If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, this Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe is exactly what you need. These blondies have the perfect balance of chewy, buttery sweetness with pockets of gooey caramel and rich chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth. Every bite bursts with that deep brown sugar flavor enhanced by a touch of vanilla and a hint of salt that elevates the sweetness beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this recipe is a straightforward way to create a show-stopping treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe is that it calls for simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays an important role. From the melted butter that brings richness and tenderness to the brown sugar giving those blondies their signature caramel flavor and moist crumb, these ingredients all come together effortlessly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): This creates the luscious, tender texture that blondies are known for, plus a buttery richness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Packed with molasses, this gives a deep caramel flavor and definitive chewiness.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness and helps with that slight crispness on top.
- 2 eggs + 1 yolk (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and moisture, with the extra yolk enhancing richness.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt heightens the sweetness and balances the caramel notes.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, keeping the blondies chewy and firm.
- 1 cup chopped chocolate bars (with or without caramel): Melted chocolate chunks add gooey bursts of pure indulgence.
- 1 dash of instant coffee (optional): This little addition intensifies chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
How to Make Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures it’s hot and ready by the time your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×8-inch metal baking pan or line it with parchment paper; this helps the blondies release smoothly after baking and keeps their edges beautifully defined.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and silky, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to dissolving the sugars and starting the caramel-like flavor base that makes these blondies so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, whisk in the two eggs plus the extra yolk, which you should have at room temperature for better incorporation. Follow up with the vanilla extract. Whisk everything until you get a uniform, glossy batter that promises richness in every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently whisk in the salt, flour, and if you’re using it, the instant coffee. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears into the batter. This helps maintain a tender and chewy crumb texture instead of tough blondies.
Step 5: Fold in Chopped Chocolate Bars
Now for the best part: fold in the chopped chocolate bars. Whether you choose bars with caramel inside or classic semi-sweet, these generous chunks will give pockets of melty, dreamy chocolate and caramel throughout your blondies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets them set properly so each square holds together beautifully, making them easier to cut and enjoy.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
While these blondies are delicious on their own, a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an elegant touch for serving. You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just before baking to complement the caramel sweetness with a subtle salty contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side add a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your blondies into ice cream sandwiches or layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and fruit. Another fun idea is to cut smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them on a dessert platter alongside mixed nuts and chocolates for an indulgent party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and chewy for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking or an unexpected dessert craving.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save some, blondies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
For a warm treat, microwave a blondie square for 10 to 15 seconds or bake briefly at 300°F until heated through. This brings back that fresh-baked, soft, gooey texture as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for this Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate bars depending on your taste preference. Bars with caramel inside add extra gooeyness, but feel free to experiment with chunks, chips, or a mix.
What if I don’t have instant coffee? Can I skip it?
Yes, the dash of instant coffee is optional and just enhances the chocolate flavor subtly. If you don’t have it, just leave it out; your blondies will still be deliciously rich.
Why do I add an extra egg yolk to the recipe?
The extra yolk adds additional fat and moisture, making the blondies particularly rich and fudgy. It’s a little trick that helps create that tender, chewy texture everyone loves.
How can I tell when the blondies are perfectly baked?
The edges should be golden and slightly puffed. When you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, preferably one with xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious with the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and indulgence together in one delightful treat. It’s easy to make, loaded with irresistible flavors, and fits any occasion from casual snacking to special celebrations. Give it a try and watch how these blondies become your new favorite go-to dessert to bake and share!
Print
Chocolate Chip and Caramel Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Blondies recipe delivers rich, chewy bars packed with brown and granulated sugars, melted butter, and chopped chocolate chunks. Easy to prepare and bake in just 35 minutes, these blondies feature optional instant coffee for a subtle depth of flavor and a perfect buttery-vanilla sweetness. Ideal for dessert or snack, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 eggs + 1 yolk (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 dash of instant coffee (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped Chocolate bars (with or without caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing an 8×8 inch metal pan or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and forms a consistent paste.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla. Add the two whole eggs and one yolk at room temperature to the sugar and butter mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring a silky batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Gently add the vanilla extract, salt, all-purpose flour, and if desired, a dash of instant coffee. Whisk carefully just until the dry ingredients are integrated; avoid overmixing to maintain the blondies’ tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chunks. Add the chopped chocolate bars to the batter and fold them in evenly, distributing the chocolate pieces for bursts of texture and flavor throughout the blondies.
- Transfer to Baking Pan. Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the bars set for clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- The dash of instant coffee is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor by adding subtle richness.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid tough blondies.
- Using room temperature eggs ensures the batter emulsifies smoothly.
- Let blondies cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
