Brown Butter Blondies Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat with irresistible chewiness, deep caramel flavor, and the nutty aroma of browned butter, these Brown Butter Blondies are going to sweep you off your feet! Imagine classic blondies taken to a whole new level with rich, toasty butter and pops of creamy white chocolate in every bite — this is a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Butter Blondies lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each element brings something special — from the toasty browned butter to the splash of vanilla — and together, they create a magic that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

• Unsalted or Salted Butter (1 cup): Browning real butter is what gives these blondies their signature nutty, caramel-like flavor — either unsalted or salted works, but I love salted for a flavor boost.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Sturdy enough to keep the blondies soft and chewy, not cakey at all.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda (½ tsp & ¼ tsp): These add just a hint of lift, but keep the bars dense and moist.
• Maldon Sea Salt (1 tsp): Big flakes add the perfect salty touch; flaky sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Eggs (2): They bind everything together for the perfect fudgy bite.
• Light or Dark Brown Sugar (1½ cups): Packed brown sugar gives the blondies rich caramel notes and their signature chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Don’t skimp — a whole tablespoon of vanilla rounds out the warm, toffee flavor.
• White Chocolate (⅔ cup): Chopped white chocolate or chips provide lovely creamy, melty pops throughout.

Variations

What I adore most about these Brown Butter Blondies is how endlessly customizable they are. Feel free to riff on the basic recipe and let your imagination run wild — you can play with flavors, add-ins, or adjust for dietary needs without losing that signature blondie goodness.

• Chocolate Chip Swap: If you prefer, add dark, milk, or even ruby chocolate chips, or do a mix for extra decadence.
• Nuts for Crunch: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts add a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
• Caramel or Toffee Bits: Stir in caramel pieces or toffee bits for gooey, sweet surprises in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — these blondies turn out beautifully every time.

How to Make Brown Butter Blondies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This first step is where all the flavor magic begins! Place your butter in a saucepan over medium heat and let it melt, swirling occasionally. As it bubbles and foams, keep a watchful eye — soon, it’ll smell nutty and take on a deep golden hue (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat as soon as it turns brown, so you capture all that gorgeous toasty flavor without burning.

Step 2: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

While your browned butter cools slightly, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and that delicious flaky Maldon sea salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for blondies with a perfect, even crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until blended. Whisk in the brown sugar, browned butter (it can be warm, not hot), and vanilla extra until the mixture is smooth and shiny — this is where your blondies get their chewy, fudgy texture.

Step 4: Mix and Fold

Add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently, just until everything is combined. Fold in your white chocolate (or any mix-ins), ensuring an even distribution without over-mixing — this keeps the blondies tender.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined or buttered 9×9-inch pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes — look for a crackly, golden top and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the Brown Butter Blondies cool completely before slicing for super-clean edges (if you can resist digging in right away!).

How to Serve Brown Butter Blondies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra flaky Maldon salt over the warm bars makes the sweet notes sing, but you can also drizzle with melted white chocolate or add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. If you’re feeling festive, edible flowers or a swirl of caramel on top can turn these blondies into a real showstopper.

Side Dishes

Serve Brown Butter Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of hot coffee, or even a handful of fresh berries for a fresh flavor contrast. They also shine as part of a dessert board lined with fruit, chocolate truffles, and other bite-sized treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your blondies into mini squares for party platters, layer them in jars with ice cream and sauce for chic parfaits, or package them in parchment and twine as edible gifts. Their buttery aroma and golden color look stunning in any setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Brown Butter Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They keep their chewy texture beautifully — if anything, they may be even tastier the day after baking!

Freezing

To freeze, let blondies cool completely, then wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever the cravings hit.

Reheating

If you love that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, pop a blondie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm and soften it up — heavenly with melting chocolate chips and fragrant brown butter aroma!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a one-bowl, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s positively bursting with flavor, don’t sleep on these Brown Butter Blondies. They’re the ultimate combination of cozy, buttery depth and foolproof ease — and once you taste that first chewy, nutty square, you’ll keep coming back for more. Happy baking!

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