Freezing
If you bake a big batch, freeze leftover blondies by wrapping each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or warm gently to enjoy them as if freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring your blondies back to life, gently warm an individual bar in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the butter and chocolate, making them gooey and irresistible once again. Avoid overheating to maintain their chewy texture without making them dry.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar substitutes in the Classic Blondies Recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that light brown sugar contributes both sweetness and moisture with its molasses content. Using white sugar alone may change the texture and flavor, making blondies less chewy and lacking that classic caramel taste. For best results, stick to light brown sugar or try mixing dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
What can I add to make these blondies more decadent?
Consider swirling caramel sauce into the batter before baking, adding white chocolate chips along with the dark, or folding in chunks of peanut butter cups. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness, heightening all the flavors.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
The Classic Blondies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free baking blend but be aware that texture may vary slightly. Experimentation is key, and adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the chewiness.
How do I get chewy blondies rather than cakey ones?
The key to chewy blondies is not to overbake them and to ensure they remain a bit moist in the center. Underbaking slightly and letting the bars cool in the pan helps set that perfect chewy texture. Using melted butter and brown sugar also supports chewiness compared to cakey consistency.
Can I use different types of nuts or omit them?
Absolutely! The ½ cup chopped nuts are optional and customizable — walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply leave them out; your blondies will still be rich and delicious without the crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy, buttery blondie that perfectly balances sweetness with melty chocolate. This Classic Blondies Recipe is approachable, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. I encourage you to try it out and share this simple joy with friends and family — soon you’ll see why it’s such a classic for all the right reasons.
Print
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 rich, chewy dessert bars made with a buttery, brown sugar base and studded with chocolate chips and optional nuts. This easy-to-make recipe delivers golden-baked squares perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic, buttery flavor and soft texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and blended well. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the blondies.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts evenly throughout the batter for bursts of texture and flavor.
- Prepare to Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 bars to serve.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, bake slightly less time and let the blondies cool in the pan.
- Try variations like white chocolate chips or a caramel swirl for added flavor.
- Store blondies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
