Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s as simple to make as it is impossible to resist, look no further than these Brown Butter Blondies. Rich, chewy, and brimming with an intoxicating nuttiness from brown butter, each bite offers a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and subtle salt — all with minimum fuss, maximum flavor, and a texture that’s out of this world. Whether you’re baking these for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to upgrade your blondie game in the most spectacular fashion.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Brown Butter Blondies is that they rely on pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating gooey perfection. Don’t skip or skimp — the magic truly lies in the quality and combination of what you use.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter gives these blondies a deep, nutty flavor that’s pure gold; don’t rush this step for best results.
- Brown sugar, packed: This is the heart of the blondie’s gooey texture and caramel notes; dark or light brown sugar will both work beautifully.
- Large eggs: Bring them to room temperature for a smoother batter and a soft, chewy crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the richest flavor boost — you’ll notice the difference.
- All-purpose flour: The structure of your blondies starts here; measure with care to keep things tender, not cakey.
- Baking powder: Just enough lift to give these bars a perfect, thick bite.
- Salt: Don’t skip it — it sharpens the sweetness and highlights the nutty undertones from that glorious brown butter.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional): For pools of melty chocolate, dark, milk or even white chocolate all work — or mix them up!
- Chopped nuts (optional): Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a toasty depth that keeps your taste buds on their toes.
How to Make Brown Butter Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting later, or give it a light greasing. This not only prevents sticking, but also makes slicing and serving a total breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This is where the signature flavor of Brown Butter Blondies comes alive! Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling and stirring often. In about 5–7 minutes, the butter will foam, turn golden, and fill your kitchen with a nutty fragrance. As soon as you see browned solids at the bottom and smell a toasty aroma, immediately pour the butter into a large mixing bowl to cool for 5–10 minutes, stopping the cooking process.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Once your butter has cooled but is still liquid, whisk in the packed brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Then crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This rich, molasses-y mixture sets the foundation for your blondies’ chewy, fudgy crumb.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then add these dry ingredients to your wet mix in increments. Stir just until you see no streaks of flour — overmixing can take away some of that gooey goodness you’re after.
Step 5: Fold in Goodies
If you’re using chocolate chips and/or nuts, fold them into the batter now. This is your chance to personalize your Brown Butter Blondies — go classic with semi-sweet chips, intense with dark chocolate, or extra cozy with toasted walnuts or pecans.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to set as they cool, locking in that crave-worthy chewiness.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang (if used). Once cool, cut into squares. Resist the urge to dive in too early — a bit of patience means neater slices that hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Brown Butter Blondies

Garnishes
Sprinkle warm blondies with a pinch of flaky sea salt to really accentuate the caramel notes, or drizzle them with a little melted chocolate for extra decadence. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, classic touch when serving to guests.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns these Brown Butter Blondies into pure dessert bliss. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add brightness and balance, making each bite feel that much more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or bake sales, wrap individual blondie squares in parchment with a ribbon for a sweet, homemade gift. Stack squares on a rustic platter for family style, or cut them into mini bites and serve as part of a dessert board with fruit and chocolates. The possibilities are nearly as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Brown Butter Blondies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. Slip a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and help them stay as moist and fudgy as the day they were made.
Freezing
For longer storage, these blondies freeze like a dream. Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months — just bring to room temperature or warm before serving.
Reheating
If you love warm, gooey treats, pop a blondie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat them gently in a low oven until just warmed through. It revives that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and brings the chocolate back to melty life!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just reduce the salt called for in the recipe by about half to keep things balanced — that way, your Brown Butter Blondies won’t risk tasting overly salty.
What’s the best way to brown butter?
Patience is key! Melt your butter over medium heat, stirring often, and watch closely once it foams. When it smells nutty and the milk solids turn brown, it’s ready — immediately pour it into a bowl to keep it from burning.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and proceed exactly as written. The blondies will still have that irresistible chew and rich flavor.
How do I know when my blondies are done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center will emerge with a few moist (but not wet) crumbs attached. If you prefer extra gooey centers, err on the side of underbaking by a minute or two.
What mix-ins go best with Brown Butter Blondies?
Chocolate chunks, white chocolate, toasted pecans, walnuts, and even a handful of butterscotch chips are all deliciously welcome additions. You can mix and match to suit the season or your cravings!
Final Thoughts
No matter the occasion, these Brown Butter Blondies deserve a spot in your baking rotation. With their unbeatable flavor, chewy texture, and effortless charm, they’re sure to become a favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to share a square. Trust me — once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Brown Butter Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of these Brown Butter Blondies. With a chewy texture and a hint of caramel from the brown sugar, these blondies are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
For the Blondies:
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes.
- Prepare the Batter: Pour the brown butter into a mixing bowl, let it cool, then whisk in the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Cool the blondies completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Toasted pecans or walnuts complement the browned butter flavor. For a gooier texture, underbake slightly and chill before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg