If you’re craving a treat that’s deeply comforting yet delightfully sophisticated, this Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. The rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter mingles perfectly with the sweet brown sugar and melty chocolate chips, while that touch of flaky sea salt on top creates an irresistible contrast. These blondies are chewy, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but together they create such a marvelous balance of flavors and textures that are key to a perfect blondie. Each one plays its part from lending richness and moisture to adding that vital touch of salt or sweetness.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter: Browned to bring that unmistakable nutty depth and richness.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed): Adds sweetness with a slight molasses hint that pairs beautifully with browned butter.
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds moisture and structure.
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery and sugary flavors with aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides the classic chewy blondie texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate that add indulgent richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to give that perfect salty crunch contrast.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch pan with two pieces of parchment paper. This setup helps the blondies bake evenly and makes lifting them out a breeze when they’re ready.
Step 2: Brown the Butter with Care
Place the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Watch closely as it melts, then continues cooking until it turns a warm golden brown and you notice those lovely toasted bits at the bottom of the pan. You’ll also smell that nutty aroma—the hallmark of perfectly browned butter. Once done, set it aside to cool to room temperature, which is important so you don’t accidentally melt your chocolate chips later.
Step 3: Combine the Batter
In a bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Then mix in the flour and salt, followed by the chocolate chips. You want your batter thick yet scoopable, studded with chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Fill the Pan and Add a Finishing Touch
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the surface. This final sprinkle will create little bursts of flavor and crunch once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set but still soft. Be careful to not over-bake, as these blondies should stay tender and chewy rather than dry.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting
This step is key! Allow the blondies to cool fully in the pan before cutting to get clean squares that hold their shape without crumbling.
How to Serve Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping your blondie squares with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate their sweetness and make them look even more inviting. A few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add a delightful textural contrast too.
Side Dishes
For an extra special treat, serve these blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries can add a refreshing fruity balance that complements the buttery richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe delights to a party, try cutting them into bite-sized squares and placing them on decorative toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also stack them between layers of parchment for a stunning dessert platter display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can help extend freshness but may firm them up slightly.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and seal in an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To warm up a blondie, pop it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. This helps bring back that freshly-baked gooey texture and makes the chocolate chips all melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to keep these blondies safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just be mindful some blends might alter the texture slightly.
Why is browning the butter important in this recipe?
Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that regular melted butter just can’t match. It transforms the taste of the blondies and gives them that signature warm, toasted note.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While it’s recommended to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely, salted butter can be used in a pinch. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Is it necessary to cool the brown butter before mixing?
Yes, cooling the brown butter prevents the egg from cooking prematurely and stops the chocolate chips from melting too soon, resulting in a better batter consistency.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
They should be golden brown around the edges with a center that looks set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe is one of those simple yet extraordinary bakes that will win you plenty of compliments. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how magical browned butter can make a treat taste. Each bite is a little burst of buttery, chocolatey bliss sprinkled with salt, perfect for sharing or savoring solo!
Print
Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Brown Butter Blondies are rich, buttery bars with a nutty depth from browned butter, sweetened with light brown sugar, studded with chocolate chips, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies later.
- Brown the Butter: Add the unsalted butter to a small skillet over medium heat. Cook the butter until it smells nutty and develops brown bits at the bottom of the pan, which takes approximately 5 minutes after melting. Then remove from heat and let the brown butter cool to room temperature; this step is crucial to avoid melting the chocolate chips prematurely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the cooled browned butter (including the flavorful brown bits), lightly packed brown sugar, the egg, pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt until fully combined. Fold in the chocolate chips last for even distribution.
- Prepare the Batter in Pan: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly on top to create a perfect contrast of flavors.
- Bake the Blondies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking to keep the blondies moist and chewy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Cooling the brown butter is essential to prevent the chocolate chips from melting when mixed into the batter.
- Using parchment paper in the pan ensures the blondies come out cleanly and maintain their shape.
- Flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful salty crunch that enhances the sweetness of the blondies.
- Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the blondies; they should be slightly soft in the center when done.
