Blondies are the perfect chewy, buttery dessert that combines the richness of brownies with the warm, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar. Loaded with chocolate chips and a soft, gooey center, these Chocolate Chip Blondies are a classic treat for any occasion.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of blondies, variations, expert baking tips, storage methods, and more—giving you everything you need to perfect your homemade blondies.
-History of Blondies: The Brownie’s Lesser-Known Cousin
While brownies have been around since the 19th century, blondies actually came first! The earliest versions date back to the 1890s, before cocoa powder became a common baking ingredient. Originally called “molasses brownies”, blondies were flavored with brown sugar and vanilla instead of chocolate, giving them a rich caramel-like taste.
Over time, variations of blondies emerged, including the chocolate chip version, which has become a modern classic. Today, blondies are just as popular as brownies, offering a different kind of indulgent sweetness.
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Easy – No need for a mixer! Everything comes together in one bowl.
✔️ Chewy & Gooey – Perfectly soft, with slightly crisp edges.
✔️ Customizable – Add nuts, white chocolate, or caramel for extra flavor.
✔️ Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes!
-Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Blondies
For the Blondie Batter:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup butterscotch chips
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
-Step 2: Mix the Batter
1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.
-Step 3: Add the Chocolate & Assemble
1. Fold in chocolate chips and any additional mix-ins (nuts, white chocolate, etc.).
2. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for extra gooeyness.
-Step 4: Bake & Cool
1. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly set (it will continue to firm up as it cools).
2. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then slice into squares and serve!
-How to Serve Chocolate Chip Blondies
With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
☕ With Coffee – Perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
With Extra Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top.
-Tips for the Best Blondies
✔️ Use Melted Butter – This gives blondies a denser, chewier texture.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make blondies cakier instead of fudgy.
✔️ Don’t Overbake! – Take them out when they look slightly underdone in the middle. They’ll set as they cool.
✔️ Use Good-Quality Chocolate – A high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate makes a difference in flavor.
-Fun Blondie Variations
Salted Caramel Blondies – Drizzle homemade caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top.
Nutty Brown Butter Blondies – Swap butter for brown butter and add chopped pecans.
Pumpkin Spice Blondies – Mix in ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice.
☕ Espresso Blondies – Add 1 tbsp espresso powder for a coffee kick.
-How to Store & Freeze Blondies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
❄️ Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: Wrap blondies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the gooey texture!
-FAQs About Blondies
1. What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies use brown sugar and vanilla for a caramel-like flavor, while brownies use cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a fudgy chocolate taste.
2. Why are my blondies dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can make blondies dry. Try removing them a couple of minutes earlier and using the “spoon and level” method for measuring flour.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes! Dark brown sugar has more molasses, making blondies even richer and chewier.
-Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Blondies are the perfect dessert for any occasion—from potlucks to holiday gatherings to a simple weeknight treat. Chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolate, these blondies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try them today and enjoy every soft, gooey bite!