This is my “go-to” dessert recipe since it only takes about 5 minutes to make and then throw in the oven. I can’t count how many times I dashed this together so that last second company could arrive to a freshly baked treat.
What Is a Blondie?
Whereas brownies depend on chocolate for their flavor, for blondies it’s all about the brown sugar. This gives the blondies their distinctive molasses flavor. Since brown sugar is the critical flavor here, I suggest using dark brown sugar. That said, using light brown sugar is also fine Chewy, rich, and flavorful blondies, when made right, are an indulgent dessert that are hard to resist.
Suggestions and Substitutions for Blondies
Since we first posted this recipe, so many of you have written in with your own suggestions and substitutions. Thank you! Here are a few favorites:
Swap the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chipsAdd chopped walnuts (traditional) or any other chopped nutAdd a tablespoon of orange zestAdd some coffee extract or some powdered coffeeAdd a half teaspoon of cinnamonAdd dried fruit, like chopped cherriesFor softer, more cake-like bars, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flourTop with caramel icing for an extra treatBrown the butter before addingFor gluten-free, swap the flour with 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour
Whatever add-ins you choose, keep it to at most 1 cup without having to adjust the baking instructions.
Small Batch Is Best!
This recipe only makes a small batch in an 8x8-inch pan, so you don’t have to worry about being tempted by dozens of tasty treats lying in wait for you. If you’d like to make more blondies, double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Extend the baking time to 25 to 30 minutes.
How to Store and Freeze Blondies
Once cool, store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for about a week. To freeze, wrap the sliced blondies in plastic wrap, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature.
Try These Other Great Bar Cookies!
7-Layer Magic Bars Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Blueberry Crumb Bars Carmelitas
By the way, we’re talking about brown sugar in America here. Remember that’s different from brown sugar in other parts of the world. What is called “brown sugar” in other countries may be just unrefined natural sugar and may not contain molasses.
The Perfect Blondie Texture
The comparison to brownies can be confusing. Blondies are supposed to be dense and chewy, and don’t have the same texture as brownies, which are more cakey and fluffy. You’ll see that this blondie recipe only contains 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda. They are not meant to rise much at all. And the brown sugar gives the blondies almost a toffee-like flavor.
For The Best Blondies, Brown Your Butter!
For an especially nutty flavor, brown the butter when you melt it. Here’s little primer on how to brown butter. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and mix it all together. Add the butterscotch chips or other mix-ins (up to 1 cup total). LEFTOVERS! Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
