Description
Dense buttery bars deliver caramelized sugar and vanilla notes packed with chocolate chips for gooey texture in every bite. Press dough into a pan and bake until set with slightly crisp top. Versatile and crowd-pleasing these bars require minimal effort and bake in 35 minutes.
Cultural Background
Blondies originated in the United States in the early 20th century as a lighter, vanilla-forward alternative to chocolate brownies, which had gained popularity after their introduction at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Home bakers and American cookbooks adapted brownie techniques using brown sugar for caramel notes, reflecting the era's emphasis on simple pantry staples and one-pan desserts. The bars became a staple in U.S. bakeries and family gatherings for their chewy texture and ease, evolving into a versatile treat often customized with chocolate chips.
Recipe Info
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
SERVINGS: 16
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined and slightly glossy, about 1 minute, to begin developing caramelized notes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until the mixture is smooth, pale, and emulsified, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined into a thick dough; if the mixture seems too stiff, add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency similar to cookie dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands, ensuring it reaches all corners and the surface is level.
- Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set, the top is slightly crisp and lightly browned, and the center appears just set with a slight sheen but not wet or jiggly; a toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and cutting into 16 bars.
Tips
- For enhanced caramel flavor without brown sugar, ensure the butter is fully melted and hot when whisking with the sugar to promote slight caramelization.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain the signature chewy center; check at 23 minutes as ovens vary and bars continue to set while cooling.
- Substitute an extra egg yolk for part of the whole egg if available for richer texture, or use any neutral oil in place of butter if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 170
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 8g
Tags
Dessert