M&M Blondies: A delightful classic transformed into a vibrant, chewy, and utterly irresistible dessert bar. These blondies offer a perfect balance of rich caramel notes and the playful crunch of M&M candies, making them an excellent treat for any occasion or a smart way to use up those extra bags of colorful chocolates.
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying Blondies Recipe. Each bite is a journey through a tender, chewy base infused with deep caramel undertones, beautifully contrasted by a generous scattering of candy-coated chocolates. Their vibrant hues make them not only a delicious dessert but also a festive and eye-catching addition to any spread.
Why These M&M Blondies Are an Absolute Must-Try
Forget everything you thought you knew about cookie bars. While delicious, many “blondie” recipes are simply chocolate chip cookie dough baked in a pan. This authentic blondie recipe elevates the experience, delivering a dessert that is distinctively rich, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Here’s why these M&M Blondies will become your new go-to:
- True Blondie Character: Unlike a standard chocolate chip cookie bar, this recipe is crafted using only brown sugar. This crucial ingredient isn’t just about sweetness; it’s the secret to achieving those coveted deep caramel notes and an irresistibly chewy texture that defines a perfect blondie. Every mouthful offers a warm, butterscotch-like flavor that lingers deliciously.
- Irresistible M&M Fun: Who doesn’t adore M&Ms? Their crunchy candy shells and rich chocolate centers add a delightful textural contrast and a pop of color to these golden bars. They’re perfect for involving kids in the kitchen, and their versatility makes them ideal for customizing to any holiday or celebration. Imagine vibrant red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or classic orange and black for Halloween!
- Effortless Customization: While M&Ms are the star, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out or add different mix-ins to suit your mood or what you have on hand, creating a new experience every time.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just a simple weeknight dessert, these M&M Blondies are guaranteed to disappear fast. Their universally loved flavors and appealing appearance make them a hit with all ages.
Mastering the M&M Blondies Recipe: Essential Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality blondies at home is simpler than you might think, especially with a few expert tips. This section will guide you through maximizing flavor, texture, and presentation for your M&M Blondies.
- The Perfect Ratio of Add-Ins: This recipe calls for one cup of total add-ins, typically split as ½ cup of M&M’s and ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ratio provides a balanced distribution of flavors and textures. However, this is merely a suggestion! Feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
- Unleash Your Creativity with Mix-Ins: The beauty of blondies lies in their adaptability. Don’t limit yourself to just M&Ms and semi-sweet chips.
- Chocolate Varieties: Experiment with white chocolate chips for a creamier sweetness, peanut butter chocolate chips for a nutty twist, or even dark chocolate chunks or discs for a more intense cocoa flavor.
- Beyond Chocolate: Introduce other exciting elements such as toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) for crunch, dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots) for a chewy tang, toffee bits for a buttery crunch, or even other candies like chopped candy bars or mini marshmallows.
- PRO-Tip: The Art of Garnish: To ensure your blondies look as good as they taste, always set aside a small handful of extra M&Ms and/or chocolate chips. As soon as the blondies come out of the oven, while they are still hot and pliable, gently press these reserved candies into the top surface. This prevents most of your colorful additions from sinking to the bottom during baking, creating a beautiful, visually appealing presentation. Be careful when doing this, as the pan and bars will be very hot.
- Check Your Baking Powder: Blondies rely on baking powder for their lift and delicate crumb. Baking powder can lose its potency over time, especially if not used frequently. To ensure your blondies rise beautifully, check its freshness. Add a spoonful to half a cup of hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s still active. If not, it’s time for a new container.
- Embrace the Cracks: A signature characteristic of a true blondie is its thin, delicate, and often slightly cracked crust. If some cracks develop as you press in the extra candies, consider it a sign of authenticity and a lovely homemade touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blondies
What’s the Difference Between a Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar and a Blondie?
