Last Thursday was a big day for our family—Hannah officially graduated from elementary school! It feels like just yesterday we were attending her Kindergarten Open House, watching her take those first steps into the world of learning. And now, in what feels like the blink of an eye, she’s heading off to middle school!
With two of my three little ones already out of school for summer break and the third finishing up tomorrow, my role as the family’s self-appointed cruise director officially kicks into full gear. That means planning plenty of summer fun, starting with a much-anticipated beach day. And what’s a beach trip without some homemade treats?
Since Hannah loves to help in the kitchen, I’ve assigned her the important task of whipping up a batch of our family-favorite Classic Blonde Brownies. These chewy, buttery, chocolate-studded bars are the perfect balance between a brownie and a cookie. While there are many delicious variations out there—some with butterscotch chips, others with nuts—our go-to recipe keeps things simple and classic. Just golden-brown perfection, rich with brown sugar, butter, and plenty of chocolate chips.
If you’ve never made Classic Blonde Brownies before, you’re in for a treat! They come together easily and are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to the beach, packing a lunchbox, or simply craving a nostalgic, home-baked dessert.
Classic Blonde Brownies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (12 oz. package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Why We Love Classic Blonde Brownies
- Chewy & Buttery: Thanks to the brown sugar and butter, these bars have an irresistible chewiness with a caramel-like richness.
- Quick & Easy: No need to fuss with multiple layers or complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Customizable: While we love the classic chocolate chip version, you can easily switch things up by adding white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual beach day, a bake sale, or an after-school snack, these brownies are always a hit.
Tips for the Best Blonde Brownies
- Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: Since chocolate is a star ingredient, go for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to soft and chewy brownies is to remove them from the oven as soon as the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let Them Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting them cool fully helps them set and makes slicing much easier.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go treat!
A Sweet Start to Summer
Baking these Classic Blonde Brownies together has become one of our favorite ways to kick off the summer season. There’s something so special about passing down simple, comforting recipes—especially ones that fill the house with the warm aroma of butter, brown sugar, and melting chocolate.
As we pack up our beach bags, complete with towels, sunscreen, and, of course, a container full of fresh-baked brownies, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly time is flying by. One moment, I was helping Hannah tie her shoes for her first day of kindergarten, and now she’s stepping into middle school with confidence.
So here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, adventure, and plenty of sweet moments—including these delicious Classic Blonde Brownies!
Hope you all have a fantastic week ahead, and if you give this recipe a try, let me know how you like it!
