These quick blondies are the ultimate chewy vanilla bars for busy holidays. You’ll love how buttery, rich, and golden they bake in just one bowl no mixer required. Tested twice for perfect texture and that signature crackly top, they’re a hit for last-minute dessert trays or bake sales.
At a Glance
Prep: 10 mins | Bake: 25 mins | Total: 35 mins
Yields: 16 bars | Method: One-bowl baking
Flavor: Sweet vanilla, brown sugar, buttery chew
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (90 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup (80 g) chopped nuts or dried cranberries (optional)
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Use plant butter or coconut oil | Texture stays soft but slightly denser |
| Gluten-free | Use 1:1 GF baking blend | Avoid almond flour—it changes chewiness |
| No alcohol/pork | Always | No ingredients here need replacement |
| Pantry | Substitute half brown sugar with white sugar | Slightly lighter flavor and color |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chips or nuts if using. - Bake & Cool:
Spread into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–28 minutes, until golden edges and slightly soft center. Cool before slicing.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overbake — edges should be firm but centers slightly soft for chewy texture.
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm holiday note.
- For nut-free: skip nuts and double the chips.
- Chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Add festive sprinkles for a quick Christmas or party version.
- Make it dairy-free: coconut oil adds subtle flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee.
- Cut into mini squares for dessert boards.
- Top warm blondies with vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap bars individually and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave 10–15 sec (or 300°F / 150°C oven for 5 min).
- Food safety: Keep covered; don’t leave out more than 2 hours.
FAQs
Q1: Can I double this blondies recipe?
A1: Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 30–32 minutes.
Q2: Why are my blondies cakey?
A2: You may have overmixed or added too much flour. Fold gently until just combined.
Q3: Can I make these without eggs?
A3: Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or flax egg for soft texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 240; Protein: 3g; Carbs: 28g; Fat: 13g
Print
Quick Blondies Recipe | Sweet Vanilla Holiday Bar Treats 2025
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick, chewy, buttery blondies with sweet vanilla flavor — perfect for 2025 holiday trays, bake sales, or last-minute dessert. One-bowl method, bakes in about 25 minutes, makes 16 bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (90 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped nuts or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla together in a mixing bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and nuts or cranberries, if using.
- Spread batter into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–28 minutes, until edges are golden and center is just set. Cool completely, then slice into 16 bars.
Notes
Swaps: – Dairy-free: use plant butter or coconut oil. – Gluten-free: use 1:1 baking blend. – Holiday version: add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and top with sprinkles. Tested twice; best texture at 25–26 minutes bake time. Do not overbake for chewy centers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: quick blondies recipe, vanilla blondies, chewy blondies, holiday dessert bars, one-bowl blondies, easy blondie recipe, sweet bar treats