Chewy & Easy Blondie Recipe: The Ultimate Foolproof Guide to Homemade Blondie Bars

These irresistibly thick and chewy blondies are a dream come true for any baker, whether you’re a novice or an experienced pro. Crafted with minimal effort, requiring just one bowl and a spoon, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results every time. But what truly sets these blondie bars apart is their incredible versatility, allowing for endless customization to suit any craving or occasion.

When it comes to homemade desserts, few things are as satisfying as a simple yet spectacular treat. This Easy Blondie Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s designed to be foolproof, ensuring success even on your busiest days, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or a comforting weeknight indulgence. Especially during the bustling holiday season, having a reliable, go-to recipe like this can be a true lifesaver.

One of the most appealing aspects of these chewy blondies is their incredible simplicity. The entire blondie batter can be prepared in a single mixing bowl using nothing more than a spoon. You’ll find that mixing the ingredients takes less time than it does to preheat your oven, making this a truly quick and efficient baking project. Forget about complicated equipment or lengthy steps; this recipe emphasizes ease without compromising on flavor or texture.

Inspired by classic baking techniques and a well-stocked pantry, these blondie bars achieve their signature chewiness through the exclusive use of brown sugar. Unlike recipes that combine white and brown sugar, focusing solely on brown sugar introduces more moisture and a deeper, molasses-rich flavor that is utterly irresistible. This foundational element is key to their delightful texture.

While this recipe provides a fantastic base for customization, our featured variation combines the delightful flavors and textures of semisweet chocolate chips, crunchy pistachios, and delicate coconut flakes. The subtle bitterness of the chocolate, the earthy notes of the pistachios, and the tropical hint of coconut create a harmonious blend that is both familiar and exciting. For those who appreciate a perfect balance of sweet and savory, a light sprinkling of flaky Maldon salt on top before baking is highly recommended. It enhances all the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch. Of course, the beauty of this blondie recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins based on what you’re craving or what you have available in your kitchen. The creative possibilities are truly endless!

Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s get started and create some truly unforgettable chewy blondie bars!

What You’ll Need for Your Perfect Blondies

True to its promise, this easy blondie recipe, generously shared from The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook by the talented Mary Younkin, relies on common pantry staples and requires no specialized kitchen equipment. This makes it incredibly accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. All you really need are a reliable mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon or spatula.

For baking these delicious blondie bars, you’ll need an 8 x 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan. This size is ideal for achieving perfectly thick and chewy blondies, yielding approximately 8 to 12 servings depending on how generously you slice them. To ensure effortless removal of your baked blondies from the pan, a simple yet effective trick is to line the pan with a strip of parchment paper, allowing it to overhang slightly on two opposite sides. This creates convenient “handles” for lifting the entire slab of blondies out once cooled, making slicing a breeze.

Note for Larger Batches: This versatile blondie recipe can be easily doubled if you’re looking to feed a crowd or simply want more of these delightful treats. If you choose to double the recipe, use a larger 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) pan. Remember to adjust your baking time accordingly; a doubled recipe will typically require 40 to 45 minutes in the oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly baked without being overdone.

How to Make the Best Easy Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these rich, buttery, and chewy blondie bars is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare your 8-inch (20-cm) square baking pan. Line it with a strip of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This clever trick will serve as handles, making it much easier to lift the baked blondies out of the pan once they’ve cooled. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease and flour the pan, but parchment is highly recommended for clean edges.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and the packed light brown sugar. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This step is crucial for developing that characteristic chewy texture. Once smooth, add the large egg (ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation) and the pure vanilla extract. Continue stirring until all these wet ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture looks cohesive.

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3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add-ins: Add the unbleached all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently, just until the flour streaks disappear and the ingredients are barely combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. Next, fold in your chosen add-ins. For this specific variation, stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Remember to reserve a small handful of each add-in to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking; this adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch to the finished blondie bars.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the prepared blondie batter into your lined 8-inch square pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of your spoon to spread the batter evenly to all sides of the pan. Sprinkle the reserved add-ins over the top, along with a pinch of flaky Maldon salt if you’re using it – this salt will provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes. The blondies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The edges should be lightly browned and slightly set.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the blondies to set properly and become even chewier. After cooling in the pan, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of blondies out of the pan. Transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This final cooling step ensures clean, neat slices. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and serve!
6. Storage: Leftover blondies are just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture. For longer storage, individual blondie bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

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Endless Blondie Flavor Variation Ideas: Get Creative!

One of the most exciting aspects of this easy blondie recipe is its incredible adaptability. The simple, buttery base provides a perfect canvas for countless flavor combinations, allowing you to tailor these bars to your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these blondies uniquely yours!

You can effortlessly substitute the chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut used in our base recipe with almost any kind of chocolate (chips, chunks, or even chopped candy bars!), a variety of nuts, or different types of dried fruit. A good general guideline is to aim for roughly 1½ to 2 cups (approximately 150-300 grams) of total add-ins. This amount ensures a generous distribution throughout the blondies without making the batter too crowded or preventing proper baking.

To get your culinary inspiration flowing, here are a few fantastic ideas from Mary Younkin, the brilliant author of The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook, along with some additional suggestions:

• Classic Chocolate Lover: Simply use 1 cup (175 grams) of your favorite chocolate chips – milk, dark, white, or a mix!
• Dark Chocolate Pecan Delight: Combine 3/4 cup (130 grams) dark chocolate chips with 1/2 cup (55 grams) chopped pecans for a rich, nutty, and slightly bitter balance.
• Tropical White Chocolate Macadamia: For a buttery, sweet, and crunchy treat, try 3/4 cup (130 grams) white or dark chocolate chips with 1/2 cup (70 grams) macadamia nuts.
• Classic Walnut Chunk: A timeless combination featuring 3/4 cup (130 grams) dark chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup (55 grams) chopped walnuts.
• Coconut & Mixed Chocolate: Enhance the coconut flavor with 1 cup (80 grams) shredded unsweetened coconut alongside 1 cup (175 grams) mixed chocolate chips.
• Caramel Swirl: For a gooey, sweet surprise, mix in 2/3 cup (110 grams) caramel bits with 2/3 cup (115 grams) semisweet chocolate chips.
• Peanut Butter & Chocolate: Substitute chocolate chips with peanut butter chips and add some chopped roasted peanuts for a savory, sweet, and crunchy twist.
• White Chocolate Cranberry: Pair white chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a festive and slightly tart flavor profile.
• Butterscotch & Toffee: A rich and buttery blend using butterscotch chips and crushed toffee bits.
• Spiced Apple Blondies: Fold in finely diced dried apples, a pinch of cinnamon, and a few chopped walnuts for an autumnal treat.
• S’mores Blondies: Add graham cracker pieces, chocolate chunks, and mini marshmallows (add marshmallows halfway through baking to prevent burning).

No matter which combination you choose, always remember to reserve a small amount of your add-ins to sprinkle on top before baking. This not only makes your blondies visually appealing but also adds an extra burst of flavor and texture with every bite.

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Craving more foolproof and irresistibly easy dessert ideas to sweeten your day? From classic cookies to elegant cakes and creamy delights, there’s always something new and delicious to try. Here are a few personal favorites that promise the same simplicity and satisfaction as our beloved blondie bars:

• Almond Crescent Cookies: Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a subtle almond flavor.
• Triple Chocolate Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, these cookies are packed with three kinds of chocolate for an intense cocoa experience.
• Gingerbread Bundt Cake: A warmly spiced, moist cake perfect for the cooler months or any festive occasion.
• Easy Chocolate Mousse: A light, airy, and rich chocolate dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.