Are you ready for a treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with gooey chocolate chips? In this recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies, I’ll guide you through simple steps to whip up a sweet snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family or a gathering, these blondies will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the tasty details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a delicious treat anytime.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor that everyone loves.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these blondies in the oven and baking in no time.
- Versatile Treat: These blondies can be customized with different mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Substitutions
Peanut butter alternatives
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. They offer similar creaminess.
Sugar substitutes
Try using coconut sugar or honey for a different taste. Brown sugar gives a nice flavor.
Egg replacement options
If you need to skip eggs, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. This keeps the blondies moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan helps. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes removal easy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these well until they are smooth.
3. Now, crack 1 large egg into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This step adds air and evenly distributes the baking powder.
5. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your blondies soft.
Baking Process
6. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula. This helps it bake uniformly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, slice into squares. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter chocolate chip blondies!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Blondies
To get the right consistency in your blondies, mix your peanut butter and sugars until smooth. This step matters. If your mixture is too thick, your blondies may turn out dry. Aim for a thick, creamy batter.
To prevent overbaking, keep an eye on the timer. Check your blondies at 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your blondies are ready. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve peanut butter chocolate chip blondies warm for a gooey treat. You can also serve them at room temp for a firmer bite. For extra taste, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the blondies for a sweet touch.
Presentation Tips
Garnish your blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This gives a nice look. You can also add chocolate chips on top for flair. When serving at events, cut them into small squares. Place them on a platter for easy sharing.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and to achieve a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to keep the blondies tender and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkling a little sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweetness of the blondies and adds a delightful contrast.
- Storage Tips: Keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your blondies easily. Try using different types of chocolate chips like dark, white, or even butterscotch. Each type adds its own twist. If you want a warm taste, add spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can make your blondies special. Just a little goes a long way!
Dietary Variations
You can also make these blondies fit your diet. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent. If you need vegan blondies, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken before adding it to your mix.
Mix-Ins
Mix-ins can make your blondies even better. You can add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a chewy texture. Candies like M&Ms also work great. If you want more crunch, try nut alternatives like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These will add a nice bite while keeping it nut-free.
Storage Information
Proper Storage Techniques
Store your peanut butter chocolate chip blondies properly to keep them fresh. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container. They stay soft and tasty for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They can last up to a week when stored this way.
Freezing Tips
Freezing blondies is a great way to enjoy them later. Here’s how:
- How to Freeze: Cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep them fresh.
- Thawing Recommendations: When you’re ready to eat, take out a piece and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Shelf Life
How long can you store blondies before they spoil?
- At room temperature, they last about 3-4 days.
- In the fridge, they stay good for a week.
- If frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options work well in this recipe. They give a nice nutty taste and a similar texture.
Can I make these blondies in advance?
Yes, you can make these blondies a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and tasty.
Troubleshooting
Why are my blondies too dry?
If your blondies are dry, you might have baked them too long. Check them at the 20-minute mark. Also, make sure you used the right amount of ingredients.
How can I make my blondies more fudgy?
To get fudgier blondies, try adding more peanut butter or a little extra egg. You can also reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons for a denser texture.
Serving and Pairing FAQs
What goes well with peanut butter chocolate chip blondies?
These blondies pair great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or some chopped nuts on top.
Can I serve these blondies warm or cold?
You can enjoy these blondies warm or at room temperature. Warm blondies taste amazing with ice cream melting on top.
You now know how to make tasty peanut butter chocolate chip blondies. We covered the key ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations to try. You even learned how to store them for later.
Bake these blondies, and you’ll impress your friends and family. Enjoy them warm or cold. With the right mix-ins and toppings, you can make these treats your own. Happy bakin
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 2 packed brown sugar
- 1 2 granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 2 baking powder
- 1 4 salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 2 chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 4 chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just mixed.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
