Easy Blondies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Buttery Brown Sugar Bars

If you love brownies but want something without chocolate, this easy blondies recipe is the perfect treat. Blondies are rich, buttery dessert bars with a soft, chewy center, slightly crisp edges, and a delicious caramel-like flavor from brown sugar. They are simple to prepare, require basic pantry ingredients, and taste wonderful with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Whether you are baking for your family, preparing a sweet treat for guests, or looking for an easy dessert for the weekend, these homemade blondies are sure to become a favorite. You can also customize them with white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or your favorite add-ins.

Blondies Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Servings: 9 blondies
• Yield: One 8-inch square pan
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You Will Love This Blondies Recipe

• Easy to make: You only need a few everyday ingredients and one mixing bowl.
• Soft and chewy: The brown sugar and butter create a tender texture with delicious caramel notes.
• Customizable: Add white chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or other favorite mix-ins.
• Perfect for sharing: Cut the blondies into squares for parties, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients for Blondies

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create rich, flavorful blondies with a chewy texture.

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (85 g) white chocolate chips or chopped nuts, optional

How to Make Blondies

Follow these simple steps to prepare delicious homemade blondies with golden edges and a soft center.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift the blondies out of the pan after baking.

Lightly grease the pan if needed.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Let the butter cool slightly before proceeding. This helps prevent the egg from cooking when you add it.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the mixture looks glossy.

Avoid adding the egg while the butter is very hot.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together until no dry flour remains.

Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the blondies tougher than desired.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins

If you like extra texture and flavor, fold in the white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

White chocolate pairs especially well with the brown sugar flavor, while walnuts and pecans add a pleasant crunch.

You can also leave the batter plain for a traditional blondies recipe.

Step 6: Transfer the Batter to the Pan

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and push the batter into the corners.

The batter will be relatively thick, which is normal for blondies.

Step 7: Bake the Blondies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

The edges should look lightly golden, while the center should be set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet batter.

Avoid baking until the toothpick comes out completely clean, as this can result in dry blondies.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 30 to 45 minutes.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into 9 equal squares with a sharp knife.

For cleaner slices, allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting.

Serve them as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

Tips for the Best Blondies

• Measure the flour carefully: Too much flour can make the blondies dry and cakey. Weighing the flour is the most reliable method.
• Use brown sugar: It provides the signature chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.
• Do not overmix: Mix only until the flour is incorporated.
• Watch the baking time: Blondies continue to set as they cool, so remove them when the center is just set.
• Let them cool: Cooling helps the blondies firm up and makes slicing easier.
• Choose your favorite add-ins: White chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, or butterscotch chips all work well.

Variations to Try

White Chocolate Blondies

Fold 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness and creamy pockets of chocolate.

Walnut Blondies

Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Mix in 1/2 cup of semisweet or milk chocolate chips if you want a dessert that combines the flavors of blondies and chocolate chip cookies.

Salted Caramel Blondies

Add small pieces of soft caramel to the batter and sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top before baking.

Cinnamon Blondies

Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with brown sugar.

What to Serve with Blondies

Blondies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with other treats for an even better dessert.

• A glass of cold milk
• A cup of coffee or tea
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Warm caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

For a simple dessert, warm a blondie slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Blondies

At room temperature: Store the completely cooled blondies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

In the refrigerator: Place the blondies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer texture.

In the freezer: Wrap individual blondie squares tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

To enjoy frozen blondies, thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the blondies: Baking them for too long can make them dry and hard. Remove them when the edges are golden and the center is just set.

Using too much flour: Excess flour can create a dense, cakey texture. Measure carefully or use a kitchen scale.

Cutting them while hot: Hot blondies are soft and may fall apart when sliced. Allow them to cool before cutting.

Using butter that is too hot: Very hot butter can cook the egg prematurely. Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing.

Expecting a cake-like texture: Blondies are meant to be dense, moist, and chewy rather than fluffy like cake.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition table provides approximate values for one blondie, assuming the recipe makes 9 servings without optional chocolate chips or nuts. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Nutrition values are estimates and are provided for general informational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between blondies and brownies?

Brownies typically contain cocoa powder or chocolate, giving them a rich chocolate flavor. Blondies are made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a sweet, buttery flavor with caramel-like notes.

2. Why are my blondies cakey instead of chewy?

Blondies can become cakey if you use too much flour, overmix the batter, or bake them for too long. Measure the flour accurately and remove the blondies from the oven when the center is just set.

3. Can I make blondies without brown sugar?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar, but the flavor and texture will change. Brown sugar provides more moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. If possible, use brown sugar for the best results.

4. How do I know when blondies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set but remain slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should have a few moist crumbs attached rather than wet batter.

5. Can I make this blondies recipe without chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Chocolate chips are optional, and plain blondies are delicious on their own. You can also replace them with chopped nuts or leave out the add-ins entirely.

6. Can I make blondies ahead of time?

Yes. Blondies are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake them a day in advance, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

7. Can I freeze homemade blondies?

Yes. Cut the cooled blondies into squares, wrap them individually, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for the best quality. Thaw before serving.

8. Why did my blondies sink in the middle?

Blondies may sink if they are underbaked, the oven temperature is too low, or the ingredient proportions are inaccurate. Check your oven temperature and bake until the center is just set.

9. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe according to your taste.

10. How should I serve blondies?

Serve blondies at room temperature with coffee, tea, or milk. For a more indulgent dessert, warm a square slightly and top it with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.