Browned Butter Blondie

Introduction

Browned Butter Blondies are the kind of dessert that takes a classic treat and transforms it into something extraordinary. The nutty, caramelized flavor of browned butter brings an added depth to the sweetness of a traditional blondie, making it feel like a decadent, gourmet version of an old favorite. The blondie’s dense, chewy texture is complemented by the slight crunch of toasted butter, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. With their irresistible taste and rich, complex profile, these blondies are sure to become your go-to indulgence for any occasion.

The first time I made Browned Butter Blondies, I couldn’t believe how the simple addition of browned butter could elevate the entire dessert. As the butter browned in the pan, the nutty aroma filled my kitchen, creating a sense of anticipation that only grew as I mixed it into the batter. Once they were in the oven, the scent of sweet, caramel-like butter and vanilla started to fill the air, and I knew I was in for something special. When they finally came out of the oven, golden brown and slightly crisped on top, I could hardly wait to dig in.

What I love most about Browned Butter Blondies is how they’re a little bit fancy but still incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a special occasion, like a birthday or holiday gathering, but they’re just as satisfying for an everyday treat. You can even customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee for extra indulgence. No matter how you enjoy them, these blondies will always deliver that perfect blend of rich, nutty, and sweet flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Perfect for:

• Casual gatherings
• Dessert tables
• Afternoon snacks
• Sweet cravings
• Baking for a crowd

Why You’ll Love This Browned Butter Blondie Recipe

Here’s why Browned Butter Blondie will quickly become your favorite dessert:

• Nutty, Buttery Flavor: Browned butter adds a depth of flavor that’s toasty and nutty, making these blondies stand out from the typical buttery treat.
• Chewy and Dense Texture: These blondies have the perfect balance of chewy edges and a soft, dense center, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand, so you can whip it up anytime.
• Versatile Add-Ins: The base recipe is simple, but you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins, like chocolate chips, toffee, or nuts.
• Perfect for Sharing: These blondies are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or even just as a treat to share with family and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 16 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 36g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Browned Butter Blondie:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or chocolate chips of your choice)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Ingredient Highlights

• Brown Sugar: Adds the signature caramel-like flavor to the blondies, enhancing the sweetness and depth of the recipe.
• Browned Butter: Browning the butter intensifies its flavor and creates a toasty, nutty taste that gives these blondies a unique twist.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides structure, giving the blondies their dense, chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm and aromatic flavor, perfectly complementing the browned butter.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds extra sweetness and creamy texture, although feel free to substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Browned Butter Blondie:

Brown the Butter:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.
2. Brown the Butter: Once melted, continue cooking the butter for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The butter will foam and eventually turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat once browned.

Prepare the Blondie Batter:

3. Mix Brown Sugar and Butter: Pour the browned butter into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

Bake the Blondies:

8. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
9. Bake the Blondies: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the Blondies: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Browned Butter Blondie

Browned Butter Blondies are perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a rich and creamy contrast.
• As a Tea Time Treat: These blondies are a wonderful accompaniment to an afternoon tea or coffee break.
• With Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness to balance the sweetness.
• For Gift Giving: Package these blondies in a cute gift box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For extra indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the blondies before serving.

Additional Tips for Browned Butter Blondie

Here are some tips to make your Browned Butter Blondie perfect every time:

• Brown the Butter Slowly: Take your time browning the butter to get that perfect nutty flavor without burning it.
• Check for Doneness: The blondies should be slightly firm to the touch and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Customize the Add-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother batter, use eggs that are at room temperature. They mix better with the other ingredients.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and better texture.

Recipe Variations for Browned Butter Blondie

Here are 10 variations to try for your Browned Butter Blondie:

• Salted Caramel Blondies: Add swirls of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.
• Nutty Blondies: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Double Chocolate Blondies: Use a mix of white and dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Coconut Blondies: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
• Peanut Butter Blondies: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter for a nutty, savory contrast.
• Raisin Blondies: Stir in raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy addition to the blondies.
• Pumpkin Spice Blondies: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist.
• Maple Blondies: Use maple syrup in place of some of the brown sugar for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Blondies: Swap out the white chocolate chips for traditional milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon Swirl Blondies: Add a cinnamon swirl in the batter for a warm, spiced kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container or wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Storage: Keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy!

Special Equipment for Browned Butter Blondie

Here are some special equipment items that will help you make your Browned Butter Blondie with ease:

• Medium Saucepan: To brown the butter perfectly, use a medium-sized saucepan.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for creating thick and chewy blondies.
• Electric Mixer: For smooth mixing, especially when incorporating the eggs and sugar.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for mixing dry ingredients like flour and baking powder.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and cleanup when baking blondies.

FAQ Section for Browned Butter Blondie

1. Can I make this recipe without the browned butter?
   While browned butter adds a unique depth of flavor, you can substitute it with regular melted butter for a simpler version.
2. Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
3. What can I substitute for brown sugar?
   You can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor and color.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add any type of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
5. How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
   Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Print

Conclusion

Browned Butter Blondie is the ultimate dessert for those who love rich, nutty flavors with a chewy, decadent texture. The browned butter elevates the flavor to new heights, creating a blondie that’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re serving it for a party, family gathering, or simply enjoying it as a treat, these blondies are guaranteed to impress. With the versatility of this recipe, you can make it your own by adding your favorite mix-ins. Indulge in this irresistible treat and enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite!

I can’t wait to see how you make these blondies your own! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your delicious creation. Leave a comment too and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking!