Description

These easy homemade blondie cookie bars are chewy, gooey, and packed with rich brown sugar flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and no fancy equipment required.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Optional: Toffee bits, dried cranberries, or sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper if desired.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted but not bubbling hot. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.
Add eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture lightens in color and looks creamy.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stop as soon as the last streak of flour disappears.
Fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins, reserving a handful to press on top if desired.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake on the center rack for 23-28 minutes, until the top is set, lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars with a sharp knife. For cleaner edges, chill for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For gluten-free blondies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Don’t overmix the batter to keep bars chewy. Start checking for doneness at 23 minutes; ovens vary. Let bars cool before slicing for clean edges. Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 19
Sodium: 80
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 2

Keywords: blondies, cookie bars, dessert bars, easy blondies, homemade blondies, chewy blondies, brown sugar bars, quick dessert, party dessert, bake sale bars