Easy Blonde Brownies - Small Batch - Rich & Chewy

Blonde brownies are chewy chocolate chip cookie bars that are made with flour, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, egg, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips.  Also known as blondies, this easy one-pan dessert recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion! Chewy on the inside and slightly crispy around the edges!

Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity!  We love all kinds of brownies!  "So what is a blonde brownie?" you may ask.  Blonde brownies, or as some people call them "blondies," are very similar to a brownie except you don't use cocoa. Instead, you use brown sugar which gives them a rich, cookie-like flavor and texture. They're buttery, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and chopped pecans. YUM!

Why We Love These

These blonde brownies are like a giant square chewy chocolate chip cookie, so for that reason, this recipe may also be known as chocolate chip cookie bars.  No matter what you call them, they are delicious and everyone will love them.  Some say these are the best blondies this side of the Mississippi! 

This is a small batch chewy blondie recipe, using an 8" x 8" square pan.   You can double the recipe if needed; use a 9" x 13" pan instead.  I make a small batch for the house because if I made more, we'd eat more (likely ALL in one day! y'all think I'm kidding?).

Kids love to help in the kitchen.  This easy baking recipe is perfect for when the kids want to help make a dessert.  No mixer is required; just a bowl and a whisk are needed and a little help with measuring.  Adult supervision is required any time a stove or oven is used. 

Take these easy blondies to the office, your child's school function, or give them to your favorite military service person.  Or simply treat yourself to something sweet "just because."  Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or on top.  Now that IS a treat, my friend!

Love cookie bar recipes?  Try my Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars.   They taste just like the classic Italian Cream Cake, except in convenient bars! 

Ingredients

Butter - use the real stuff!  Margarine does not perform as well!

Light Brown Sugar - light brown is better than dark brown for this recipe

Egg

All-Purpose Flour

Baking Powder

Salt

Vanilla Extract - use pure vanilla extra.  The fake kind can not compare!

Chopped Pecans - or use walnuts (or leave out the nuts altogether)

Chocolate Chips - semi-sweet or milk chocolate

Kitchen Items Needed

8" x 8" square pan

Large glass mixing bowl

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Whisk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray an 8 x 8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.  I suggest cutting a strip of parchment paper and laying it inside the pan/dish as well, leaving several inches of overlap so you can use as handles later to lift the brownies out of the pan after they've cooled.  This helps with easy removal of the cooked blondies from the pan.  Be sure to spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray as well, if you choose to use it.

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe mixing bowl for about 30 seconds.  Blend in the brown sugar and egg.  A whisk works well for the blending.  No need for an electric mixer unless you just want to use one...but don't overmix.  Blend just enough for the ingredients to mix well.

Add flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla.  Mix well.

Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.

Spread into prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool before slicing into squares.  If you used the parchment paper, gently lift the entire brownie out of the pan using the sides of the parchment paper as handles.

 

Substitutions and Add-ins

• M&Ms
• white chocolate chips
• peanut butter chips
• toffee bits
• butterscotch chips
• chopped walnuts

Storing Cookie Dough

This cookie dough will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.  Store covered.  I like to use the BPA-free glass containers with locking lids.  Check out this 18 piece set of glass food storage containers with snap locking lids. Love them!

Freezing Cookie Dough

You can freeze this cookie dough for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake the blondies, thaw the dough in the refrigerator, then place on your countertop and allow to come to room temperature.  Then bake as directed. 

Storing Baked Blondies

Store baked blondies in an airtight container on the counter for 3 days.  You can also refrigerate baked blondies for up to a week.  When ready to enjoy a refrigerated brownie, place it on a microwave-safe place and heat in the microwave for just a few seconds.  Very good! 

You'll love these blondies!  Another easy brownie recipe is my Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies! They have a peanut butter layer and a chocolate brownie layer!

Love cookie bar recipes?  Try my Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars.   They taste just like the classic Italian Cream Cake, except in convenient bars!  Head over to The Slow Roasted Italian for the best ever Pecan Pie Bars recipe!

If you try this recipe, let me know.  I'd love to hear from you!