Are you craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These browned butter blondies are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery, and sweet – a delightful treat for any occasion. Forget those complicated baking projects; this recipe is perfect for even the busiest weeknights, proving that delicious homemade desserts can also be quick dinner ideas. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet unbelievably satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts work well)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Butter
This step is crucial for achieving that signature nutty flavor. Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it! As it melts, the milk solids will begin to brown, creating a lovely nutty aroma. This process takes about 5-8 minutes; be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning. Once the butter is a light golden brown and smells nutty, immediately remove it from the heat. Pour it into a heat-proof bowl to stop the browning process.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining. This is where the magic happens – the browned butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple blondie recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 3: Incorporating 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. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough blondies.
Step 4: Adding Mix-ins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. This is a great opportunity to personalize your blondies – feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even pretzels!
Step 5: Baking the Blondies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake, or your blondies will be dry.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, although they rarely last that long!
Tips for the Best Browned Butter Blondies:
- Don't rush the browning process: Patience is key here. Low and slow is the way to go to achieve that perfect nutty flavor without burning the butter.
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will significantly impact the final taste of your blondies.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies.
- Let them cool completely: This is crucial for easy cutting and prevents crumbling.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
- Peanut Butter Blondies: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter with the wet ingredients.
- Lemon Blondies: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding 16 blondies and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-18g
- Saturated Fat: 9-11g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
These browned butter blondies are a delicious and relatively healthy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delightful homemade cooking experience! They're great for sharing (or not!).