Blondies. The perfect compromise between the brownie and the chocolate chip cookie.
Ahhh, heavenly: )
These are by far one of my most favorite treats to make for crowds. They are so simple! Just chocolate chip cookies minus the extra step of scooping out the dough. This recipe is even easier than the standard cookie recipe too. It scratches the creaming method which thoroughly beats room temperature butter with sugar and instead opts for melted butter and a simple whisk to blend. As far as home-baked goods go, you really can’t get much easier than this. I will say though, I do miss the crunchy edges that the cookies get from baking… but these have got to be the next best thing!
I made these a little while ago for a gathering with some friends at an alpine lodge. We were going to split meals up so that it would be cheaper and easier for everybody to eat. I was in charge of the sweets : D My friends know me well haha. I thought blondies would make a great treat to share. My experiences with creating desserts for groups has taught me a few things. At least as far as what will end up disappearing and what will leave you with a whole plate of leftovers… People like things that are easily recognizable. If somebody can look at a cookie and say,” that’s a chocolate chip cookie” or “that’s an oatmeal raisin cookie” they are way more likely to eat them than if they see a bunch of fancy mint-chocolate bullseye cookies. Or anything with nuts. More people dislike nuts than like nuts. It makes me kinda sad because I love them: / but, I want to have people eat my food rather than pass it just to satisfy myself, so I take one for the team. Plus allergies and all… wow, am I getting off-topic! Anyways, my original point was that these are generic and delicious (aside from being incredibly simple!). The exact type of treat you want to bring to a gathering to satisfy the masses. Here are a few other crowd-pleasers- caramel crumb bars, brownies, peanut butter truffle brownies, chocolate chip cookies.
Quick & Easy Blondies
Serves: 24
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (7.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups packed (10.5 oz) light brown sugar
- 12 Tb unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped coarsely
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9″ x 13″ pan with parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar and melted butter together. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Using rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until just combined. Do NOT overmix. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
Bake until the top is shiny and cracked and feels firm to touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling rack and let cool completely!
Notes: Substitute another 1/2 cup chocolate chips in place of pecans if you don’t like nuts.
