Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting, look no further than Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies. These sweet treats are rich, chewy, and packed with nutty goodness and melty chocolate chips. The secret lies in the brown butter, which adds an irresistible depth of flavor that elevates these blondies from simple to spectacular. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a batch of these delightful blondies that are perfect for any occasion!
Top Reasons to Make Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies
- Irresistible Flavor: The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with sweet brown sugar creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these blondies up in no time.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of chewy blondies with crunchy walnuts and gooey chocolate chips makes for an unforgettable texture.
- Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream, or enjoy them on their own for a sweet pick-me-up any time of day.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends, family, or colleagues to spread the joy!
The Essentials
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): The base of our blondies, bringing richness and flavor.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together for a perfect texture.
- 1 cup flour: The backbone of our blondies; be sure not to pack it for the right consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise and remain fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the chocolate and walnuts beautifully.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that gooey, chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is mixed together evenly.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in your chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Baking pan (8×8 inch): The ideal size for these blondies to bake to perfection.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot pans!
Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies: How It’s Done
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by placing your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt and then continue to cook, stirring frequently. You’ll notice it will start to foam and then turn a golden brown color. This is when the nutty aroma will fill your kitchen—an indication that it’s ready. Remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm brown butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisk them together until well combined. Add in the large egg and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the blondies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you no longer see dry flour.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Walnuts
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the blondie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle the top of the batter with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect chewy blondie.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Substitutions by Category
- Butter: You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar can be replaced with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Chocolate Chips: Use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can be used instead for a different nutty flavor.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t skip browning the butter! It’s what gives these blondies their delicious depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can lead to dense blondies.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly—using a spoon to fluff it up before scooping helps avoid packing it down.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; blondies can go from underbaked to overbaked quickly.
How to Store & Reheat
Store any leftover Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’re looking to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This will bring back that gooey, melty chocolate texture!
Your Top Questions
Can I freeze these blondies?
Absolutely! Allow the blondies to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat if desired.
How do I know when blondies are done baking?
Blondies are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I add other mix-ins to the blondies?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add dried fruits, different types of nuts, or even swirl in some peanut butter or caramel for an extra treat.
What’s the best way to cut blondies?
For clean cuts, make sure the blondies are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and cut in a straight line without sawing back and forth to avoid crumbling the edges.
Serve with These
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing with warm blondies.
- Homemade Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle some over for extra chocolatey goodness!
- Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, perfect for topping your blondies.
- Fresh Brewed Coffee – The perfect beverage to accompany your sweet treats.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to get your kitchen ready and start baking these delicious Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful process of creating a dessert that will surely become a favorite in your household.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the sweet aromas of brown butter, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delicious blondies. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt and then continue to cook, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm brown butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisk them together until well combined. Add in the large egg and continue whisking until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spread the blondie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Before baking, sprinkle the top of the batter with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty balance.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Wrap cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap for freezing; they last up to 3 months.
