Blondies are the buttery, caramel-like cousin of brownies, offering a rich, chewy texture with endless customization options. This recipe, inspired by Smitten Kitchen, takes it up a notch with browned butter, elevating the depth of flavor and adding a nutty aroma. Paired with white chocolate chips and toasted walnuts, these blondies strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a treat to share, these blondies will be your go-to recipe.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible blondies, you will need 125g of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. For add-ins, include 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnuts. Optional toppings include a sprinkle of 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 320°F for fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. If you’re adding walnuts, spread them on a baking tray and toast them in the preheated oven for five minutes, then set them aside to cool. Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter is browned with golden specks at the bottom and a nutty aroma. Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl, making sure to include all the flavorful bits.
Stir the brown sugar into the hot butter until fully combined, then let the mixture cool slightly for about three minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips and toasted walnuts.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top has a crackly finish. Let the blondies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares. For an added touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top before serving.
Tips
To achieve the perfect chewy texture, be cautious not to overbake the blondies. Keep an eye on the edges as they should just start to turn golden while the center remains slightly soft. If you’re new to browning butter, use a light-colored pan to monitor the color changes easily. For a more customized flavor profile, swap out the white chocolate chips and walnuts for dark chocolate chunks, pecans, or dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a casual treat, pack them into lunchboxes or serve alongside your favorite hot beverage like coffee or tea.
Storage
To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that just-baked taste.
FAQ
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar can be used, but it will result in a more intense molasses flavor, which might overshadow the buttery notes.
What other add-ins work well in blondies?
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smitten Kitchen’s Blondies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, bringing together the warmth of browned butter and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, these blondies are quick to make and highly customizable, ensuring they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
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Smitten Kitchen’s Perfect Blondies
Description
Deliciously chewy blondies made with browned butter, white chocolate chips, and toasted walnuts. A versatile treat perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
• 125g unsalted butter (8 tbsp or 1 US stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light preferred)
• 1 large egg (~50g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment.
2️⃣ Toast walnuts for 5 minutes, then set aside.
3️⃣ Brown butter over medium heat until nutty and golden.
4️⃣ Stir brown sugar into butter, let cool for 3 minutes, then mix in egg and vanilla.
5️⃣ Add flour and salt, mix to form batter, then fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
6️⃣ Spread batter in pan, bake for 25 minutes.
7️⃣ Cool, sprinkle with sea salt, and slice.