Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe: Easy, Chewy, and Irresistible

Peanut butter blondies are a chewy, rich twist on traditional brownies.

They’re a favorite for dessert lovers, packed with peanut butter flavor and a soft, gooey texture.

Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual treat or a holiday gathering—these blondies are simple to make and sure to impress.

Their versatility allows for endless customizations, making them a must-try recipe for peanut butter enthusiasts.

With that being said, here’s how to easily make them at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: The recipe comes together in just a few steps, perfect for busy schedules.
• Minimal Equipment Needed: You’ll only need one bowl—no mixer required—making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich, Chewy Texture: These blondies are dense and gooey in the center, with just the right amount of crispness on the edges.
• Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance: The creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with sweet brown sugar for an irresistible flavor.
• Customizable Options: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or nuts to make them uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, from casual treats to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible peanut butter blondies:

Essential Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup (170g), melted and slightly cooled. Provides richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar: 2 cups (400g), packed. Use light brown sugar for a milder flavor or dark brown sugar for deeper, caramel-like notes.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: 3/4 cup (190g). Use processed peanut butter (e.g., Skippy or Jif) for a smooth texture and to avoid dryness. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can separate and affect the consistency.
• Large Eggs: 2, plus 1 extra yolk. Adds structure and contributes to the blondies’ chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g), spooned and leveled. This ensures proper measurement and avoids dense blondies.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Provides a slight lift, creating the perfect chewy texture.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

• Reese’s Pieces: 1 1/4 cups (about 260g), for a sweet crunch and extra peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semisweet or milk chocolate for a gooey, indulgent addition.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Topping: Sprinkle extra Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips on top for a decorative and tasty finish.

Equipment Needed

To make these peanut butter blondies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients with ease.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing wet ingredients smoothly and ensuring a uniform batter.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in dry ingredients and scraping the batter into the baking pan.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: Provides enough space for the blondies to bake evenly with the perfect thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean slicing. Leave an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of both wet and dry ingredients.
• Toothpick: To test doneness and ensure the blondies are baked to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect peanut butter blondies:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the blondies out after baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the peanut butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Using a spatula, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until there are no streaks of flour visible. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
5. Incorporate Mix-Ins: Fold in your chosen mix-ins, such as Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the blondies dry.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the blondies out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies

Creating the perfect peanut butter blondies doesn’t have to be complicated.

These tips will ensure your blondies turn out soft, chewy, and irresistible every time.

Measure Flour Properly

Accurate flour measurement is key to achieving the right texture.

Use the spoon-and-level method for the best results.

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup without packing it, then level off the excess with a flat edge.

This prevents using too much flour, which can make your blondies dense and dry.

Avoid Overbaking

Overbaking is one of the most common mistakes when making blondies.

Remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

The blondies will continue to set as they cool, maintaining their chewy texture.

Baking too long can result in dry, crumbly edges.

Let Them Cool Completely

Patience is essential when it comes to slicing blondies.

Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.

This helps them firm up and ensures clean, even slices.

Cutting too soon can cause them to crumble or fall apart.

Variations and Add-Ins

Chocolate Lovers

For a richer, chocolate-infused treat, consider adding a swirl of melted chocolate to the batter before baking.

You can also mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle semisweet or milk chocolate chips throughout the batter for gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.

Nutty Crunch

If you love a bit of crunch in your blondies, add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds.

Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with peanut butter, while their crisp texture adds an enjoyable contrast to the blondies’ chewiness.

Lightly toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.

Candy Pieces

Mixing in candy pieces is a fun way to add color and sweetness to your blondies.

Reese’s Pieces are a classic choice, but M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips work just as well.

These add-ins provide bursts of flavor and texture, making each bite exciting and different.

Frosted Blondies

For an extra indulgent twist, top your cooled blondies with a layer of frosting.

Peanut butter frosting enhances the nutty flavor, while chocolate frosting creates a classic pairing.

You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the frosting for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut butter blondies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways.

Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a comforting and indulgent treat.

Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances the blondies’ rich flavors.

For a classic pairing, enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, which balances the peanut butter’s intensity with its refreshing taste.

If you prefer something warm, a hot cup of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly, making the blondies an ideal choice for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Proper storage ensures your peanut butter blondies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

To keep them at their best, follow these simple guidelines:

Room Temperature

Place the blondies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out or becoming stale.

Refrigeration

If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to one week.

Refrigeration helps maintain their moisture while extending their shelf life.

Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly for the best texture.

Freezing

For long-term storage, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap to protect them from freezer burn.

Then, place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, thaw the blondies at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Peanut butter blondies are the perfect combination of chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor.

They’re easy to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion.

Try the recipe today and discover why they’re a timeless treat everyone loves!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While natural peanut butter may seem like a healthy choice, it’s not ideal for this recipe.

Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the blondies dry or crumbly.

Stick with processed creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif, for a smooth, moist texture and consistent results.

How can I make these gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to ensure the blondies hold their structure and maintain the same chewy texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.

Use a larger baking pan, such as a 12×18-inch pan, and keep an eye on the baking time.

You may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure the blondies bake evenly.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.