Name: Classic Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a bar cookie that delivers rich, caramel-like sweetness, a chewy bite, and just the right hint of nostalgia, look no further than these Classic Blondies. They’re the answer for every time you crave something as satisfying as a brownie, but with a golden twist. Classic Blondies bring together melty butter, brown sugar, swirls of chocolate, and a touch of crunch, resulting in a treat everyone wants to claim as their favorite. With simple steps and the kind of pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have, there’s every reason to bake a batch for sharing or sneaking solo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Classic Blondies truly irresistible is the combination of straightforward baking staples, each playing a starring role. From rich brown sugar for depth of flavor to vanilla for warmth, every ingredient is simple, yet essential for that legendary chewy texture and golden hue. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the blondies richness and that signature gooey, tender bite.
Light brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, packed): The heart and soul of Classic Blondies, providing caramel notes and extra moisture.
Large eggs (2): These bind everything together and create the chewy structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the batter with a comforting, bakery-style aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives the bars shape and substance.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of lift so your blondies don’t turn out dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
Chocolate chips or chunks (1 cup): Melty, chocolatey pockets are the ultimate upgrade to every bite.
Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For extra crunch and subtle nutty flavor if you love a contrast in texture.

How to Make Classic Blondies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal later, or lightly grease it if that’s your preference. This tiny bit of prep work makes for flawless blondie bars that pop right out, ready for slicing.

Step 2: Whisk the Butter and Brown Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the melted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This step is where that irresistible caramel undertone starts to form, setting the stage for Classic Blondies with unbeatable chew.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once you’ve got a beautiful, silky-smooth base, crack in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The batter will start to smell amazing at this point, and you’ll see a creamy, glossy texture forming—a sure sign you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ensures that everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with a bite of pure baking powder or a pocket of salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overworking the batter can make your Classic Blondies tough instead of perfectly tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Add the chocolate chips or chunks and, if using, the chopped walnuts. Gently fold them into the batter so you get a bit of melty chocolate (and crunch!) in every single square. Personalize your blondies with white chocolate or butterscotch chips if you want to switch things up!

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top as you go. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. For those gooey, fudgy centers, underbake by a minute or two.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let your Classic Blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into perfect squares. This cooling step helps the bars set up so that each piece holds its shape—plus, it makes cutting super easy and mess-free.

How to Serve Classic Blondies

Garnishes

The beauty of Classic Blondies is in their simplicity, but you can easily dress them up. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look, or drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also make the flavors pop, balancing that deep sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Classic Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert duo. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add brightness and balance to the richness, or go classic with a tall glass of cold milk. They also work beautifully next to a steamy latte or robust cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, try cutting your blondies into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Stack two or three squares and tie them with twine for a lovely homemade gift. Or, serve them as an unexpected base for a sundae bar—just top with ice cream, sauces, and your favorite sprinkles for a show-stopping dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Blondies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their chewy centers and keep them from drying out. If your kitchen runs warm, you can also tuck them in the fridge for an extra day or two of freshness.

Freezing

To freeze Classic Blondies, let them cool completely, then wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or zap in the microwave for a quick, gooey treat straight from the freezer.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a blondie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you’re warming several at once, line them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant again. A freshly warmed Classic Blondie pairs especially well with a scoop of ice cream!

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-forward flavor. Just expect your Classic Blondies to be a bit richer and possibly darker in color. Either way, the chewy and tender texture remains just as delightful.

Why did my blondies turn out cakey?

Cakier blondies often result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. For those blissful, fudgy results, stir the ingredients until just combined and always measure flour properly (spoon and level, don’t pack).

Can I make these without nuts?

Absolutely! The chopped walnuts in Classic Blondies are completely optional. Simply leave them out if you’re avoiding nuts or swap them for seeds, shredded coconut, or extra chocolate chips to keep things nut-free and delicious.

How do I know when blondies are done baking?

The edges should look golden and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center stays pale with a few moist crumbs on a toothpick. Avoid overbaking for the gooiest squares—don’t wait until the center is dry.

Can I double this recipe and use a larger pan?

Doubling works best with a larger pan, such as a half-sheet. Be sure to keep an eye on the oven, as baking time may need a slight adjustment. If you don’t have a bigger pan, simply bake two batches to keep the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Classic Blondies enough—every square is a little celebration of brown sugar sweetness, chocolatey bites, and chewy perfection. They’re simple to whip up but always feel like something extra special. When you’re ready to treat yourself or impress someone in your circle, give these Classic Blondies a spot in your baking rotation. You’ll be delighted with every bite!

Classic Blondies Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 blondies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these classic blondies, a delicious twist on traditional brownies. With a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, these cookie bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondies:

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts if desired.
Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out slightly moist. Cool before cutting into squares.