While both are delicious pan-baked treats, there are key distinctions that set a true blondie apart from a standard chocolate chip cookie bar. The most significant difference lies in the sugar profile: blondies typically use only brown sugar, whereas chocolate chip cookie bars often incorporate a mix of brown and white sugar. This exclusive use of brown sugar in blondies is what imparts their characteristic deep, rich caramel or butterscotch flavor. Additionally, blondies often have a higher ratio of butter to flour, contributing to a more delicate yet dense and chewy interior, often with a slightly flaky or shiny crust. The leavening agent also plays a role; blondies commonly use baking powder, which can contribute to a lighter color and a slightly doughier texture in the center, differentiating it from the often chewier, flatter profile achieved with baking soda in many cookie recipes.
How Long Do Blondies Keep and How Should I Store Them?
Blondies are wonderfully resilient and keep well, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. For optimal freshness, store your cooled M&M Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last a little longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. For extended storage, blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire cooled slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Brownie and a Blondie?
The primary distinction between a brownie and a blondie is quite straightforward: brownies are essentially chocolate-flavored blondies! A brownie’s batter derives its characteristic dark color and intense flavor from cocoa powder or melted chocolate, making chocolate the dominant taste. In contrast, a blondie’s batter is vanilla-based, typically relying on brown sugar and vanilla extract for its golden hue and rich, butterscotch-like flavor. While both are dense, chewy bar cookies, blondies offer a delightful alternative for those who appreciate the warm, caramel notes without the chocolate focus.
Explore More Delicious Bar Cookie Recipes
Once you’ve mastered these M&M Blondies, you might find yourself eager to explore the wonderful world of bar cookies. There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a batch of bars – they’re often easier to make and cut than individual cookies, and they’re perfect for sharing (or not!). These delicious bar cookie recipes are sure to inspire your next baking adventure, beloved by even the pickiest taste testers!
- Homemade Reese’s Bars
- Raspberry Filled White Chocolate Bars
- Brookies (Brownie + Cookie = Bliss!)
- Classic Butterscotch Blondies with White Chocolate Chips
- Decadent Caramel Apple Pie Toffee Bars
- How to Cut Perfect Cookie Bars Every Time
- Discover more Irresistible Bar Cookie Recipes
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M & M Blondies Recipe
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
16 servings
Perfectly chewy blondies studded with vibrant M&M’s and rich caramel undertones.
Average Rating: 4.6 stars based on 19 reviews.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1½ sticks), melted and cooled
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup M&M’s candies (plus a few extra for garnish)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper, ensuring there is enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the blondies from the pan once baked and cooled.
- Set the prepared pan aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the packed light brown sugar until thoroughly combined and smooth. Then, add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is cohesive.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet egg mixture. Mix only until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
- Carefully fold in the ½ cup of M&M’s and ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading and smoothing the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- If desired, press a few extra M&M’s on top of the dough for an attractive garnish and vibrant presentation.
- Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until the top is shiny, lightly cracked, and a beautiful light golden brown. It’s crucial not to overbake, as blondies continue to set as they cool and overbaking will result in dry bars.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature before slicing.
- Once fully cooled, use the foil or parchment overhang to lift the blondie slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares to serve.
Notes
Pressing some M&Ms and/or chocolate chips into the top of the just-baked blondies highlights what’s in the bars. Often during baking, the majority of these add-ins will sink below the surface. This is an optional step that’s nice when you’re serving these to company or giving them away to friends, as it enhances their visual appeal. Also, remember that blondies are best when slightly underbaked; a shiny, slightly cracked top is your cue!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16
Serving Size:
1 bar
Approximate Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 254
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 151mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 3g
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Skinny Tip: Mindful Beverage Choices
As part of an ongoing series dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, here’s a tip often overlooked. One of the most frequent inquiries I receive is how I manage to stay trim while indulging in delicious treats like these blondies. It’s all about balance and conscious choices.
Tip #15: Re-evaluate your beverage consumption. Calories in drinks can add up surprisingly fast without providing much satiety. Make a conscious effort to avoid sugary sodas, which offer empty calories. If you enjoy wine, consider limiting yourself to just one glass with or before dinner. For fruit juices or smoothies, always check the serving size on the label and stick to it; while they can be nutrient-dense, their sugar content can be high. Prioritizing water and making informed choices about liquid calories can make a significant difference in your overall caloric intake and well-being.