Classic Blondies Recipe
Classic Blondies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the buttery bliss of a chewy bar, sprinkled with golden edges and packed with gooey centers. This time-honored recipe delivers sweet vanilla notes, a caramel complexity from brown sugar, and just enough chew to keep you reaching for another square. Whether you enjoy them studded with chocolate, nuts, or all on their own, Classic Blondies are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for bake sales, potlucks, lunchbox treats, or evenings at home with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Blondies come together with a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a pivotal role in making these bars so irresistible. Here’s why every part matters—mix and match your favorite add-ins for your own Classic Blondies spin!
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup/2 sticks): Butter guarantees a rich, tender crumb and helps the blondies stay soft and moist.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1½ cups): The brown sugar infuses each bite with warm, caramelly flavors, giving Classic Blondies their signature fudgy chew.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients, ensuring the bars hold together but stay luscious.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla is key for that dreamy, deep cookie flavor that makes Classic Blondies so memorable.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Flour is the backbone of the bars, giving them just the right density while remaining tender.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A little lift goes a long way, creating just enough rise for soft, pillowy bars.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens every flavor note in this classic treat.
- Chocolate chips or chopped white/dark chocolate (1 cup, optional): Stir in your favorite chocolate for bursts of melty goodness in every piece.
- Chopped nuts (½ cup, optional): Nuts add crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel tones of Classic Blondies.
How to Make Classic Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, for an even easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper so you can lift out the blondies after baking. This ensures the blondies won’t stick and will have neat edges when you cut them.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. This creates a caramel-like base for the bars and makes sure every bite tastes rich and crave-worthy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract directly into your butter-sugar mixture. Take your time mixing until everything is fully combined—the eggs should completely disappear into the batter, giving it a glossy, unified texture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the rising agent and salt will disperse evenly throughout the blondies, keeping the texture balanced from edge to center.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Mix-Ins
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until the last streaks of flour disappear. If you’re using chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or nuts, fold them in now for those little pops of flavor and texture that make every bite unique.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs—this keeps your Classic Blondies perfectly chewy and not dry.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Resist the urge to dig in early—cooling helps set the structure and makes for clean, beautiful bars every time.
How to Serve Classic Blondies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly pretties up Classic Blondies and makes them look bakery-worthy. For a more decadent touch, drizzle with a little melted white or dark chocolate, or scatter extra chopped nuts and chocolate chips over the top just as they cool.
Side Dishes
Blondies shine with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or even a chilled dollop of whipped cream. Add sliced strawberries or fresh berries on the side for a bright, juicy contrast to the sweet chew of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, cut blondies into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or stack them on a platter with alternating layers of fruit and cream. Classic Blondies also make adorable ice cream sandwich bases or “sundae bars” with all your favorite toppings set out for guests to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert or lunchbox surprise. If you notice them drying out, pop a slice of bread in the container to help lock in moisture.
Freezing
Classic Blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings blondies back to their soft, gooey prime. For a warm-out-the-oven effect, reheat in a low (300°F) oven for about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overdo it—these bars are best when just gently warmed.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Blondies without nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The base recipe is amazing on its own. Chocolate chips and nuts are optional, so feel free to customize with your favorites or leave them out entirely for a simpler (but equally delicious) treat.
What’s the best way to cut Classic Blondies for neat squares?
For perfectly neat slices, let the pan cool completely, then remove the slab and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife with a warm, damp towel between cuts helps keep edges clean, especially when chocolate is involved.
Can I add other mix-ins to Classic Blondies?
Definitely! Try toffee bits, peanut butter chips, coconut flakes, or dried fruit. Just keep the total mix-in quantity to about 1.5 cups, so the bars don’t overflow.
How do I know when Classic Blondies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a top that looks set and slightly crackly. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs (not totally clean). Blondies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Sure thing! Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch pan, checking for doneness a bit earlier (around the 20-minute mark). Classic Blondies are endlessly adaptable to your needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Classic Blondies before, this is your invitation to whip up a batch and see why they’re such a beloved classic. Their simplicity, versatility, and utter deliciousness make them a favorite in any kitchen—so grab your ingredients, get baking, and share the sweet joy!
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Classic Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic goodness of these delicious blondies, with a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness that will leave you craving for more. Easy to make and versatile with mix-ins, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped white/dark chocolate (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For chewy blondies, avoid overbaking.
- These freeze well and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like toffee bits, peanut butter chips, or coconut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
