There’s just something magical about slicing into a pan of Classic Blondies and discovering those golden, chewy squares packed with rich, buttery flavor. This is the kind of dessert you turn to when you want a comforting treat that’s quick to make but never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or looking for a crowd-pleasing sweet to share, Classic Blondies deliver the perfect balance of caramelized brown sugar, soft crumb, and optional bursts of chocolate or nuts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Classic Blondies is in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create that signature chewy texture and rich, buttery taste. You probably have most of these on hand already, and every component brings its own magic to the mix.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the blondies their signature moistness and a deep, buttery foundation.
- Light brown sugar (packed): The key to their irresistible chew and caramel-like notes—don’t skimp!
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing the blondies down.
- Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise ever-so-slightly for a soft, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional): For those glorious pockets of melty chocolate—choose your favorite variety!
- Chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and a lovely nutty contrast to the chewy base.
How to Make Classic Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. The parchment will make it super easy to lift the blondies out after baking, so I highly recommend it if you have some on hand.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and glossy—this step gives the blondies their crave-worthy chewy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is fully combined and the mixture is silky. This is where the batter starts to smell amazing!
Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined. Don’t overmix—stir only until you no longer see streaks of flour. This keeps your Classic Blondies soft rather than dense.
Step 5: Fold in Goodies (Optional)
If you’re adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts, now’s the time! Gently fold them into the batter for tasty bursts of chocolate or crunchy nuts in every bite. Feel free to get creative with white chocolate or butterscotch chips too.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly—an offset spatula works wonders here. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with just a few moist crumbs. For extra chewiness, err on the side of slightly underbaked.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the Classic Blondies cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up and makes cutting so much easier. When cool, lift them out using the parchment (if you lined your pan), and slice into 9 generous squares.
How to Serve Classic Blondies
Garnishes
Dress up your Classic Blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also make each bite pop with flavor!
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy bars with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fruity compote for a colorful dessert plate. For a truly indulgent treat, serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee or an ice-cold glass of milk—the combo is unbeatable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, cut the Classic Blondies into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with fruit for a fun dessert platter. Stack them in a rustic pile on a wooden board, or package them in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Classic Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious, but if your kitchen is especially warm, the fridge works too—just let them come to room temp before enjoying.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. When the craving strikes, just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave.
Reheating
If you love a gooey, just-baked texture, microwave a Classic Blondie square for 10-15 seconds before serving. This makes the chocolate chips a little melty again and wakes up that fresh-from-the-oven aroma!
FAQs
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, so test with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I make Classic Blondies without nuts or chocolate?
Definitely! The base recipe is delicious all on its own, with a pure buttery, brown sugar flavor. Feel free to leave out the mix-ins or swap for your favorites.
Why did my blondies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Cakey blondies often happen when the batter is overmixed or baked too long. Stir just until the flour disappears, and be sure to check for doneness early. Letting them cool in the pan also helps lock in chewiness.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, you can swap in dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor and slightly darker color. It’s a fun twist if you love extra caramel notes in your Classic Blondies!
Are Classic Blondies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, so everyone at your table can enjoy a square (or two) without worry.
Final Thoughts
Classic Blondies are pure comfort in dessert form, and I truly hope you’ll give them a try. There’s nothing like the aroma of brown sugar and butter wafting through your kitchen, then biting into a chewy, golden square. Whether you keep them simple or dress them up, these blondies are always a hit—happy baking!
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Classic Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Blondies are soft, chewy dessert bars made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, optionally studded with chocolate chips and nuts. These easy-to-make treats deliver a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness, perfect for satisfying any dessert craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the blondies from sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which helps create the chewy texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter becomes creamy and well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in optional add-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts if you choose to use them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and spread batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 9 squares to prevent crumbling and maintain shape.
Notes
- For extra chewy blondies, slightly underbake them and let cool fully in the pan.
- Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a delicious variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (approximately 2×2 inch square)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
