Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe

Unveiling the secret to creating the perfect, gooey, chewy Brown Sugar Blondies. This easy recipe pairs the richness of brown sugar with the lusciousness of butter and is topped with vibrant m&ms, offering a delightful treat to your taste buds.

Photos of Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe

The key ingredient - brown sugar, although commonly found in most kitchens, is essential to create the characteristic rich, molasses-like flavor in these blondies. If you're missing it in your pantry, make sure to grab a pack of good quality brown sugar on your next trip to the supermarket. Also, don't overlook the m&ms; their colorful crunchiness enhances not only the taste but also the aesthetics of these blondies.

Key Ingredients for Brown Sugar Blondies

All purpose flour: The base of the blondies. It gives structure to them.

Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the blondies rise.

Baking soda: Works along with the baking powder to ensure a good rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Make sure to use unsalted butter.

Brown sugar: Gives the blondies a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the blondies.

M&ms: Adds a fun, colorful crunch to the top of the blondies.

One reader, Gussi Colwell says:

This brown sugar blondies recipe is a game-changer! The blondies turned out moist and chewy, with a perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of M&M's added a delightful crunch and burst of color. I highly recommend this recipe for a delightful treat that's easy to make and oh-so-delicious!

Gussi Colwell

Techniques Required for Making Brown Sugar Blondies

How to mix dry ingredients: Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, and mix them together thoroughly. Set the mixture aside for later use.

How to melt butter: Melt 1/3 cup of butter and allow it to cool slightly before using it in the recipe.

How to mix wet ingredients: In a mixer or separate bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, and mix them well. Then, add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, and mix until the ingredients are fully combined.

How to incorporate flour mixture: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.

How to add M&M's: Mix in 2/3 cup of M&M's into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

How to spread batter in pan: Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9x9x2 inch pan.

How to sprinkle M&M's on top: Sprinkle 1/3 to 2/3 cup of M&M's on top of the batter in the pan before baking.

How to bake: Bake the blondies in the preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How To Make Brown Sugar Blondies

Try this brown sugar blondies recipe next time you’re craving for a sweet treat. They’re loaded with M&Ms and they come together in less than an hour.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupall purpose flour
½tspbaking powder
⅛tspbaking soda
½tspsalt
⅓cupbutter
1cupbrown sugar,packed
1egg
1tbspvanilla extract
1cupM&Ms

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Melt butter. Cool slightly. In a mixer or seperate bowl, add the butter to 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well.
Add the egg (beaten) and vanilla and mix well.
Add the flour mixture a little at a time and mix well. Mix in ⅔ cup M&M’s.
Spread in a greased 9x9x2-inch pan. Sprinkle the rest of the M&Ms on top.
Bake for 20 to 35 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 167.00kcal
Fat: 6.92g
Saturated Fat: 4.23g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.77g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.35g
Carbohydrates: 24.27g
Fiber: 0.58g
Sugar: 17.21g
Protein: 1.76g
Cholesterol: 21.99mg
Sodium: 89.03mg
Calcium: 35.69mg
Potassium: 60.41mg
Iron: 0.64mg
Vitamin A: 43.93µg
Vitamin C: 0.07mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Brown Sugar Blondies

When melting the butter, it's important to let it cool slightly before adding it to the brown sugar. This prevents the heat from the butter from cooking the egg when it's added to the mixture. Also, when adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, do it gradually. This will ensure that the batter is smooth and well combined, resulting in a more evenly baked blondie. Lastly, don't forget to reserve some m&ms for the top of the blondies. This adds a nice visual touch and ensures that there's a bit of chocolate in every bite.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Blondies

Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before you start mixing to streamline the process.

Room temperature: Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting to save time on waiting for them to soften.

One-bowl method: Look for recipes that use only one bowl to minimize cleanup time.

Use a food processor: For recipes that require chopping or mixing, a food processor can save time and effort.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze the extra portions for future use, saving time on cooking later.

Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and utensils, saving time during cooking.

Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut vegetables or fruits to save time on prep work.

Follow the recipe: Read the recipe thoroughly before starting to avoid mistakes and save time on corrections.

Multitask: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools can save time and effort during cooking and preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe

brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar in most recipes.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter and provides a subtle coconut flavor to the blondies.
M&Ms - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips can be used as a delicious alternative to M&Ms in the blondies, providing a rich chocolate flavor.

Best Way to Present These Delectable Blondies

Elevate the plating: When presenting the brown sugar blondies, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use a clean, white plate to provide a contrast to the rich color of the blondies. Arrange the blondies in a visually appealing manner, perhaps in a diagonal line or a circular pattern, to showcase the texture and colors of the dessert.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the presentation by garnishing the plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This delicate touch will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of sweetness to complement the flavor of the brown sugar blondies.
Incorporate a complementary sauce: Introduce a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to the plate, using a small squeeze bottle to create elegant swirls or zigzag patterns. This addition will not only elevate the visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Utilize edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers such as pansies or violas. These delicate blooms will add a sophisticated and artistic element to the presentation, elevating the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Consider the use of gold leaf: For a truly luxurious presentation, delicately place a few edible gold leaf accents on the plate. The shimmering gold will add a touch of opulence and elevate the dessert to a level befitting a Michelin-starred dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Perfect Blondies

Mixing bowls: You'll need various sizes of mixing bowls for combining ingredients and preparing the batter.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending ingredients together smoothly and aerating the batter.
9x9x2 inch baking pan: This pan is perfect for baking the blondies to the ideal thickness and size.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking, so make sure to have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar together, as well as to incorporate the other ingredients.
Spatula: A spatula will help you to evenly spread the batter in the baking pan and to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Oven: Of course, you'll need an oven to bake the blondies to perfection. Make sure it's preheated to 350 degrees before you start.

