Brown Butter Blondies

Introduction

These rich and chewy Brown Butter Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, featuring the deep, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with luscious dark chocolate chunks. Perfectly gooey on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges, they are an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, these blondies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

- 170g unsalted butter
- 200g light brown sugar
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150g dark chocolate, chopped

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 blondies

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 170g of unsalted butter, stirring continuously. Keep an eye on it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with 200g of light brown sugar and 50g of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Stir until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in 200g of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Add Dark Chocolate

Fold 150g of chopped dark chocolate into the batter. Ensure that the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 8: Bake the Blondies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be just set.

Step 9: Cooling and Slicing

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan. After cooling, cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Storage Suggestions

The blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

These blondies are delicious on their own but can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Customization Options

Feel free to add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture, or use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their chewy texture.

Refrigeration:

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the blondies for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing:

To freeze, wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Brown Butter Blondies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.

Nutritional Information

Per blondie (based on the recipe yielding 12 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter:

For a dairy-free option, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Sugars:

You can replace light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or use coconut sugar for a less refined option.

Eggs:

If you need an egg substitute, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for each egg.

Flour:

For a gluten-free variant, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Chocolate:

If dark chocolate is not preferred, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chunks can be used instead.

Cook techniques

Browning Butter

Browning butter involves cooking unsalted butter over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden brown color while developing a nutty aroma. This technique enhances the flavor of baked goods, adding depth.

Whisking and Mixing

When whisking together the brown butter and sugars, ensure to combine them until smooth to guarantee an even distribution of sweetness and flavor. The egg and egg yolk should be mixed in thoroughly for a luscious texture.

Sifting Dry Ingredients

Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together helps to aerate the mixture, ensuring a light and even batter. This step prevents clumping and incorporates air, resulting in a better texture for the blondies.

Folding

When you fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do so gently to avoid overmixing. This technique helps maintain the structure of the blondies, keeping them soft and chewy.

Checking Doneness

To check if the blondies are done, look for golden brown edges and a center that is set but still slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry blondies, so watch the time closely.

Cooling

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier, preventing them from falling apart.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the sweetness of the blondies slightly. If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe.

What can I substitute for dark chocolate?

You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate in place of dark chocolate, but the flavor profile will change. For a healthier option, consider using nuts or dried fruits.

How do I store leftover blondies?

Store leftover 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 them individually wrapped.

Can I add more mix-ins to the blondies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, shredded coconut, or even caramel chips to customize your blondies to your taste.

Is it necessary to cool the butter before mixing?

Allowing the browned butter to cool slightly is essential, as it prevents the eggs from cooking when added, ensuring a smooth and creamy batter.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Blondies with Dark Chocolate Chunks are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramelized butter with luscious dark chocolate. Their gooey interior and slightly crisp edges make them a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or they can be stored for later, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

Brown Butter Blondies with White Chocolate Chunks

Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chunks for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the nutty notes of brown butter.

Salted Caramel Blondies

Add swirls of salted caramel sauce to the batter before baking for a decadent twist that enhances the blondies' sweetness and richness.

Nutty Brown Butter Blondies

Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and flavor that complements the chewy texture of the blondies.

Blondies with Toasted Coconut

Mix in shredded toasted coconut for a tropical flair that brings a new dimension to these already indulgent treats.

Peanut Butter Swirl Blondies

Create a swirled effect by adding dollops of peanut butter to the blondie batter before baking for a delicious blend of flavors.

Blondies with Dried Fruit

Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a chewy contrast that balances the richness of the blondies.

Spiced Blondies

Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warming spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the blondies.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Mix in regular chocolate chips along with the dark chocolate chunks for an extra chocolaty treat that satisfies all chocolate cravings.