Chewy Blondie Bars

There’s nothing quite like a warm, chewy blondie, freshly baked from the oven. This **Blondie Recipe** delivers a truly irresistible treat: rich, deeply satisfying, and brimming with the sweet, caramel notes of brown sugar and luxurious buttery flavor. It’s a *quick and easy dessert* that consistently earns rave reviews, making it a staple you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Forget complicated baking projects; these golden bars are designed for delicious simplicity.

If you’re seeking a dessert that offers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, this classic Blondie Recipe is your answer. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight cravings to bustling potlucks and elegant parties, these blondie bars strike an exquisite balance of soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Crafted from everyday pantry staples like rich brown sugar, creamy butter, and fragrant vanilla, the batter comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, baking to golden perfection in remarkably little time. They are the ultimate embodiment of comfort in dessert form, offering a delightful chewiness and a depth of flavor that chocolate-free treats often lack.

For those who appreciate the versatility of dessert bars, you might also enjoy exploring our Strawberry Lemon Blondies, which introduce a bright, zesty twist, or our Snickerdoodle Blondies for a cinnamon-sugar delight. And if you’re a fan of the decadent bar format, don’t miss our indulgent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars.

Why This Blondie Recipe Works Every Time

This isn’t just another blondie recipe; it’s a meticulously crafted formula designed for consistent success and mouth-watering results. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out and guarantees a perfect batch every time:

• Unforgettable Rich & Chewy Texture: Our blondies boast that coveted ideal texture – perfectly chewy with a moist, dense interior that’s incredibly satisfying. The golden, buttery finish adds another layer of deliciousness that’s truly hard to resist, distinguishing them from ordinary cakey bars.
• Utilizes Simple Pantry Staples: You won’t need to hunt for exotic ingredients. This recipe relies on everyday items you likely already have in your kitchen, like flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla. This simplicity makes it a go-to dessert for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: We understand the importance of easy cleanup. All the wet ingredients, and then the dry, come together seamlessly in just one mixing bowl. This minimizes dishes and maximizes your enjoyment of the baking process.
• Highly Customizable: While spectacular on their own, these blondies are a blank canvas for your creativity. Easily customize them with a wide array of mix-ins, from classic chocolate chips and crunchy nuts to dried fruits or even a drizzle of caramel. They adapt beautifully to your personal preferences.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a school bake sale, a festive holiday party, a casual family gathering, or simply a quick weeknight dessert fix, these blondies are always a crowd-pleaser. Their universal appeal makes them suitable for any event, big or small.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blondies

The secret to incredible blondies lies in a handful of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the signature chewy texture and rich, buttery, caramel-like flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified batter that incorporates air effectively, leading to that rich, chewy texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your blondies.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This is the star ingredient for blondies, providing not just sweetness but also a deep molasses flavor and essential moisture. The high molasses content in dark brown sugar contributes significantly to the characteristic caramel notes and soft, chewy consistency. If you’re out, you can easily make a Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of white granulated sugar complements the brown sugar, adding structure and contributing to the crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the chewy interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best, most aromatic flavor. Vanilla is a cornerstone of blondie flavor, enhancing the buttery and brown sugar notes without overpowering them.
• All-Purpose Flour: Proper flour measurement is key! To avoid a dense blondie, make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack too much flour.
• Large Eggs: Use room temperature eggs. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, preventing curdling and contributing to a more uniform and consistent bake. Eggs provide structure and richness.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for ultimate chewiness! Cornstarch works to tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth blondie that resists becoming tough.
• Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift, ensuring your blondies aren’t overly dense, while still maintaining their signature fudgy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making the blondies taste richer and more complex.
• White Chocolate Chips: While optional, good-quality white chocolate chips melt into creamy, sweet pockets, adding another layer of indulgence and a lovely textural contrast. Feel free to use your favorite brand for the best results.

You can find the precise measurements and a printable recipe card for the best blondie recipe at the bottom of this page.

Exciting Additions and Variations for Your Blondies

The beauty of a classic blondie recipe lies in its adaptability. While delicious on its own, blondies serve as an excellent base for a myriad of delightful additions and variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize your batch to suit your cravings!

