Name: Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((1 stick)); 1 cup light brown sugar ((packed)); 1 large egg ((at room temperature)); 1 cup all-purpose flour ((be sure not to pack)); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ((or chocolate chunks)); 1/2 cup toasted walnuts ((chopped)); 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Indulging in a warm, gooey dessert can transform any day into a special occasion, and these Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies are no exception. With their rich, nutty flavor and the delightful crunch of walnuts, these blondies are a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The magic truly happens when you brown the butter, creating a deep, caramel-like flavor that elevates these blondies to an entirely new level. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself to a sweet moment, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

Why This Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies Stands Out

When it comes to blondies, the texture and flavor profile are everything. These Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies stand out for several reasons:

Brown Butter: The nutty aroma and flavor of brown butter adds depth that regular butter just can’t match.
Texture: The combination of soft, chewy blondies paired with crunchy walnuts and melty chocolate creates a delightful textural contrast.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Versatile: You can easily customize these blondies by swapping in your favorite nuts or chocolate types.

The Essentials

To whip up these delectable Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour (be sure not to pack your flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Setup & Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:

Medium saucepan for browning the butter
Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
Spatula for folding in the chocolate and walnuts
9×9 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack for letting the blondies cool

How to Prepare Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ready to bring these blondies to life? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and the browned butter. Stir until well combined. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Walnuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or chunks) and the toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, lift the blondies out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or rectangles.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

For those looking for alternatives, here are some easy swaps:

Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies gluten-free.

Behind the Recipe

These Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies draw inspiration from classic blondies but elevate them with the rich flavor of brown butter. The addition of walnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also complements the sweetness of the chocolate and brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your blondies fresh and delicious:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the blondies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Handy Q&A

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Just be sure to toast them for extra flavor.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can make a substitute by combining granulated sugar with a little molasses. For every cup of granulated sugar, add about 1 tablespoon of molasses and mix well.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even swirls of peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor.

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Let’s Eat

Now that you have the recipe for these luscious Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! The combination of flavors and textures will surely delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, each bite is a little taste of heaven. So preheat that oven, embrace your inner baker, and let’s get started on this sweet adventure!