Storing and Freezing Brown Sugar Blondies

Once the brown sugar blondies have cooled completely, slice them into squares and place them in an airtight container. To keep them extra fresh, you can place a piece of bread in the container, which will help absorb any excess moisture and prevent the blondies from becoming soggy. Store the container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the blondies, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy a blondie, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refrigerating the brown sugar blondies, as this can cause them to become dry and hard. If you live in a particularly humid environment, you may want to store the blondies in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too moist, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
If you've used any mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, be sure to store the blondies in a cool, dry place to prevent the mix-ins from becoming rancid or melting. You can also experiment with different mix-ins each time you make the recipe to keep things interesting and delicious!

How To Reheat Leftover Blondies

Here are the best methods for reheating leftover brown sugar blondies:

Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the blondies loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. The time will vary depending on the thickness of your blondies and how cold they were before reheating. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the blondies, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Microwave method: Place the blondie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for 15-20 seconds, or until just warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the blondie to become tough and rubbery. If the blondie is not heated through after 20 seconds, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is quick and convenient, but may result in a slightly softer texture compared to the oven method.
Skillet method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the blondie in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. This method can help to create a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey center. Be sure to keep an eye on the blondie to prevent burning, and flip it over halfway through heating if desired.
Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondie in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. This method can help to restore the crispy edges of the blondie while keeping the center soft and moist. Keep a close eye on the blondie to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Interesting Fact About Brown Sugar Blondies

The brown sugar blondies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of brown sugar with the colorful addition of M&Ms. These blondies are a perfect blend of chewy and sweet, making them a popular choice for dessert lovers. With a simple list of ingredients and easy instructions, this recipe is a great option for those looking to whip up a quick and delicious baked good. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these brown sugar blondies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy creating and indulging in this delightful dessert recipe!

Is Making Brown Sugar Blondies at Home Cost-Effective?

This brown sugar blondies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe doesn't require any expensive or hard-to-find items. The use of brown sugar and M&Ms adds a delightful flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Brown Sugar Blondies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The brown sugar blondies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in sugar, with 1 cup of brown sugar and additional sugar from the M&Ms. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate. Refined carbs are quickly absorbed by the body, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Butter is high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
The recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar to 3/4 cup or less, and opt for dark chocolate chips instead of M&Ms to decrease the overall sugar content.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy.
Swap out half of the butter for unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture.
Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Experiment with adding grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals without compromising taste or texture.

Editor's Opinion on This Brown Sugar Blondie Recipe

The brown sugar blondies recipe you provided is a classic and delightful treat. The combination of brown sugar and M&M's adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the blondies. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. However, I would suggest adding a note about checking for doneness with a toothpick to ensure the blondies are baked to perfection. Overall, this recipe is sure to be a hit and a wonderful addition to any dessert spread.

Enhance Your Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the brown sugar blondies with a side of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze for a savory and sweet contrast.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Pair the brown sugar blondies with some grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy and spicy sauce for a delicious combination of flavors.

Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and light side, serve the brown sugar blondies with a colorful fruit salad tossed in a honey-lime dressing for a burst of freshness.

Creamy Soup: A creamy and velvety soup, such as butternut squash or potato leek, would complement the sweetness of the brown sugar blondies with its comforting and rich flavors.

Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Brown Sugar Blondies

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: This dish combines succulent shrimp with a kick of spicy garlic flavor, tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Fresh and vibrant, this salsa is a perfect combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice, perfect for dipping or topping grilled meats.

Butternut Squash Soup: Velvety smooth and comforting, this soup is made with roasted butternut squash, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: A delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, all nestled in a creamy and decadent cheesecake filling.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: This recipe features tender and flaky salmon fillets, brushed with a sticky-sweet honey mustard glaze and baked to perfection for a delicious and healthy meal.

Ideal Appetizer and Main Course Combinations with Brown Sugar Blondies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms. These bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. The crisp, toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze is a refreshing and satisfying start to any meal. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over fettuccine for a classic and satisfying meal that will please any pasta lover.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables. The key is to cook everything at a high heat to maintain the crispness of the veggies and the tenderness of the beef. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe:

This brown sugar blondies recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar and vanilla with the satisfying crunch of M&Ms. The careful balance of ingredients ensures a perfect texture and taste. With a simple and straightforward preparation process, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the warm, comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen as these blondies bake to golden perfection. Whether for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver a delectable and memorable dessert experience.

Share your thoughts on the Brown Sugar Blondies Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how your batch turned out!

FAQ:

How can I tell if the blondies are done baking?

You can check the doneness of the blondies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, the blondies are ready. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to cook a bit as they cool.

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of M&M's?

Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, such as chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or even white chocolate. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins.

Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

While you can technically substitute white sugar for brown sugar, it will significantly alter the flavor and texture of the blondies. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and moistness to the blondies, so I recommend sticking with it for the best results.

How should I store the blondies?

To keep the blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Can I add nuts to the blondies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, would be a fantastic addition to these blondies. Just fold them into the batter along with the M&M's for an extra crunch and flavor.