Blonde brownies, often lovingly called blondies, are the delightful vanilla counterpart to the classic chocolate brownie. If you’re a fan of chewy, rich, and utterly satisfying desserts, then this blonde brownie recipe is about to become your new best friend. These aren’t just any blondies; we’re talking about bakery-style bars that are easy enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for any gathering, embodying that comforting, home-style baking spirit you might expect from the Pioneer Woman herself.
blonde brownie recipe finished and cut
What Makes These Blonde Brownies Special?
Forget the chocolate for a moment and dive into the world of vanilla bliss. Blonde brownies offer that same irresistible chewy texture as their chocolate cousins, but with a warm, buttery vanilla flavor that’s incredibly versatile. Think of them as the blank canvas of the dessert world – ready to be customized with your favorite mix-ins, from classic chocolate chips to crunchy nuts or sweet toffee bits.
If you love the sound of a soft, chewy bar with a hint of vanilla and endless possibilities for customization, then you’re in the right place. These blondies are:
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed. Perfect for beginner bakers and busy weeknights.
- Chewy and Moist: Thanks to the perfect ratio of ingredients, these blondies boast a satisfyingly chewy texture that’s never dry or cakey.
- Versatile: Add your favorite mix-ins to create endless variations. Chocolate chips, nuts, candies – the choice is yours!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good brownie, and blondies are no exception. They’re always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Perfectly Vanilla: The star of the show is pure vanilla flavor, making them a wonderful alternative when you want something sweet but not chocolatey.
What Do Blonde Brownies Taste Like?
Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a perfect brownie, but instead of rich chocolate, you get a warm, buttery vanilla flavor. Some say they taste like the delicious base of a chocolate chip cookie, but in bar form. They’re sweet, but not overly so, with a depth of flavor that comes from brown sugar and vanilla extract.
For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm, chewy bar and cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly.
blonde brownies, final photo after being baked
Blonde Brownies Recipe Ingredients: Simple & Straightforward
Just like classic Pioneer Woman recipes, this blondie recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: Melted butter is the base of these blondies, adding richness and flavor. Salted butter is recommended; if using unsalted, add a pinch more salt to the recipe.
- Brown Sugar: Using all brown sugar is key to achieving that signature chewy texture and adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: The star flavor! Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best taste. Almond extract can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift and ensures a soft, tender texture, preventing the blondies from becoming too dense.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the blondies. No need for fancy flours here!
- Mix-ins (Optional but Recommended): Chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms, toffee bits, peanut butter chips – get creative and add your favorites!
How to Make Blonde Brownies: Step-by-Step Baking Guide
This blonde brownie recipe is incredibly easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s how to make them:
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the blondies out later. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or do this by hand with a whisk.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can lead to cakey blondies. An electric hand mixer makes this step quick and easy, but you can also mix by hand.
chocolate chip blondies batter being mixed -
Fold in Mix-ins: If using any mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed. Chocolate chips are a classic choice!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Do not overbake! Overbaking will result in dry blondies.
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Cool and Cut: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan at room temperature before cutting. For cleaner cuts, you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before slicing. Use the foil overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.
Blondie Brownie Variations: Endless Possibilities
Once you’ve mastered this basic blonde brownie recipe, the fun really begins! Just like the Pioneer Woman’s creative approach to cooking, feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to create your own signature blondies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Butterscotch Blondies: Add butterscotch chips for an extra layer of warm, caramel-like flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cup Blondies: Swirl in peanut butter and add chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for a cozy, spiced blondie.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Blondies: Combine white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a sophisticated twist.
- Warm Blondies with Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor for a decadent dessert.
blonde brownies, after baking and cooling
Blonde Brownie Recipe Tips for Baking Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in cakey blondies instead of chewy ones. Mix until just combined.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked blondies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Use Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is essential for the chewy texture and adds a depth of flavor that granulated sugar can’t replicate.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into the blondies while they’re still warm. Cooling completely allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Storing Blondie Brownies: Keeping Them Fresh
Blonde brownies are perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Do Blondies Need to Be Refrigerated?
No, blondies do not need to be refrigerated, but refrigerating them will help them last longer. Storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine for a few days.
Blondie Brownie Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between a brownie and a blondie?
The main difference is flavor! Brownies are chocolate-based, while blondies are vanilla-based. Both share a similar chewy texture and bar form.
Are blondies supposed to be gooey?
Blondies should be soft and chewy, but not gooey in the center. Gooey blondies are likely underbaked.
Why are my blondies cakey?
Cakey blondies are often the result of overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air. They can also be cakey if there’s too much baking powder or flour in the recipe.
Why are my blondies not setting?
If your blondies are not setting, they probably haven’t been baked long enough. Next time, bake them for a few minutes longer, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Enjoy these delightful blonde brownies – a simple yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion, bringing that classic home-baked goodness right to your kitchen, just like you’d expect from the Pioneer Woman!
