Irresistible Chewy Blondie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate homemade treat with this incredible Blondie Recipe. These thick, supremely chewy bars are surprisingly simple to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, or a playful mix of candies, these blondies are designed to be your new go-to dessert. Get ready to bake a batch of pure bliss that will captivate everyone who takes a bite.

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The Blondies That Converted a True Brownie Enthusiast

As someone who typically gravitates towards rich, dark, and fudgy brownies, it’s a big statement to say that this blondie recipe has truly stolen my heart. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty of chocolate to be found here, but these blondies offer a distinctly different, yet equally satisfying, experience. They possess a warmth and depth of flavor that is truly unique, making them a worthy contender for the top spot in any dessert lover’s repertoire.

This exceptional recipe draws its inspiration from the highly acclaimed blondies by Inspired Taste, and after countless batches and taste tests, I can confidently say it’s the finest I’ve ever encountered. Its brilliance lies in several key aspects that make it a standout choice:

• **Unmatched Versatility:** This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Want a new flavor profile? Simply swap out the chocolate chips and nuts for different mix-ins, and you’ve got a brand-new treat every time!
• **Effortless Preparation:** Crafted with just a handful of straightforward ingredients, these blondies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or entertaining.
• **Perfection in Every Bite:** The texture is simply divine – dense, wonderfully chewy, with that perfect balance of softness. Warning: they are genuinely addicting!
• **Signature Brown Butter Flavor:** The secret weapon in this recipe is browned butter, which infuses the blondies with an unparalleled nutty, caramel-like aroma and taste.

Prepare yourself for a baking experience that’s both rewarding and incredibly delicious. These blondies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blondies

Crafting the perfect batch of chewy blondies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Browning the butter adds an incredible depth of flavor – a rich, nutty, and toasted caramel note that elevates these blondies far beyond ordinary. If you’ve enjoyed the profound taste of Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies, you know the magic it brings. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content in the recipe.
• Light Brown Sugar: This is crucial for the signature chewy texture and distinctive caramel flavor of blondies. Its molasses content adds moisture and richness. Avoid using dark brown sugar, as its higher moisture content can make the blondies too soft or dense, altering the desired texture. Always pack the brown sugar firmly when measuring.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is indispensable for enhancing the overall sweetness and adding a warm, aromatic note. Vanilla bean paste offers a more intense flavor and beautiful flecks, but a good quality vanilla extract works wonderfully too. For adventurous bakers, consider almond or maple extract for a unique twist on the classic blondie flavor.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture. It helps create that desirable chewy texture and prevents the blondies from becoming too crumbly. Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the butter and sugar mixture.
• Salt: Don’t skip this! A touch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhancing all the other flavors. It brightens the profile, preventing the blondies from tasting overly sweet or flat.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our blondies. For soft, tender, and perfectly chewy blondies, it’s critical to mix the flour *just until combined*. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough bars.
• Chocolate Chips: A non-negotiable for many, chocolate chips add pockets of melty goodness. The choice is yours: semi-sweet for classic balance, milk for a sweeter profile, dark for rich intensity, or white for a creamy contrast. Feel free to mix and match!
• Nuts (Optional but Recommended): Nuts add a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension. While any nuts you enjoy will work, roasted and salted nuts (like pistachios, pecans, walnuts, or almonds) offer superior flavor and texture contrast. Their saltiness perfectly complements the sweet blondie base.

With these high-quality ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of blondies that will impress everyone.

How To Make the Best Chewy Blondies

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly chewy and flavorful blondies every time. Precision and patience are key, especially during the browning butter stage!

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two sides. This overhang will act as “handles” later, making it incredibly easy to lift the baked blondies out of the pan.
2. Brown the Butter to Perfection: In a light-colored, wide saucepan (the light color helps you monitor the browning), melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is fully melted, reduce the heat to medium. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. The butter will bubble and foam. Keep stirring until it develops a nutty aroma and you see tiny, light-brown specks forming at the bottom beneath the foam. This is the browned milk solids, packed with flavor! Immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour the browned butter into a separate mixing bowl, scraping every last bit of those flavorful brown flecks from the pan. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes to prevent scrambling the egg later.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the packed light brown sugar to the slightly cooled browned butter. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet, sandy consistency. This vigorous whisking incorporates air and helps create the chewy texture. Next, add the large egg, vanilla bean paste (or extract), and salt. Continue to whisk briskly for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color, smooth, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. It should have a slightly thickened, almost custard-like appearance.
4. Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Switch from a whisk to a sturdy rubber spatula. Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Begin to gently fold the mixture until the flour is almost incorporated, with just a few streaks remaining. Then, add your chosen chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Continue to fold *just until no dry streaks of flour are visible* and the mix-ins are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. The batter will be quite thick and sticky.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Evenly spread the thick blondie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use the back of your spatula or lightly dampened fingertips to smooth the top. Bake for 25–27 minutes. The blondies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted into the center may come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter). Avoid overbaking, which can result in dry blondies.
6. Cool, Slice, and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for setting the structure and preventing crumbling. After this initial cool-down, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of blondies out of the pan and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before attempting to slice them into bars. This patience will be rewarded with perfectly shaped, chewy blondies. Cut into desired bar sizes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips for the Best Blondies

Achieving bakery-quality blondies at home is easy with a few simple techniques. Here are some key tips to ensure your blondies are always thick, chewy, and bursting with flavor:

