Welcome to the world of easy, irresistible baking! These Chocolate Chip Blondies are a buttery, chewy dream loaded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful alternative to traditional brownies. Forget complicated recipes or needing a stand mixer; this simple, one-bowl recipe promises perfect, gooey cookie bars every single time. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness that’s incredibly quick to prepare and even faster to disappear!

Irresistible Chocolate Chip Blondies: Your Go-To Recipe for Gooey Cookie Bars

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, and these Chocolate Chip Blondies deliver that warmth and joy with minimal effort. This recipe stands out as an ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for unexpected guests, school bake sales, or simply satisfying a sudden sweet craving. Their golden-brown edges, soft, chewy centers, and abundance of melty chocolate chips make them a dessert that truly has it all. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this straightforward recipe is designed for success, ensuring a batch of perfect blondies with every bake.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Ultimate Dessert Bars

When a craving for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert hits, and you need it fast, blondies are your ultimate solution. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick yet profoundly satisfying sweet treat. Here’s why these Chocolate Chip Blondies will become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Uncomplicated Perfection: Say goodbye to multiple bowls and bulky mixers! This is a true one-bowl, no-mixer recipe, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
• Rich Butterscotch Bliss: The magic lies in the brown sugar, which, when combined with butter, creates an incredibly deep, caramelized butterscotch flavor that perfectly complements the sweet chocolate chips.
• Gooey, Chewy Texture: Unlike a traditional cookie, blondies boast a uniquely dense, chewy, and gooey texture that’s utterly irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful balance of soft interior and slightly crisp edges.
• Versatility at Its Best: While classic with chocolate chips, blondies are a fantastic canvas for various mix-ins. Feel free to customize them with nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a swirl of caramel.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a simple weeknight dessert to a party showstopper, these blondies are always a hit. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an à la mode treat that will impress everyone.

These Chocolate Chip Blondies are designed for pure baking pleasure, ensuring you’ll make them repeatedly.

What Exactly Are Blondies? A Delicious Explanation

Often referred to as the “vanilla sibling” of the brownie, blondies are a distinct and delicious type of dessert bar that deserves a spotlight of its own. While they share the rich, dense, and chewy texture of their chocolatey counterparts, blondies forgo cocoa powder and traditional chocolate in their base. Instead, their signature golden hue and complex flavor come primarily from the generous use of brown sugar and butter.

Some bakers describe blondies as a bar version of chocolate chip cookies, and while there are similarities, a key difference lies in the sugar content. Traditional chocolate chip cookies typically use a blend of granulated sugar and brown sugar, whereas classic blondies rely almost exclusively on brown sugar. This focus on brown sugar is crucial, as it imparts that unmistakable butterscotch-like flavor and contributes significantly to their desirable chewy, moist texture. The molasses in brown sugar helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out, resulting in a perfectly tender bite every time. They are truly a celebration of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, making them a unique and comforting treat.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients: What You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this Chocolate Chip Blondie recipe is its reliance on common pantry staples. You won’t need any exotic ingredients to achieve these perfectly rich and gooey bars. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Unsalted Butter (melted): The foundation of flavor and texture. Melting the butter ensures a cohesive, moist, and chewy bar, contributing to that signature rich taste.
• Light Brown Sugar (packed): This is the star ingredient! Brown sugar provides the distinct butterscotch flavor and ensures the blondies remain incredibly moist and chewy, thanks to its molasses content.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer. Vanilla elevates the sweet, buttery notes and adds depth to the overall profile of the blondies. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla!
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder, adding structure, richness, and helping to create that perfect chewy texture. Ensure it’s well incorporated for even baking.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the structure of your blondies. Measure it correctly to avoid a dry or crumbly texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift, giving the blondies a tender crumb without making them cakey.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the acid in the brown sugar to further aid in leavening and contribute to the golden-brown color and chewiness.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, especially the butterscotch and chocolate.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The classic mix-in! They provide pockets of melted chocolate goodness throughout the blondies. Feel free to use milk, dark, or a blend.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from baking a truly unforgettable dessert.