• Change the Chocolate Chips: The possibilities are endless! Instead of white chocolate chips, try butterscotch chips for a nostalgic flavor, dark chocolate chips for a richer contrast, milk chocolate chips for classic sweetness, or even peanut butter chips for a nutty, savory twist. You can also mix different types of chips for a “funfetti” effect.
• Introduce Nuts: For an added crunch and earthy flavor, incorporate your favorite nuts. Chopped walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but almonds or macadamia nuts would also be fantastic. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Add Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of fresh orange or lemon zest can brighten the entire flavor profile of your blondies. The citrus oils provide a fragrant aroma and a subtle tang that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, adding a sophisticated touch.
• Warm Spices: Infuse your blondies with cozy warmth by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a blend like pumpkin pie spice. These spices are especially delightful during the fall and winter months, pairing wonderfully with the brown sugar.
• Dried Fruit Delights: For a chewy, fruity burst, fold in chopped dried cherries, cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These add not only flavor and texture but also a lovely pop of color.
• Experiment with Flours: While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can alter the texture. For a lighter, more cake-like blondie, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. For a chewier bite, a small amount of bread flour can be used.
• Caramel Swirl or Drizzle: Elevate your blondies with a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel syrup over the baked bars. For an even more decadent experience, swirl some caramel into the batter just before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make these blondies gluten-free, simply use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 replacement. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount if it doesn’t, for proper structure.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a wonderful tropical flavor and chewy texture. Stir them directly into the batter for a delightful surprise.
• Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee can deepen the flavor of the brown sugar and vanilla, adding a subtle complexity without making the blondies taste like coffee.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Blondies

Baking these chewy blondies is a straightforward process, ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious outcome:

• Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Then, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan. For easy removal and cleanup, spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray, or, for an even smoother release, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. A glass pan is often recommended over a metal pan for more even heat distribution and better browning of the edges, contributing to that perfect chewy texture.

Pro Tips for Blondie Perfection

Achieving the perfect blondie — that ideal balance of chewy, moist, and flavorful — is easily within reach with these expert tips:

• Always Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is a game-changer. It not only makes cleanup incredibly easy but also allows you to effortlessly lift the entire slab of cooled blondies out of the pan, making neat and tidy slicing a breeze.
• Cool Completely on a Wire Rack: Patience is a virtue when it comes to blondies. Transferring the hot pan to a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, ensuring even cooling. This step is especially important for preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and for achieving that ideal firm-but-chewy texture for slicing.
• Never Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense, tough, or rubbery blondies instead of the desired chewy and tender ones. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Blondies can go from perfectly chewy to dry and crumbly very quickly. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time. The edges should appear set and lightly golden, while the center should still look slightly soft and gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter or completely clean.
• Choose the Right Pan Size: This recipe is designed for a 9×13-inch pan, which yields classic-thickness blondie bars. If you prefer thicker, fudgier blondies, you can bake them in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan, but be sure to increase the baking time accordingly (typically an extra 5-10 minutes) and keep a close eye on them.
• Opt for Dark Brown Sugar: While light brown sugar can work in a pinch, dark brown sugar is highly recommended. Its higher molasses content provides a richer, deeper caramel flavor and contributes significantly more moisture, which is essential for that signature chewy, moist texture.
• Allow Blondies to Cool Fully Before Slicing: This cannot be stressed enough! Cutting warm blondies will result in crumbly, messy pieces. Letting them cool completely allows the structure to set, making for clean, precise cuts and showcasing their superior texture.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs are critical for a smooth, homogenous batter. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to a lumpy mixture, and cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle. Taking these ingredients out about 30-60 minutes before you start baking makes a big difference.
• Enhance Flavor with a Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It’s a crucial flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the sugars and highlights the rich, buttery notes, preventing the blondies from tasting one-dimensionally sweet.

Storage Solutions for Your Chewy Blondies

Proper storage is key to keeping your blondies fresh, chewy, and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store your homemade blondie bars:

Room Temperature:

• After your blondies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• They will remain delightfully soft and chewy for up to 4 days. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration:

• To extend their freshness beyond a few days, store blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration can make them slightly firmer. For the best texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving, or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing:

• Blondies are excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy them for longer!
• Once completely cooled, cut the blondies into individual squares.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply remove the desired number of wrapped blondies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, unwrap and warm gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Blondie vs. Brownie: What’s the Delicious Difference?

Often considered cousins in the dessert bar family, brownies and blondies share a similar structure but boast distinctly different flavor profiles. The main difference between a brownie and a blondie lies in their key ingredients and, consequently, their dominant flavor:

• Brownies: These classic dessert bars are characterized by their rich, deep chocolate flavor. They are typically made with cocoa powder, melted chocolate, or a combination of both. This chocolate base gives them their iconic dark color and a distinct fudgy or cakey texture, depending on the recipe. Brownies often rely on white granulated sugar and can be intensely chocolatey. (Find more brownie recipes here)
• Blondies: In contrast, blondies are the “vanilla” or “caramel” counterpart to the brownie’s chocolate. They contain no cocoa powder or melted chocolate (aside from occasional chocolate chip mix-ins). Their primary flavor comes from the generous use of brown sugar and vanilla extract, often complemented by butter. This combination creates a lighter-colored bar with a sweet, buttery, and distinct caramel-like taste. Brown sugar is a critical ingredient for blondies, contributing to their signature chewiness and depth of flavor.

