Name: Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113.5 g) salted butter, browned and cooled; 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 cup (140 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (about 118.29 g) M&M’s (heaping ½ cup); ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips; Flaked salt for topping

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that is irresistibly chewy, bursting with rich flavor, and just a little bit festive, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe. I absolutely love how the browned butter adds that deep, nutty complexity that makes these blondies stand out from any other sweet treat. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a beloved staple during the holidays—and honestly, all year round. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step and share my best tips to get the perfect batch every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy texture that satisfies: You’ll find these blondies are perfectly chewy without being cakey or overly dense.
Nutty browned butter flavor: The browned butter adds a rich, toasty depth that you just can’t get from regular melted butter.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or M&M’s for that festive touch or swap for nuts—you’re in charge here.
Quick to prepare: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have these beauties baking away, perfect for last-minute cravings or holiday baking sessions.

There is a stack of four square cookie bars placed on white crinkled paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar is golden brown with a soft, slightly crumbly texture and is filled with melted dark chocolate chunks and scattered red and green candy pieces resembling M&M’s. A few green and red candy pieces are lying around the stack on the white marbled surface. The cookie bars have an inviting, homemade look, with slightly uneven edges and a hint of glossy chocolate melting on the sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chewy Browned Butter Blondies, Browned Butter Blondies recipe, easy blondies with browned butter, chewy blondie bars, festive blondie dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with the browned butter—don’t rush this step! The combination of brown sugar, eggs, and a touch of cornstarch helps with that chewy texture. I always make sure to have festive mix-ins like M&M’s and chocolate chips on hand because they melt into these blondies beautifully.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden browned butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, a mound of light brown sugar on a white plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a heap of white all-purpose flour on a white plate, a heap of colorful M&M's candies scattered on a white plate, a small pile of dark chocolate chips on a white plate, and a few flaky salt crystals on a white plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chewy Browned Butter Blondies, Browned Butter Blondies recipe, easy blondies with browned butter, chewy blondie bars, festive blondie dessert

Salted Butter: Browning it brings out a rich, nutty aroma—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that’s key for chewy blondies.
Egg and Egg Yolk: The yolk keeps the blondies moist and tender while the egg helps bind things together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
Cornstarch: A little secret to achieving that perfect chewy texture without cakiness.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly spoon it in for fluffiness—packing the cup can make for tough blondies.
M&M’s: Adds festive color and a little crunch; you can swap for nuts or other candies too.
Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of sweet surprise throughout every bite.
Flaked Salt: Sprinkled on top for that delicious sweet-salty finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with the mix-ins because honestly, blondies are like a blank canvas. Whether you want to add some holiday cheer or just switch things up, you’ll find this recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable.

Holiday Sprinkles: I sprinkle in red and green festive confetti to give it that Christmas charm—kids and adults can’t resist!
Nut-Free Version: Swap M&M’s for extra chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks if allergies are a concern.
Extra Chewy: Add an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of honey for even more moist chewiness in the center.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel over cooled blondies for a decadent twist my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection

This is where the whole recipe shines. Melt your butter over medium heat in a saucepan, and keep stirring as it foams and then starts to brown. Watch it like a hawk—it can quickly go from nutty brown to burnt! Once you see those beautiful golden flecks and smell the toasted aroma, immediately pour it into a heat-proof bowl to cool. This step gives the blondies that rich, toasty backbone of flavor you’ll adore.

Step 2: Mix Up the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and a bit of cooking spray—this makes cleanup a breeze. Whisk the cooled browned butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Then, beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until everything comes together nicely. This creates a silky base that’s key to the chewy texture.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins

Stir in the cornstarch, salt, and flour gently—don’t overmix here or your blondies can get tough. Now, carefully fold in those colorful M&M’s and melty chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top. The chocolates melt just right for gooey pockets, while the M&M’s keep a nice crunch. Smooth the batter evenly in your pan.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 20 to 23 minutes. You’re aiming for a light golden edge but still some softness in the center—remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool. When done, sprinkle with flaky salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty contrast. Once cooled, cut into squares and get ready to savor every gooey, chewy bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe

Watch Your Butter Closely: Browning butter happens fast—don’t step away from the stove or you risk burning it, which tastes bitter.
Measure Flour Properly: Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or spoon and level your flour for the best texture results.
Don’t Overbake: Blondies can firm up after baking, so pull them out when the edges turn golden but the centers still look slightly underdone.
Add Flakey Salt Last: Sprinkling salt on top right after baking brings out flavor contrast—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe

A square cookie bar with one layer is shown, its golden brown surface dotted with red and green candy pieces and small chocolate chips scattered evenly. The cookie bar is cut into diamond-shaped pieces arranged neatly on a sheet of crinkled white paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cookie bar, there are scattered red and green candy pieces as well as Christmas tree ornaments in red, green, and silver, creating a festive look. A small glass bowl filled with coarse white salt is visible on the right side. The scene is bright and clear, capturing the texture of the cookie bar and the shiny reflection of the ornaments. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chewy Browned Butter Blondies, Browned Butter Blondies recipe, easy blondies with browned butter, chewy blondie bars, festive blondie dessert

Garnishes

I love topping these blondies with a light sprinkle of flaked sea salt—it’s such a simple step but really unlocks all the flavors. Sometimes, for a festive touch, I add a few crushed peppermint candies or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea also compliments the nuttiness of the browned butter beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with some fresh cranberries and pine sprigs for a festive vibe. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and add edible glitter to really wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, and honestly, they taste just as good the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. I recommend layering parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these blondies successfully both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil; thaw completely before baking. Baked blondies freeze great too—just wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh leftovers, I pop a blondie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm gently in a low oven—either way, it comes out chewy and soft like freshly baked. Avoid overheating or it will harden.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter for this recipe?

Yes! If you use unsalted butter, I recommend adding a pinch more salt to the batter to maintain the flavor balance, especially since the flaked salt on top really elevates the blondies.
Why is browned butter important for chewy blondies?

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that regular melted butter can’t match. It also affects the texture by adding richness that helps create that signature chewiness in the blondies.
How can I make sure my blondies come out chewy instead of cakey?

Key tricks include using brown sugar, adding a bit of cornstarch, and not overbaking. Also, avoid adding too much flour and mix just until combined to keep the texture dense and chewy rather than light and cakey.
Can I substitute M&M’s with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit work wonderfully. Choose what you love or what you have on hand to make these blondies truly your own.

Final Thoughts

This Chewy Browned Butter Blondies Recipe has been my go-to for easy yet impressive homemade treats. I love sharing these with friends and family because they’re comforting but feel just a little bit special thanks to that browned butter magic. I’m confident that once you try making these yourself, you’ll find they become a favorite too—perfect for holiday baking, birthdays, or whenever that sweet tooth calls. So grab your butter, turn on the stove, and let’s make some chewy heaven!