These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies are the ultimate chewy, buttery treat! Each bite is packed with rich peanut butter flavor and melty chocolate chips, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. They have a slightly crisp edge with a soft, fudgy center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these blondies come together in no time with simple pantry ingredients. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate addict, these blondies are sure to be a new favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 bars
The Ultimate Guide to Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These blondies are rich, chewy, and packed with nutty, buttery goodness, making them a must-try treat for dessert lovers. Unlike traditional brownies, which are made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, blondies get their golden color and caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and butter. When you add peanut butter and chocolate chips to the mix, you create a dessert that is soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. In this article, we’ll explore the history of blondies, why peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, the benefits of making these treats at home, and tips to ensure your blondies turn out perfectly every time.
A Brief History of Blondies
Blondies are often considered the vanilla counterpart to brownies. While brownies have been around since the late 19th century, blondies likely originated in the early 20th century. The first known blondie recipes appeared in American cookbooks, where they were called “butterscotch brownies” due to their caramel-like flavor, which comes from using brown sugar and butter. Over time, bakers began adding different ingredients to blondies, such as nuts, chocolate chips, and various extracts, leading to many delicious variations, including these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies. The combination of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies is a relatively modern twist. Peanut butter became popular in American households in the early 1900s, and it wasn’t long before home bakers started incorporating it into their desserts. Chocolate chips, introduced by Nestlé in the 1930s, further revolutionized baking, making it easier to add chocolate to cookies, brownies, and of course, blondies.
Why Peanut Butter and Chocolate Make the Perfect Pair
There’s a reason why peanut butter and chocolate are one of the most beloved flavor combinations in the world. The rich, slightly salty taste of peanut butter balances the sweetness of chocolate, creating a perfectly harmonious bite. Here are some reasons why this pairing is so popular:
- Flavor Contrast: Peanut butter has a naturally nutty, slightly salty taste that enhances the sweetness of chocolate. The contrast makes each bite more interesting and delicious.
- Creamy and Smooth Texture: Peanut butter adds a rich, creamy texture to desserts, making blondies extra moist and chewy.
- A Universal Favorite: This combination is widely loved across different cultures and generations, making it a great dessert to serve at gatherings.
- Nutritional Benefits: While these blondies are definitely a treat, peanut butter adds some protein and healthy fats, making them slightly more nutritious than traditional desserts.
Why This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe is the Best
There are countless blondie recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
- Perfectly Chewy Texture – These blondies have the ideal balance of crispy edges and a soft, gooey center. The peanut butter makes them extra moist without being overly dense.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor – The combination of brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter gives these blondies a deep, caramel-like taste with a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Easy to Make – With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these blondies in under an hour. No fancy techniques or special equipment required!
- Customizable – Want to add a twist? Throw in some chopped peanuts for extra crunch, swirl in some caramel, or drizzle melted chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat – Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just for yourself, these blondies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies
To make sure your blondies come out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:
Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Since this recipe is simple, the quality of ingredients makes a big difference. Use real butter (not margarine), good-quality peanut butter, and fresh chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Overmixing can make blondies tough and dense. Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
Measure Flour Correctly
- Too much flour can result in dry blondies. Use the spoon-and-level method: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Use the Right Peanut Butter
- For the best texture, use creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the blondies greasy or crumbly.
Line the Baking Pan with Parchment Paper
- This makes it easier to remove the blondies from the pan and ensures they don’t stick.
Check for Doneness
- Blondies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
Let Them Cool Before Cutting
- It’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing your blondies to cool completely will help them set and make them easier to cut into clean squares.
How to Serve and Store Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting snack.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture.
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle a bit of sea salt for a salted caramel version.
- Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and coconut sugar for a slightly healthier take.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies are a dessert lover’s dream. They’re easy to make, packed with rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor, and have the perfect chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these blondies are guaranteed to hit the spot. With their classic flavor combination, quick prep time, and endless customization options, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious blondie recipes you’ll ever try!
