Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to treat: Brown Butter Blondies! These chewy, golden bars have the irresistible nutty aroma of browned butter, a rich butterscotch-like flavor, and a perfectly soft center finished with a hint of chocolate or crunchy nuts. Simple to bake yet sophisticated in taste, they’re the kind of dessert that draws a crowd and disappears almost as fast. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to sweeten an ordinary night at home, you’ll want to savor every bite of these indulgent Brown Butter Blondies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Brown Butter Blondies truly shine is how easy their ingredient list is. Each component plays a starring role: from creating that unmistakable caramel depth to achieving the perfect chewy texture and hint of chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter unlocks a nutty, complex flavor that transforms these blondies from good to unforgettable.
- Brown sugar, packed: Provides moisture, chewiness, and that classic toffee-like sweetness at the heart of every blondie bar.
- Large eggs: Give structure, richness, and ensure a tender, chewy bite with every square.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a deliciously fragrant background note.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the recipe, giving just enough structure without making the bars cakey.
- Baking powder: Adds a tiny lift for that perfect slightly chewy, slightly fudgy crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every flavor pop.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional): Swirls of chocolate make these bars extra irresistible—go for dark, milk, or even caramel chips.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add extra crunch and complement the brown butter’s nutty aroma beautifully.
How to Make Brown Butter Blondies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to lift your Brown Butter Blondies out for neat, clean slices.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir continuously while the butter foams and shifts from yellow to a warm golden brown, releasing the most delicious, nutty aroma. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The minute the butter reaches a rich amber color and you see brown bits forming at the bottom, pour it immediately into a large mixing bowl to prevent burning. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes—patience here means your eggs won’t scramble when added!
Step 3: Mix in the Brown Sugar
Once your butter has cooled slightly, add in the brown sugar and whisk until the mixture is smooth, sticky, and almost glossy. This is where that signature chewiness of Brown Butter Blondies starts to build.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to incorporate plenty of air for that soft texture. Stir in your vanilla extract, filling the mix with rich, aromatic notes.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents any surprises of unblended baking powder in your finished bars.
Step 6: Stir Everything Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Overmixing will take away some of that fudgy, chewy joy—so as soon as you don’t see any more flour, stop mixing. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, now’s the perfect time to fold those in for extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top golden and just set, with a toothpick coming out with a few moist crumbs—slightly underbaked is perfect for gooey Brown Butter Blondies. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing (the anticipation is worth it!).
How to Serve Brown Butter Blondies
Garnishes
Shake things up by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as the blondies come out of the oven to really highlight the sweet and salty combo. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks elegant, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for those with a true sweet tooth. If you’re feeling extra, a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on warm Brown Butter Blondies is truly a match made in dessert heaven.
Side Dishes
Serve Brown Butter Blondies as the star alongside fresh seasonal berries, a fruit compote, or even a tangy lemon yogurt for contrast. If you’re hosting, a platter with a variety of cookies or biscotti, plus strong coffee or cold brew, complements the deep flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, wrap individual Brown Butter Blondie squares in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for a rustic, homemade touch. Stack and layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping no-bake dessert. Or, cut smaller squares for a decadent addition to cookie platters at holidays and celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Brown Butter Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making them a perfect candidate for make-ahead dessert spreads!
Freezing
Brown Butter Blondies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled bars between layers of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature for an effortless, ready-to-go treat.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a blondie square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If warming a batch, cover loosely with foil and heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes. The chocolate turns melty and the centers get almost molten—a comforting delight!
FAQs
Can I make Brown Butter Blondies without nuts?
Definitely! The nuts are completely optional and simply add extra crunch and a flavor boost. The recipe works perfectly with or without them—feel free to leave them out or swap with your favorite mix-ins.
Why do I need to cool the brown butter before mixing?
Cooling the butter for several minutes prevents it from scrambling the eggs or melting the sugar too quickly, both of which could affect the texture. Plus, a brief rest lets the nutty flavors develop even more.
What’s the secret to super gooey Brown Butter Blondies?
The magic is in slightly underbaking them. Pull the pan from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the middle still looks a bit soft. As they cool, they’ll set to just the right fudgy, chewy consistency.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Brown sugar is what gives these bars their deep flavor and chewy texture, so stick with it if possible. White sugar just doesn’t provide the same richness or color that Brown Butter Blondies are known for.
Are Brown Butter Blondies suitable for freezing and gifting?
Absolutely! Brown Butter Blondies are sturdy enough for freezing and gifting. Wrap them individually for homemade gifts or stack in a decorative tin. They thaw quickly and stay delicious for days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour, these Brown Butter Blondies are your answer. Every bite delivers buttery, caramelized perfection that’s impossible to resist. Don’t be surprised if these bars become your signature dessert and the most requested recipe among friends and family—give them a try and prepare to see them disappear in record time!
Print
Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Blondies. With a chewy texture and a hint of caramel from the brown sugar, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
For the Blondies:
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Brown Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown. Let cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk brown sugar into cooled butter, add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet. Fold in chocolate and nuts.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Toasted pecans or walnuts complement the browned butter flavor.
- For a gooier texture, underbake slightly and chill before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
