Why You’ll Love Browned Butter Blondies Recipe
These blondies go beyond your typical bar dessert by incorporating browned butter, which brings a deep, toasty, caramelized flavor to every bite. They’re easy to make, use pantry staples, and are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing results every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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unsalted butter
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light brown sugar, packed
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granulated sugar
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large eggs
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vanilla extract
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all-purpose flour
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baking soda
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salt
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white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
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chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and browned butter until smooth.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
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Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 blondies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate swap: Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
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Nut-free: Skip the nuts entirely for a smoother texture.
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Add-ins: Try mixing in toffee bits, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
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Salted caramel: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for a decadent twist.
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Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture, or let them come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What is browned butter and why use it?
Browned butter is regular butter that’s been cooked until the milk solids caramelize, giving it a nutty, rich flavor. It elevates the taste of these blondies far beyond basic melted butter.
Can I make these blondies without white chocolate chips?
Yes, the white chocolate chips are optional. The blondies are still delicious on their own or with other mix-ins.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Why are my blondies dry?
Overbaking is often the cause. Make sure to remove them from the oven when the center still has moist crumbs on a toothpick.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
They’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter).
Can I freeze blondies?
Yes. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two pans or one larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Try using a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.
Do I need a mixer?
No. This recipe can be made entirely by hand using a whisk and spatula.
Can I add frosting?
While not traditional, you can add a light glaze or frosting if desired. A cream cheese or white chocolate drizzle would pair nicely.
Conclusion
Browned Butter Blondies are a rich and chewy treat that combine the warm, nutty flavor of browned butter with classic blondie sweetness. They’re easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Browned Butter Blondies
These Browned Butter Blondies are rich, chewy, and packed with a deep, nutty flavor thanks to the browned butter. Optional white chocolate chips and nuts add extra texture and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and browned butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips or chunks and chopped nuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Make sure not to burn the butter — it should be golden and aromatic, not dark brown or black.
- Blondies continue to bake slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze the blondies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
