Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips! It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I was searching for a warm, comforting treat to enjoy while curled up with a good book. I stumbled across a recipe tucked away in my mom’s old recipe box, and I just couldn’t resist. The idea of gooey chocolate chips nestled in a buttery, sweet bar was enough to get me excited. Let’s just say, the aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly!
As I pulled those golden, chewy bars out of the oven, I couldn’t wait to dig in. The moment I bit into one, I was completely sold. They were soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. I loved how versatile they were too! You can enjoy them on their own, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Trust me, once you try these blondie bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for everything from casual snacking to festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to experience this sweet delight!
Ingredients for Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Detailed Ingredient Descriptions
Let’s break down these ingredients so you know exactly why they’re essential for your blondie bars.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your blondies. I love using a good quality brand, like Kerrygold, for that rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This is what gives our blondies that lovely, chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor. The darker the brown sugar, the more molasses it contains, which means more moisture and depth in your bars!
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture. I always recommend using room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that warm, sweet aroma. I prefer pure vanilla extract over imitation for a richer flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your blondie bars. It provides structure while keeping them soft and chewy. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup to avoid packing it down!
- Baking Powder: A little bit of leavening helps your blondies rise slightly, giving them a delightful texture without being cake-like.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors! Don’t skip this step; it brings out the sweetness in the bars.
- Chocolate Chips: The fun part! I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of sweetness, but feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
How to Prepare Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to bring those buttery, chocolatey dreams to life! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have the most delicious blondie bars that are sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important; you want your oven nice and hot for that perfect bake!
- Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use butter or cooking spray to ensure that those blondies come out easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy—this should only take a minute or two. You want it to look glossy!
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is well combined. The mixture should feel velvety at this point.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently each time to avoid overworking the batter. Stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks!
- Now, fold in those chocolate chips. Feel free to go crazy here—more chocolate chips mean more yumminess!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure it reaches the corners.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Trust me, patience here is key! If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart.
Tips for Mixing and Baking
To achieve that perfect blondie texture, here are a few golden rules:
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. You want them to be soft and chewy!
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your blondies starting around the 25-minute mark. If they aren’t quite done, give them a couple more minutes!
- Cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting them cool fully will help them firm up and make cutting easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion! Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious bars baking in no time! Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates a deep, caramel-like taste that’s simply irresistible, while the chocolate chips add a decadent touch.
- Versatile Treat: Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet snack, serving them at a party, or pairing them with ice cream for a fancy dessert, these blondies fit every occasion!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can swap in different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts, coconut, or dried fruit to make them your own.
- Make Ahead: These blondies store beautifully in an airtight container, so you can bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week without losing that fresh-baked taste.
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into these scrumptious Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can give you an idea of what to expect, it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your products for the most accurate information.
Here’s a typical breakdown of what one delicious blondie bar contains:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These values are based on my favorite recipe, but remember, every little tweak you make can change the numbers a bit. Enjoy these blondies as a sweet indulgence, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Got questions about these delicious Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best tips and tricks.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips for their balance of sweetness, you can mix it up with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will give your blondies a unique twist, so feel free to experiment!
How can I make these blondies gluten-free?
If you want to make gluten-free blondies, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture. Trust me, they’ll still taste fantastic!
What’s the best way to store leftover blondies?
To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about three months.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?
Oh, definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. You could also toss in some shredded coconut or dried fruit for added flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins around one cup so the texture stays just right.
How can I adjust the baking time for a chewier or cakier texture?
Great question! For chewier blondies, bake them for about 25 minutes, so they stay soft in the middle. If you prefer a cakier texture, let them bake for the full 30 minutes or a couple of minutes more. Just keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked these amazing Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying them at their best.
First off, once your blondies have completely cooled in the pan, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they’ll be gone long before that!
If you find yourself with leftovers or simply want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze the blondies too! Just wrap each individual bar in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just take out as many as you want!
For reheating, I recommend letting them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you want to bring back that freshly-baked warmth, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they’ll become too gooey. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This method helps them regain that lovely chewy texture while warming the chocolate chips back up!
Enjoy your blondies warm, and don’t forget to savor every last bite! They’re just as delightful the second time around.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how excited I am for you to try these Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips! Seriously, once you take that first bite, I know you’ll understand why they’ve earned a special place in my heart. They’re not just delicious; they’re a hug in bar form, perfect for any occasion. So, whether you’re whipping them up for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, I promise they won’t disappoint!
When you make them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you add your own twist? Maybe you experimented with different chocolate chips or added some nuts? Whatever it is, drop a comment below and share your thoughts! I’m always thrilled to hear how others enjoy these sweet creations.
And don’t forget to share your blondie adventure on social media! Tag me in your photos, because nothing makes me happier than seeing your delicious results. So get those ovens preheating and let the baking begin! Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips: 7 Joyful Indulgences
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious blondie bars packed with chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can use different types of chocolate chips.
- Adjust baking time for chewy or cakey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Blondie Bars with Chocolate Chips
