If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and crave something sweet, chewy, and utterly irresistible, this Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to treat. With just seven simple ingredients and a quick bake time, these blondies boast a perfect balance of warm brown sugar, rich peanut butter, and fragrant vanilla that melt into every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a delightful dessert to share, these bars bring cozy flavors together in a way that feels like a comforting hug. Ready to make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds dance? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for your peanut butter blondies. From the creamy richness of butter and peanut butter to the sweetness of brown sugar, these essentials come together simply yet beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and create a tender crumb in the blondies.
- Light brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture for chewy, gooey perfection.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and give structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that elevates the peanut butter.
- Peanut butter: The star ingredient for that creamy, nutty flavor that defines these blondies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary bulk and softness for the bars.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on opposite sides; this helps you lift the blondies out easily once they’re baked. Lightly grease the parchment with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks, and then set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the light brown sugar until they are fully incorporated and glossy. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and velvety—this step creates the luscious base that makes your blondies so deliciously tender.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the salt and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until there are no streaks of flour and the batter becomes smooth. Avoid overmixing here to keep your blondies soft and chewy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it: a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—that’s when you know it’s perfectly baked.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, use the parchment paper edges to lift the blondies out of the pan carefully. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—this solidifies the texture and makes slicing into neat squares a breeze. Grab a sharp knife, cut into 12 generous bars, and get ready to enjoy or share these decadent treats!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Let your creativity shine when serving these blondies! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. For an extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate or a swirl of peanut butter on top. Tiny salted peanuts can also add a satisfying crunch and highlight the nutty theme.
Side Dishes
Peanut butter blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. Fresh berries or a mixed fruit salad can add brightness and a refreshing contrast to the deep and cozy flavors of the blondies. For coffee lovers, a strong espresso or creamy latte is a match made in heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these blondies as part of a dessert board with assorted nuts, chocolate chunks, and fruit preserves. You could also sandwich them with a layer of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for an upscale party dessert. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes for charming edible gifts too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with any extras (and you might), store your peanut butter blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them nice and soft, just like fresh-baked. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigeration will extend their life up to one week while preserving flavor.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully, which is perfect if you like to bake ahead. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your peanut butter blondies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them briefly in a low-temperature oven. This will bring back that gooey, freshly baked feel and make every bite wonderfully comforting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast, but keep in mind your blondies might have little peanut chunks throughout. It’s a tasty twist if you enjoy some crunch alongside the chewiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture, and you should get equally delicious results.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, white chocolate chips, or even raisins all work beautifully in these blondies. Fold them into the batter right before baking to add extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your blondies are perfectly baked. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye near the end of the bake time.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan like 9×13 inches. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 25 to 30 minutes, since the batter will be thicker.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels both nostalgic and exciting with every bite. Quick to whip up and easy to love, these blondies are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (I won’t tell!). So turn on your oven, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy the warm, peanut buttery goodness that will brighten any day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will hold a special spot in your dessert favorites forever!
Print
Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Blondies are a simple and delicious treat made with just 7 ingredients. They offer a perfect balance of sweet vanilla, warm brown sugar, and rich peanut butter flavor, baked to a soft, chewy texture that’s easy to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup peanut butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until well blended. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and even.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the salt and all-purpose flour into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated, careful not to overmix.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the blondie batter in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Slice: Use the parchment paper to lift the blondies out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into 12 squares with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For added texture, mix in chopped walnuts, white chocolate chips, or raisins before baking.
- Make sure blondies are fully cooled before cutting to create clean, neat squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Blondies can be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a couple of hours at room temperature before serving.