If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm, buttery hug with just the perfect pop of salt, the Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe is your new best friend. These blondies are gloriously rich from the nutty brown butter, delightfully soft from the light brown sugar and egg combo, and studded with luscious chocolate chips that melt into every bite. The sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates this treat to something truly special, balancing the sweetness with a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe promises an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building impeccable flavor and texture. From the rich brown butter to the subtle crunch of flaky sea salt, here’s what you’ll need to make these blondies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (10 tablespoons): Browning the butter creates that signature nutty flavor, the cornerstone of this recipe’s depth.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, lightly packed): Adds moisture and a delicate caramel undertone that keeps the blondies soft and chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure without making the blondies cakey or dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Boosts all the natural flavors in the batter for perfect balance.
- Chocolate chips (2/3 cup): Add melty pockets of rich chocolate that contrast perfectly with the buttery base.
- Flaky sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): The final flourish that brings a subtle crunch and a brilliant salty-sweet finish.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper so the blondies lift out easily once baked. This simple preparation step ensures clean edges and effortless removal after baking.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Place the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring gently until it foams, then begins to brown and releases a deliciously nutty aroma. You’ll see brown bits forming on the bottom—that’s exactly what you want. This step, which takes about 5 minutes after it melts, enriches the butter’s flavor. Let it cool completely to room temperature so it won’t melt your chocolate chips later.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter along with its browned bits, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir together until smooth. Then fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and chocolate chips until everything is well incorporated. This batter will be thick, luscious, and ready to bake.
Step 4: Transfer Batter and Add Salt
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Now, generously sprinkle the flaky sea salt across the surface; this little touch adds texture and an exciting burst of flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your blondies for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep a close eye—they’re done when golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Resist the urge to overbake; you want them gooey and tender, not dry.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cooling helps them firm up just enough to slice cleanly, giving you beautiful pieces that hold their shape while still remaining soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt on top is a fantastic garnish on its own, consider dusting your blondies with a touch of powdered sugar or adding a few extra chocolate chips on warm pieces for extra decadence. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn these treats into an elegant dessert.
Side Dishes
Salted Brown Butter Blondies pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. Fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote make a lovely contrast to the sweet, buttery flavors. For an adult twist, serve alongside a rich coffee or even a glass of dessert wine.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with sprigs of mint or edible flowers. Layer them in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and berries for a showstopping dessert. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine makes charming, thoughtful gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their moist, chewy texture. Avoid refrigerating them as this can dry them out, unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze baked blondies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll be just as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
If you prefer warm blondies, gently reheat pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place them briefly in a low oven until soft and gooey again. Warm blondies paired with a scoop of ice cream create a truly indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick to unsalted for this recipe so you can control the amount of salt precisely, especially since flaky sea salt is sprinkled on top for that perfect balance.
Why is the browned butter cooled before mixing?
Cooling the browned butter prevents your egg and chocolate chips from melting prematurely, which helps maintain the proper texture and appearance of your blondies.
Can I substitute dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor, but it may darken the blondies slightly and add a bit more moisture to the batter.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal here, offering a balanced sweetness that pairs beautifully with the browned butter and sea salt, but you can experiment with milk or even white chocolate chips for a twist.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. They should feel set but still a little tender when you gently press the top. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them toward the end of baking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe that keeps me coming back to my kitchen again and again. The rich, nutty flavors combined with melty chocolate chips and a hint of sea salt make for an irresistible dessert that feels both luxurious and homey. I can’t recommend this recipe enough—grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy a sweet treat that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your household!
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Salted Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Brown Butter Blondies are a rich and buttery treat with the deep, nutty flavors of browned butter and a perfect hint of flaky sea salt on top. Soft and chewy with melty chocolate chips throughout, they make an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- Brown the Butter: Place the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter melts and starts to brown with nutty aroma and brown bits form at the bottom. This usually takes about 5 minutes after the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let the browned butter cool to room temperature fully to prevent melting the chocolate chips in the batter.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter including the browned bits, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well, then add the flour and salt. Mix until just incorporated, then fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly and evenly. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the browned butter is completely cooled before mixing it with the chocolate chips to avoid melting them.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and neat edges.
- The flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.
- Bake times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at 20 minutes.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
