If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that manages to combine the cozy familiarity of a chocolate chip cookie with the richness of a classic bar, you’re in for a treat with these Classic Blondies. Golden, chewy, and delightfully simple, this recipe is a go-to for anyone craving a taste of nostalgia with very little fuss. Whether you’re baking up a quick weeknight treat or looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, Classic Blondies pack melt-in-your-mouth goodness into every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Blondies come together with just a handful of pantry staples – nothing fancy, just the right ingredients doing what they do best! Each element pulls its weight, bringing character, color, and ultimate chewiness to every bar.
- Melted butter: Provides classic richness and makes your blondies irresistibly moist.
- Light brown sugar: Key for sweet, caramel-like flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
- Large eggs: The secret to binding everything together and that lovely, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor for that bakery-style aroma we all love.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for sturdy, sliceable bars.
- Baking powder: Lifts the blondies ever-so-gently for a soft, cake-y bite without losing density.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Melty pockets of chocolate bring bursts of decadence to every square.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty twist – try walnuts or pecans for great texture!
How to Make Classic Blondies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides to make lifting the blondies out easier after baking. This simple step guarantees tidy squares and a quick cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed light brown sugar. Take your time so the sugar fully dissolves, setting the stage for that signature caramelized chewiness Classic Blondies are known for. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures every bite is even, perfectly risen, and flavorful. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to toughness, so stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks.
Step 4: Add Your Mix-Ins
This is where your Classic Blondies can go old-school or a little wild! Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you like. Stick with just chocolate for pure nostalgia or toss in a combo for texture and interest. You can even skip these entirely if you want to keep things absolutely classic.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the thick, glossy batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). For extra chewy Classic Blondies, lean toward the lower end of the bake time and let them finish setting outside the oven.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before pulling out the blondies, using the parchment overhang. This little pause locks in the chewy center and makes neat slices a breeze. Cut into 16 generous squares and get ready for happy smiles!
How to Serve Classic Blondies
Garnishes
While Classic Blondies have plenty of character all on their own, a few easy garnishes can make them shine. Try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, or add a handful of extra chocolate chips on top while still warm for an indulgent presentation.
Side Dishes
For a dreamy dessert plate, serve Classic Blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Fresh berries or sliced strawberries also add the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet, chewy bars. If you’re after something cozy, a hot cup of coffee or chai makes a wonderful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond simple squares by cutting Classic Blondies into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or create a blondie sundae bar with bowls of toppings for guests to customize. Stack the blondies in a pyramid on a cake stand or wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for adorable lunchbox or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Classic Blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’ve got a crowd, these bars rarely even last that long! For best results, place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Classic Blondies freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and lay them flat in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready for whenever you need a quick homemade treat.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked texture, pop individual blondie bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before giving them that quick warm-up for ultimate gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Blondies without chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! The beauty of Classic Blondies is their versatility. They are deliciously simple all on their own, so feel free to leave out the mix-ins for the purest blondie experience or tailor them to your preferences.
Why are my blondies dry or cakey instead of chewy?
Dry or cakey blondies are usually the result of overbaking or overmixing the batter. For the chewiest results, take the blondies out once the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Letting them cool in the pan will help them set perfectly.
Can I substitute dark brown sugar or white sugar?
Light brown sugar is preferred for its mellow molasses flavor, but dark brown sugar will work for a deeper caramel note. White sugar isn’t recommended since it lacks the moisture and flavor needed for that signature Classic Blondies taste.
How do I make gluten-free Classic Blondies?
Swap in a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. As always, check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, but otherwise the process stays exactly the same.
What’s the best way to get clean, sharp edges when slicing?
Wait for your Classic Blondies to cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for bakery-style bars. Lining the pan with parchment paper also helps you lift the whole slab out and cut on a flat surface.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the sweet, buttery comfort of an old-fashioned treat, you can’t go wrong with this Classic Blondies recipe. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and destined to become a regular in your baking lineup. So grab your whisk, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and treat yourself and the people you love to the bliss of homemade blondies!
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Classic Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic sweetness of these blondies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These chewy, buttery bars are loaded with brown sugar, chocolate chips, and nuts for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Spread batter in pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For chewier blondies, slightly underbake and allow to set while cooling.
- You can customize by using white chocolate or butterscotch chips, or omit for a classic version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
