Chocolate Chip Blondies with Brown Sugar and Pecans
These rich, chewy blondies combine the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar with melted butter for an irresistibly fudgy texture. Loaded with chocolate chips and optional pecans, they're easier than brownies but just as satisfying. The brown sugar base creates a butterscotch-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Perfect for potlucks, lunch boxes, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together quickly with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flouralmond flour1:0.75gluten-freelow-carbgluten-free
will be more dense
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips, dark, semisweet or milk chocolate
- 1 cup pecans, chopped(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare baking pan with cooking spray
- 2
Cream together melted butter and sugars until light and fluffy
- 3
Mix in eggs, vanilla, salt, flour, and baking powder until just combined
- 4
Stir in chocolate chips and pecans if using
- 5
Spread batter into prepared pan
- 6
Bake until set in middle and lightly golden brown
- 7
Cool completely on rack before cutting into pieces
Tips
Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent eggs from scrambling
Don't overmix once flour is added to keep blondies tender
Cool completely before cutting for clean squares that hold their shape
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made 2 days ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or blondies will be dry and crumbly
Cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use light brown sugar instead?
Yes, but dark brown sugar gives richer molasses flavor. Light brown sugar will work with slightly milder taste.
How do I know when they're done?
Center should be set and not jiggly when gently shaken. Edges will be lightly golden brown.
Can I freeze these blondies?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.