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Dot’s Blondies With Chocolate Chips

There’s a certain magic to recipes passed down through families, little whispers of love and tradition baked into every bite. I remember the first time I tasted these blondies. It was at a summer barbecue, the air thick with the scent of grilling burgers and laughter. A simple tray of golden squares sat nestled amongst the more elaborate desserts, but something about their unassuming appearance drew me in. One bite, and I was hooked. The chewy edges, the fudgy center, the perfect scattering of chocolate chips – it was pure, unadulterated comfort. These weren’t just blondies; they were a hug in dessert form, and I knew I needed the recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yields: 24 bars
Servings: 24
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

½ lb unsalted butter, plus more for greasing (2 sticks)
1 lb light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (see NOTE below)
2 large eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Equipment Needed

9×12 inch baking pan
2-quart microwave-safe bowl
Paper towel
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Fork or whisk
Wooden spoon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grease a 9×12 inch baking pan generously with butter. Set the pan aside. A well-greased pan is key to easy blondie removal!
In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, place the 2 sticks (½ lb) of butter. Cover the bowl with a paper towel (this prevents splattering) and melt the butter in the microwave. Microwaving times vary, but start with 30-second intervals until fully melted.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the 1 lb of light brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir the mixture well until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The brown sugar is what gives these blondies their signature chewy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor.
Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until all ingredients are completely incorporated. The baking powder helps the blondies rise slightly, while the salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Vanilla adds a warm, comforting aroma.
Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter will be quite stiff. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
In a separate small bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and beat them well with a fork or whisk. This ensures the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Add the beaten eggs to the blondie batter and stir with a wooden spoon until they are completely incorporated. Don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease to fully combine the stiff batter. The batter should now be smooth and uniform.
Finally, stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (and 1 cup of chopped pecans, if using). Make sure the chocolate chips (and pecans) are evenly distributed throughout the batter for the perfect bite every time.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared greased pan. The batter will be stiff and sticky, so you may need to use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to help spread it to the edges of the pan. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfectly even, as the batter will spread as it bakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top begins to get golden brown and the blondies just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of pan you use, so keep a close eye on them. Do not overbake! Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly blondies.
Once baked, cool the blondies in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting them into small squares. Allowing them to cool slightly makes them easier to cut and prevents them from crumbling.
Store the blondies in an airtight container or cover them well with plastic wrap. These bars freeze very well and often improve in flavor after the first day (if they last that long!).

NOTE: To get the proper texture, do not use an electric mixer. You do not need to sift the flour, but spoon the flour into the measuring cup so as not to pack it down too much. Use the spoon handle to brush away extra flour, and thereby “level” the top of the measuring cup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Melted Butter is Key: Using melted butter creates a chewier blondie with a fudgy texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher blondie. Mix until just combined.
Brown Sugar Matters: Light brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and helps create the chewy texture. You can substitute dark brown sugar for a more intense flavor, but the blondies will be slightly darker in color.
Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! White chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, or even dried cranberries would be delicious additions.
Lining the Pan: For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates a “sling” that you can use to lift the blondies out of the pan after baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These blondies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic on their own, but also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

To store, place the cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the blondies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	217.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	92 g	43%
Total Fat	10.3 g	15%
Saturated Fat	6.2 g	31%
Cholesterol	38 mg	12%
Sodium	69.7 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	30.9 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	22.1 g	88%
Protein	2 g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Chocolate Chunk Blondies: Use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
Espresso Blondies: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor.
Brown Butter Blondies: Brown the butter before adding the brown sugar for an even richer, nuttier flavor. Be careful not to burn the butter!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my blondies dry?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry blondies. Be sure to check for doneness around the 20-minute mark and avoid baking them for too long.

Q: Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: While you can substitute granulated sugar, the blondies will not have the same chewy texture or caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar is highly recommended for this recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom?
A: Toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the blondies.

Q: Can I freeze the blondie batter?
A: It’s best to bake the blondies before freezing. However, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: My batter is very stiff. Is that normal?
A: Yes, the blondie batter is quite stiff due to the high ratio of butter and brown sugar. Don’t worry, it will spread out as it bakes.

Final Thoughts

Dot’s Blondies with Chocolate Chips are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a family gathering, or simply a personal treat, these blondies are sure to be a hit. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a taste of pure bliss. And please, share your baking adventures – and any delicious variations you discover – with others!

Dot’s Blondies With Chocolate Chips Recipe