Homemaking
Soft Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
Quick Answer
Chocolate chip blondies are chewy, buttery bars made with brown sugar, melted butter, and semisweet chocolate chips. Unlike brownies, they get their rich golden color from brown sugar and butter rather than chocolate. This one-bowl recipe bakes in about 25 to 30 minutes and makes 16 bars.
The first time I ever made chocolate chip blondies I was probably around 22 years old. Back in the day, I used to be a fitness competitor which meant I had a very strict diet. It consisted primarily of grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, brown rice, and egg whites, and, as I'm sure you can guess, sugar and high-fat foods were pretty much non-existent in my life. I was so deprived at the time, one of my hobbies was actually scrolling through Pinterest and gawking over all the desserts that I couldn't have. I saved the ones that were especially unhealthy looking, the ones that really made my mouth water. Since I couldn't eat them at the time, I would actually fantasize about what everything tasted like. Yes, I ate vicariously through a Pinterest board, as sad as that sounds. But anyways, it was during this time where I first learned about blondies. I remember seeing a photo of it and thought, "Holy crap, that looks so good."
Months later, my fitness competitions had ended and so did my diet. So, I took to Pinterest and started baking. Eventually I remembered those chocolate chip blondies and scoured my Pinterest board looking for them. Alas! It was the moment I was waiting for. I clicked the link and... 404. WHAT?! The recipe was GONE. Needless to say, I was devastated, but that didn't stop me. I searched and searched for the recipe hoping that maybe it was posted somewhere else online. Unfortunately, no luck. So, I found another and made that one instead. I remember it tasted good, but it didn't look like the one I had intended to make. It just wasn't "the one."
If you're a baker, like me, you know the feeling that I'm talking about and you're not willing to settle for a mediocre recipe. I knew that it could be better. So, naturally, my quest to make the perfect chocolate chip blondies began. These pair beautifully alongside a scoop of homemade ice cream for the ultimate scratch-baked dessert spread.
What Are Blondies?
If you've never had a blondie before, boy are you missing out! The best way to describe a blondie is like a butterscotch brownie. Brownies are brown (obviously) because they are made primarily of chocolate. Blondies, on the other hand, are a delightful mixture of brown sugar and butter which gives them a golden blonde color, hence the name, blondie. They taste similar to a chocolate chip cookie but have the texture of a brownie. So, in a way, they are like a chocolate chip cookie bar.
How To Make Chocolate Chip Blondies
Something to keep in mind when making chocolate chip blondies are knowing the key differences between them and chocolate chip cookies. Take butter for example. When you make chocolate chip cookies, the two sugars are mixed with room temperature butter until it's creamed before you add the eggs and vanilla. When you make chocolate chip blondies, the butter should actually be melted first. Cookie dough should be thick and stiff when you begin the baking process otherwise you'll end up with flat, thin cookies. Melting the butter will give you the same consistency as a brownie, thick but still creamy and smooth.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Chocolate Chip Blondies?
This recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The brown sugar is the star here as it creates that signature butterscotch depth and golden color.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How Do You Make Chocolate Chip Blondies, Step by Step?
The whole recipe comes together in one bowl and bakes in under 35 minutes. If you love simple scratch baking, this one sits right alongside my moist banana bread as one of those recipes I return to again and again.
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with an 8x11-inch piece of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Create seams in the corners and along the edges of the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. On low speed, mix in the flour and salt mixture until blended. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and a light golden brown color. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool. Using the parchment overhang, lift the blondie bar from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board and slice.
Recipe
Soft Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chewy, buttery bars with brown sugar depth and pockets of melted chocolate. One bowl, ready in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with an 8x11-inch piece of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Create seams in the corners and along the edges of the pan.
- In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. On low speed, mix in the flour and salt mixture until blended. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and a light golden brown color. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool. Using the parchment overhang, lift the blondie bar from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board and slice.
What Do Finished Chocolate Chip Blondies Look Like?
You'll know these are done when the top is set and a warm golden brown, and the edges have pulled slightly from the pan. The center should feel just barely firm to the touch. Don't overbake, a slightly underbaked blondie is always better than an overdone one. Once cooled and sliced, each bar will have that signature dense, chewy interior with pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
These store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla. And if you're putting together a dessert spread, they pair perfectly with a slice of homemade pie for a full scratch-baked table.
Blondie Baking Notes
Pan size matters. An 8-inch square pan is the right fit for this recipe. A 9-inch pan will produce thinner bars with a shorter bake time.
Melted vs. softened butter. Always use melted butter here, not softened. Melted butter is what gives blondies their fudgy, brownie-like texture rather than a cakier cookie bar.
Dark vs. light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper, more caramel-forward flavor. Light brown sugar works too for a slightly milder result.
Don't skip the parchment overhang. It's what lets you lift the whole bar out of the pan cleanly for easy slicing without sticking or breaking.
Looking for more scratch-baked ideas? My lemon blueberry scones are another crowd-pleaser that come together just as easily and work beautifully for a brunch spread or weekend bake.
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Chocolate Chip Blondies FAQ
What is the difference between a blondie and a brownie?
Brownies get their dark color and chocolate flavor from cocoa or melted chocolate. Blondies are made with brown sugar and butter instead, which gives them a golden color and a butterscotch-like flavor. Both have a dense, fudgy texture.
Why do blondies use melted butter instead of softened butter?
Melted butter produces a denser, chewier texture, similar to a brownie, rather than the lighter, cakier texture you get from creaming softened butter. It also makes the batter easier to mix by hand in one bowl.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Yes. The walnuts are listed as optional and the recipe works perfectly without them. You can also substitute pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
How do I know when blondies are done baking?
The top should look set and a light golden brown, and the edges will have pulled slightly from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Err on the side of underbaking slightly for a chewier result.
Can I make chocolate chip blondies ahead of time?
Yes. They store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes, though the bake time may extend to 35 to 40 minutes depending on your oven.