• Master the Browned Butter: This step is a game-changer. Use a light-colored saucepan to easily observe the butter’s color transformation. Keep a close eye on it; it can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds. Once you see the amber specks and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately. Be sure to scrape every last bit of those flavorful brown flecks into your mixing bowl – they are where the magic happens! Allowing the browned butter to cool slightly before adding sugar prevents the sugar from melting and helps with emulsification.
• Fold Gently, Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients (flour) and mix-ins, use a rubber spatula and fold just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense blondies rather than the desired soft and chewy texture. Less is definitely more here.
• Patience is a Virtue – Cool Completely: It can be tempting to slice into warm blondies, but resist the urge! Allowing the blondies to cool fully in the pan before cutting is paramount. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly, preventing them from crumbling and ensuring clean, neat slices. Warm blondies are delicious, but structurally fragile.
• Always Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper with an overhang is a small step that makes a huge difference. It not only makes lifting the baked blondies out of the pan incredibly easy but also helps maintain a perfectly golden bottom crust. This prevents sticking and ensures your bars look as good as they taste.
• Choose a Light-Colored Baking Pan: Just like with browning butter, using a light-colored metal baking pan is beneficial for even baking. Darker pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges of your blondies to overbake or even burn before the center is fully cooked. A lighter pan promotes uniform heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked blondies every time.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Don’t limit yourself to just chocolate chips and nuts! Blondies are incredibly versatile. Try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, M&Ms, chopped pretzels, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of caramel or cream cheese before baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to using too much and a drier, tougher blondie.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Blondies

One of the most exciting aspects of this blondie recipe is its incredible adaptability. While the classic chocolate chip and nut combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity! Here are some inspiring ideas to make your blondies uniquely yours:

• **Chocolate Lover’s Dream:** Beyond semi-sweet, try a mix of dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate morsels, or even white chocolate chips for varying levels of sweetness and texture. Swirl in some melted Nutella or caramel before baking for an extra decadent touch.
• **Nutty Adventures:** Experiment with different nuts. Toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts all offer distinct flavors and satisfying crunch. For a gourmet twist, try candied nuts.
• **Candy Creations:** Incorporate your favorite candies! Chopped M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Heath Bar bits, or even crushed Oreos can add fun colors, textures, and flavors that kids and adults alike will adore.
• **Fruity & Zesty:** Add dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots for a chewy, tangy element. A bit of lemon or orange zest can also brighten the flavor profile beautifully.
• **Spice It Up:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of pumpkin pie spice can add a warm, cozy feel, especially perfect for seasonal blondies.
• **Sweet & Salty:** For an irresistible contrast, mix in chopped pretzels, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking, or even a layer of caramel bits.
• **Gourmet Additions:** Consider adding shredded coconut, espresso powder for a mocha-like depth, or a splash of bourbon or rum extract for a sophisticated flavor.

The possibilities are truly endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations that appeal to your taste buds!

Serving Your Delicious Blondies

These chewy blondies are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them into an even more decadent dessert:

• **Warm with Ice Cream:** Serve a warm blondie bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, and the melting ice cream, is simply irresistible.
• **Drizzle with Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a berry coulis can add an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
• **A Dollop of Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche offers a light, airy contrast to the rich blondies.
• **Coffee or Tea Pairing:** Blondies are a perfect companion to your favorite cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.

Common Blondie Troubleshooting

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here’s how to address common blondie baking issues:

• **Blondies are Too Dry/Crumbly:** This is often a sign of overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling, and always bake only until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
• **Blondies are Too Gooey/Underbaked:** If the center is too soft or liquid-like, they need more time in the oven. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate, as an underperforming oven can lead to underbaked results.
• **Blondies are Tough:** Overmixing the flour is the primary culprit here. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. The less you work the dough after adding flour, the more tender your blondies will be.
• **Unevenly Baked:** This could be due to a hot spot in your oven (rotate the pan halfway through baking) or using a dark-colored pan which can cause edges to bake faster. A light-colored pan generally bakes more evenly.
• **Browned Butter Burnt:** Browning butter requires constant attention. If it burns, the flavor will be bitter. It’s best to discard and start fresh with new butter. Use a light-colored pan to easily observe the color change.

The Best Chewy Blondie Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This blondie recipe is the ultimate quick dessert, and they taste amazing! These are my favorites: soft, chewy, and loaded with delicious mix-ins. Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet craving.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Yields:
16 bars

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Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking pan (lined with parchment paper)
• Large saucepan (light-colored, for browning butter)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white)
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted pistachios (or any preferred nut like pecans, walnuts, almonds)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Melt butter in a light-colored, wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, reduce to medium and stir constantly with a silicone spatula. The butter will bubble and foam. When it smells nutty and you see light-brown specks under the foam, quickly remove from heat and pour butter into a bowl, scraping all the bits from the pan. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Add the brown sugar to the cooled butter and whisk vigorously until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt, and whisk briskly until the mixture is very creamy and emulsified.
4. Add the flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Switch to a spatula and fold the dough gently until no dry streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–27 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set.
6. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Use the parchment-paper overhang to transfer the bars to a cooling rack, then carefully remove the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Recipe Notes

Browning Butter Tip: Using a large, light-colored saucepan makes browning butter significantly easier, allowing you to clearly see when the butter specks turn brown. This simple practice ensures perfect results every time!

Storage Recommendations: For the best flavor and texture, these blondie bars are most delicious on the day they are made, while still wonderfully soft and chewy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-4 days. For extended freshness, individual bars can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 154 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 19.5 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 7.9 g |
Cholesterol: 26.9 mg |
Sodium: 45.2 mg |
Fiber: 0.6 g |
Sugar: 12.6 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.