Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

Butterscotch blondies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, butterscotch, and a hint of salt. These chewy, dense blondies are reminiscent of classic brownies but with a lighter, sweeter twist. The addition of butterscotch morsels and a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the dessert to a new level of indulgence. Butterscotch blondies have a special place in many cultures, often being a favorite treat at family gatherings and potlucks. Their simplicity in preparation and versatility in presentation make them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter (browned or melted)
• 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (270g) butterscotch morsels
• Optional: 3/4 cup (95g) chopped walnuts
• Coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished blondies out (makes cutting easier). Set aside.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the browned or melted butter and brown sugar together. Once completely combined, whisk in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk or stir until combined. The batter will be pretty heavy and thick, so use a silicone spatula if needed.

5. Fold in Butterscotch Morsels and Nuts: Fold in the butterscotch morsels and nuts, if using.

6. Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan.

7. Bake Blondies: Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. A couple of moist crumbs are okay, as long as it’s not wet.

8. Cool Blondies: Remove from the oven and cool the blondies completely in the pan set on a wire rack.

9. Store Blondies: Cover and store leftover blondies at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Top Tips:

1. Brown Butter: For enhanced butterscotch and nutty flavors, brown the butter before using it in the recipe. To brown the butter, slice it into pieces and place it in a light-colored skillet. Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, the butter will begin to foam. Keep stirring occasionally. After 5-8 minutes, the butter will begin browning—you’ll notice lightly browned specks begin to form at the bottom of the pan and it will have a nutty aroma. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before using.

2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butterscotch morsels and pure vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your blondies.

3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.

4. Add Nuts for Texture: Chopped walnuts add a delicious texture to the blondies, but they are optional.

5. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Sprinkling coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt on top of the blondies adds a savory contrast to the sweet butterscotch flavor.

6. Cool Completely: Cooling the blondies completely in the pan helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Blondies: Add 1 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-butterscotch combination.

2. Pecan Blondies: Add 3/4 cup of chopped pecans to the batter for a nutty twist.

3. Sea Salt Caramel Blondies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled blondies and sprinkle with sea salt for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Coconut Blondies: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

5. Espresso Blondies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor.

6. Cinnamon Blondies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
Butterscotch blondies are a rich dessert, but they can be made healthier by using less sugar and adding more nuts or seeds. If you choose to add nuts, be mindful of the portion size to keep the calorie count in check. These blondies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.