Blondies are a delicious, chewy, and buttery alternative to brownies, without the chocolate. They’re packed with rich flavors from brown sugar and vanilla and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert, these bars are simple to make but so satisfying.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the blondies by a minute or two. They’ll firm up as they cool. Try adding white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a flavor boost. If you like a nutty flavor, brown the butter before mixing it with the sugar to give your blondies a richer, more complex taste.