Mastering the Art of Blondie Baking: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking these chocolate chip blondies is incredibly straightforward, proving that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. Just follow these simple steps for perfectly gooey, chewy bars:

• Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on all sides. This overhang will act as “handles” later, allowing you to easily lift the cooled blondies out of the pan for neat slicing.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir them together vigorously with a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula until they are completely smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for developing that rich butterscotch base.
• Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the pure vanilla extract and crack in the large egg. Continue stirring until the egg is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth and homogenous batter. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shiny; that’s exactly what you want!
• Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The key here is to mix until no streaks of dry flour remain, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. The dough will be thick, sticky, and quite dense.
• Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick dough. If you’re using any other mix-ins, this is the time to add them.
• Bake to Perfection: Spread the thick blondie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to press it into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should appear puffed up and lightly golden, and the top will look set and dry. However, the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This slight wobble indicates a gooey interior. For my oven, 22 minutes is often the magic number for that perfect balance of set edges and a soft, chewy middle.
• Cool Completely: This step is non-negotiable for the best results! Allow the blondie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. Cooling allows the blondies to set properly, preventing them from being too crumbly and ensuring clean, neat squares. Patience truly pays off here.
• Slice and Serve: Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board, slice into desired squares, and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Blondies Every Time

Achieving that ideal gooey center and chewy texture in your blondies is simple with a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough or dry blondies rather than the desired chewy texture.
• Crucial: Do Not Overbake! This is perhaps the most important tip for gooey blondies. Blondies will continue to cook slightly as they cool. When you take them out of the oven, the edges should be set and lightly golden, but the center should still look a little soft and jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. An underbaked blondie is better than an overbaked one!
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is a virtue here! Cutting warm blondies will result in a messy, crumbly outcome. Allowing them to cool fully in the pan allows them to set and firm up, making them much easier to slice into clean squares and enhancing their chewy texture.
• Use Good Quality Ingredients: Since blondies rely on simple flavors, the quality of your butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips truly makes a difference in the final taste.
• Pack the Brown Sugar: Always pack your brown sugar tightly into the measuring cup. This ensures you have the correct amount, which is essential for the blondies’ moisture and signature flavor.
• Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg incorporates more smoothly and evenly into the batter, leading to a more consistent texture.

Unleash Your Creativity: Delicious Blondie Variations

While the classic Chocolate Chip Blondie is perfect on its own, this versatile base is an excellent canvas for countless delicious variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

• Nutty Blondies: Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and earthy flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their taste.
• Different Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination. You could even use chopped chocolate bars for larger, melty puddles.
• Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted) and white chocolate chips for a tropical-inspired blondie.
• Salty-Sweet Perfection: Stir in ½ cup of crushed pretzels or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors and add a delightful salty crunch.
• Caramel or Fudge Swirl: After spreading the dough in the pan, dollop spoonfuls of caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or fudge sauce on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the dough before baking.
• Toffee Bits: Mix in ½ cup of toffee bits for a rich, buttery, and slightly crunchy addition.
• Spiced Blondies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice for a warm, aromatic flavor, especially delightful during the fall months.
• Citrus Zest: For a bright, fresh flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the batter. This pairs wonderfully with white chocolate chips.
• Candy Mix-ins: Crush your favorite chocolate candies (like M&M’s, Rolo, or Snickers) and fold them into the dough for a fun and colorful twist.

The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination guide you to your next favorite blondie creation.

Storing Your Blondies for Lasting Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping these delicious cookie bars soft, chewy, and fresh for as long as possible. Thanks to the melted butter and brown sugar, blondies tend to stay moist and tender naturally.

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can sometimes help keep them extra moist, as the blondies will absorb moisture from the bread.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: Blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Explore More Irresistible Dessert Bars

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these Chocolate Chip Blondies, you’re in for a treat! Dessert bars are fantastic for their simplicity and portability. Here are more delightful bar recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Buttery cookie bars loaded with chocolate chips. Quick and easy to make, no mixer needed!

Author: Anna

Rating: 4.77 from 13 votes

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 22 mins

Total Time: 32 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 805 kcal

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8″ square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir them together vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until well combined and smooth.
4. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and crack in the large egg. Continue stirring until the egg is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a homogenous batter.
5. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick and sticky.
6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Spread the thick blondie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should appear puffed up and lightly golden, and the top will look set and dry, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. (My optimal time is usually 22 minutes for the perfect gooey center.)
8. Allow the blondie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for achieving clean squares and the best texture.
9. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut into desired squares and serve.

Notes

• This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize your blondies with various add-ins such as shredded coconut, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), toffee bits, pretzels for a salty crunch, or even your favorite chocolate candies. You can also swirl in caramel sauce or fudge sauce before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• For an ultimate warm dessert experience, serve blondies while still slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey blondie and cold, melting ice cream is heavenly.
• Instead of an 8″ square pan, you can bake these blondies in an 8″ round pie pan to create a delicious cookie pie, perfect for sharing.
• Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

Calories: 805kcal | Carbohydrates: 101g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 790IU | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 4.9mg

If you enjoyed baking and tasting these delightful Chocolate Chip Blondies, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a rating below to share your experience with other bakers. Your feedback helps us grow and inspires others to try our recipes!