Looking for a sweet and easy treat? Cookie butter blondies are your answer! With a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness, these delicious bars are perfect for any occasion. You will love how simple they are to make with just a handful of ingredients. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert that everyone will crave! Let’s dive into the recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of cookie butter and chocolate creates a rich, indulgent taste that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: These blondies have a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, providing a delightful eating experience.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or more chocolate for a personalized twist on this treat.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup cookie butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/4 cup crushed cookies (e.g., speculoos or graham crackers) for topping
Ingredient Notes
What is cookie butter?
Cookie butter is a sweet spread made from ground cookies. It has a rich, sweet flavor. You can find it in many stores. It adds a unique taste to these blondies.
Tips for butter selection
Use unsalted butter for better flavor control. If you use salted butter, skip the additional salt in the recipe. Melt the butter before mixing. This makes blending easier.
Substitutes for eggs and flour
If you want an egg-free blondie, use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For flour, use almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free blondies. Adjust the amount slightly, as different flours have different textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the blondies bake evenly.
2. Greasing the baking pan: Next, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing Ingredients
1. Combining melted butter and sugars: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with brown and granulated sugars. Whisk until everything blends well and is smooth.
2. Incorporating eggs and vanilla: Add two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mix. Stir until fully combined.
Baking Process
1. Mixing dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. This ensures the blondies rise well.
2. Adding cookie butter and chocolate chips: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Then, fold in one cup of cookie butter and half a cup of chocolate chips if you want.
3. Baking time and checking doneness: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Blondies
To make the best blondies, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough. To check for proper doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. The edges should look golden and firm.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add spices or extracts to boost flavor. Try a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Almond extract can add a nice twist too. For chocolate lovers, use dark or milk chocolate chips. You can even mix in white chocolate for a fun variation.
Serving Suggestions
These blondies pair well with ice cream or coffee. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It makes a great dessert! For a nice touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Use a pretty plate to make them shine.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter that will incorporate air better, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary based on your oven and pan type. Start checking the blondies a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
Variations
Ingredient Variations
You can change the flavor of cookie butter blondies by using different types of cookie butter. Try a speculoos cookie butter for a spiced twist. You can also use a chocolate cookie butter for a richer taste. Each type will give your blondies a unique flavor.
If you need nut-free options, skip any nuts in the mix-ins. Instead, you can use seeds or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. These add sweetness and chewiness without nuts. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are nut-free.
Adding Texture
To add texture, consider mixing in nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you want something sweeter, use mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. These will melt and create gooey pockets in your blondies.
For creative toppings, sprinkle crushed cookies on top before baking. You can use graham crackers or speculoos. Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the baked blondies to take them to the next level. These toppings make your blondies look and taste amazing.
Alternative Baking Methods
You can make cookie butter blondies in a muffin tin for a fun twist. This method gives you individual servings. Bake them for about 20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
If you want a no-bake option, try a cookie butter blondie pie. Mix the cookie butter with cream cheese and whipped cream. Press this mixture into a crust made from crushed cookies. Chill it until firm for a cool dessert. This no-bake treat is quick and easy!
Storage Info
How to Store Blondies
To keep your cookie butter blondies fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This way, they stay soft and chewy. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration can help. Just be aware that cold blondies may lose some of their softness. For freezing, cut them into squares. Place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. You can stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, cookie butter blondies last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can stay good for up to a week. Signs of spoilage include mold or a hard texture. If they smell off or have an unusual appearance, it’s best to toss them.
Reheating Tips
For a warm treat, you can reheat blondies in the microwave. Heat them for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms them without making them dry. If you prefer them cold, they are still delicious right from the container. You can serve them as they are or with ice cream for a special touch.
FAQs
What is cookie butter?
Cookie butter is a spread made from crushed cookies, sugar, and spices. It has a smooth, creamy texture. The most popular type is made from speculoos cookies. It tastes sweet and spiced, similar to gingerbread. You can spread it on toast or use it in baking. It adds a rich flavor to many desserts, including our blondies.
Can I make cookie butter blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make cookie butter blondies gluten-free! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the cookie butter label for gluten-free certification. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This way, you can enjoy these treats without worry.
How should I cut the blondies for serving?
For serving, let the blondies cool for at least 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. You can make them smaller or larger, depending on your needs. A 9×9 inch pan yields 16 squares, but feel free to adjust. For neat edges, wipe the knife after each cut.
Can I add other mix-ins aside from chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can mix in nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. Dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, also work well. You can even add white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Mix and match to suit your taste. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup.
What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies and brownies are both delicious, but they differ in flavor and color. Brownies have cocoa powder, which gives them a rich chocolate taste. Blondies lack cocoa powder, making them lighter in color. Instead, blondies taste sweet and buttery, with hints of vanilla and brown sugar. Both are great treats, but they offer unique flavors.
This blog post shared how to make tasty cookie butter blondies. We discussed ingredient choices, preparation steps, and tips for the best results. Understanding cookie butter is key to getting great flavor. I also offered storage tips to keep your blondies fresh.
In the end, you can be creative with your blondies. Use different cookie butters or toppings. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your delicious treat