Texture-wise, both brownies and blondies can range from incredibly fudgy to slightly cakey, depending on the specific recipe and baking time. However, blondies generally lean into a more caramelized sweetness due to the brown sugar, offering a comforting warmth that is uniquely their own. Think of a blondie as a butterscotch cookie in bar form, while a brownie is a rich chocolate cake in bar form.

Serving Suggestions for Blondie Bars

These classic blondie bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your blondie experience:

• Classic & Simple: Enjoy them plain, fresh from the oven, or at room temperature. Their rich flavor and chewy texture are often all you need.
• À La Mode: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, and the melting ice cream, creates a heavenly dessert. Caramel or hot fudge sauce drizzles are optional (but highly recommended!).
• With a Beverage: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting snack or after-dinner treat.
• Whipped Cream & Berries: A dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) add a touch of elegance and lightness, cutting through the richness.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Cut into smaller squares or triangles and arrange them on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats.
• Potluck Perfection: Blondies travel well and are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Make sure to cut them into manageable squares for easy serving.
• Homemade Dessert Gift: Wrap a few blondies in decorative parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

The Allure of Blondies: A Brief History

While their darker cousin, the brownie, often steals the spotlight, the blondie holds a significant place in American baking history, embodying a simpler, yet equally satisfying, dessert tradition. The exact origin of the blondie is somewhat debated, but it’s generally believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century, around the same time brownies were gaining popularity.

Early dessert bars were often simple, relying on readily available ingredients. Before chocolate became widely accessible and affordable for home bakers, creations like the blondie, focused on butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, were a natural choice. They were a delightful way to create a rich, chewy confection without the need for cocoa. Some food historians suggest that blondies might have even preceded brownies, or at least developed alongside them, as a “vanilla” version of a chocolate bar cookie.

Over the decades, blondies have endured as a beloved classic, cherished for their straightforward preparation and comforting flavor. They are often seen as a versatile canvas, adaptable to various mix-ins from nuts and dried fruits to different types of chocolate chips. The enduring charm of the blondie lies in its approachable elegance—a humble bar cookie that consistently delivers a heartwarming, buttery, and deeply satisfying experience, proving that sometimes, the simplest flavors are truly the best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blondies

Here are some common questions about baking and enjoying blondies:

• Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
  Yes, you can, but your blondies might be slightly less chewy and have a milder caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar provides more molasses, which contributes to both moisture and a deeper flavor.
• My blondies are dry, what went wrong?
  This is often a sign of overmixing the batter or overbaking. Ensure you mix just until the flour is incorporated and keep a close eye on them in the oven. The center should still look slightly soft when removed.
• Why are my blondies crumbly when I cut them?
  The most common reason for crumbly blondies is cutting them before they have cooled completely. Blondies need time to set and firm up as they cool. Patience is key for clean cuts!
• Can I add other mix-ins besides white chocolate chips?
  Absolutely! Blondies are incredibly versatile. Try walnuts, pecans, butterscotch chips, dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut.
• Do blondies need to be refrigerated?
  Not necessarily. They are perfectly fine stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life to a week, but they might become a bit firmer.
• How can I tell if my blondies are baked through?
  The edges should be golden brown and set, and the center should no longer look wet or jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not raw batter. If it comes out completely clean, they might be slightly overbaked.

More Easy Dessert Bar Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of bar desserts, we have plenty more easy recipes that are sure to become family favorites. Explore these tempting options:

• Brownie Cookies
• Maple Butter Blondies
• Homemade Brownie Recipe
• Easy Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
• S’mores Brownie Recipe
• Oreo Brownies

We hope you enjoy making this delicious recipe for the best Blondies. Please come back and leave a comment and share your experience!

Blondie Recipe Card

Blondie Recipe

This Homemade Easy Blondie Recipe is loaded with white chocolate chips for a chewy and gooey treat. These blonde brownies are super easy to make and such a classic treat.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 24 bars

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 225 kcal per serving

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted Butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (or other preferred mix-ins)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just blended.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix by hand with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips (or your desired mix-ins) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a rubber spatula to smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set, and the center still appears slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture and clean cuts.
10. Once fully cooled, cut the blondies into 24 squares and enjoy your homemade treat!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 225 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 30g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 11g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Cholesterol: 42mg,
Sodium: 116mg,
Potassium: 71mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 20g,
Vitamin A: 268IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 36mg,
Iron: 1mg