Best-Ever Blondies

There’s something incredibly comforting about a pan of freshly baked blondies, warm from the oven and filled with rich flavors. These Best-Ever Blondies are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply indulging during a cozy night in. With a perfect balance of sweetness, chewy texture, and delightful mix-ins like white chocolate chips, toffee bits, and walnuts, these blondies will have you coming back for more. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them a go-to recipe in any baker’s arsenal.

Why This Best-Ever Blondies Stands Out

What makes these blondies truly the best? It’s all about the combination of ingredients and the method used to bake them. The base of melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar creates a rich, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of white chocolate chips gives a delightful contrast to the toffee bits, while walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Best of all, these blondies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a maximum payoff.

Shopping List

• Cooking spray – for greasing the pan
• 1 stick unsalted butter – melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar – can also use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor
• 1 cup sugar – adds sweetness
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for flavor
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt – enhances sweetness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base of the blondies
• 1 cup white chocolate chips – adds sweetness and creaminess
• 1 cup toffee bits – for a delightful crunch
• 1 cup chopped walnuts – adds texture and nuttiness
• Vanilla ice cream – for serving, optional
• Caramel sauce – warmed, for serving, optional

Equipment at a Glance

• 9×13 inch baking pan – the perfect size for blondies
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Whisk – to mix wet and dry ingredients
• Rubber spatula – for folding in the mix-ins
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy
• Oven – preheated to 350°F (175°C)

Build Best-Ever Blondies Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the blondies come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients

To the melted butter, add 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then, incorporate 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This helps to evenly distribute the salt and flour.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser blondies.

Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 1 cup of toffee bits, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. The mix-ins add flavor and texture, making each bite special.

Step 7: Spread in the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warmed caramel sauce.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
• Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

Problems & Prevention

• Blondies are too dry: Make sure to measure flour accurately and avoid overbaking.
• Blondies are too crumbly: This can happen if the batter is overmixed. Stir until just combined.
• Mix-ins sink to the bottom: Toss the chocolate chips and walnuts in a bit of flour before adding to the batter; this helps them stay suspended.
• Uneven baking: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Best-Ever Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Reader Questions

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake them when you’re ready. Alternatively, baked blondies can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for later enjoyment.

What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute it with semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

How can I make my blondies more chewy?

For chewier blondies, try using a little more brown sugar than granulated sugar. You can also underbake them slightly to keep them softer and chewier in texture.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! These blondies are versatile. Feel free to add in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for an extra special treat.

What to Make After This

• Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic and beloved, always a hit!
• Salted Caramel Brownies – For those who love a chocolatey treat.
• Peanut Butter Bars – A nutty alternative that’s equally delicious.
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – A chewy classic with a twist.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Best-Ever Blondies, it’s time to get baking! With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these blondies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!