Are you craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? These peanut butter blondies are the perfect solution! They're incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a rich, gooey texture that will have you reaching for another bite. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – homemade, delicious, and surprisingly healthy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your blondies come out perfectly. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out beforehand for a smoother baking process.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will work just fine too!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, preventing any lumps in your batter.
Step 5: Bring it Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
Step 6: Peanut Butter Power!
Stir in the creamy peanut butter until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you like extra peanut butter flavor, feel free to add a little more!
Step 7: Chocolate Bliss (Optional)
Fold in the chocolate chips (if using). This adds a delightful textural contrast and extra chocolatey goodness.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake, or your blondies will be dry.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blondies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough blondies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from breaking apart.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies: Use chocolate chips and add a layer of peanut butter cups on top before baking.
- Peanut Butter Cup Blondies: Press mini peanut butter cups into the batter before baking for an extra layer of peanut buttery goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. Generally expect a relatively high calorie count due to the butter and sugar content, but these blondies are still a delicious treat in moderation.
This easy recipe for peanut butter blondies is perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply satisfying a craving for something sweet and delicious. Enjoy!