Craving something sweet and easy? You’re in the right place! These Maple Cinnamon Blondies are simple to make and packed with flavor. Imagine soft, chewy treats that melt in your mouth, all while filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and maple. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, from choosing the right ingredients to perfecting your bake. Let’s dive into this delightful sweet treat!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for maple cinnamon blondies. This list brings together sweet and rich flavors.
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Each ingredient plays a key role. The butter adds richness while the brown sugar gives it a deep flavor. Maple syrup brings sweetness and a lovely aroma. Eggs bind everything together, ensuring your blondies are soft and chewy.
The flour provides structure, and baking powder helps them rise. Cinnamon adds warmth, making each bite feel cozy. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Feel free to customize your blondies. Adding walnuts gives a nice crunch, while white chocolate chips add creaminess. Mix and match to your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can either grease it or line it with parchment paper. This helps the blondies come out easily.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Then, crack in 2 large eggs and pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together. Gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your blondies soft.
Folding in Optional Ingredients
If you like, add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Gently fold them into the batter. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor to your blondies.
Baking the Blondies
Now, pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Cooling and Serving
Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Tips & Tricks
How to Avoid Overmixing
Mixing the batter too much can make your blondies tough. To avoid this, mix just until you see no dry flour. When you add the dry mix to the wet mix, be gentle. Use a spatula to fold in the flour. This keeps the blondies soft and chewy.
Ensuring Even Baking
Even baking helps all your blondies cook just right. To ensure this, spread the batter evenly in the pan. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the pan inside. If you have hot spots in your oven, rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are a great treat any time! You can serve them warm or at room temperature. For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It makes a great dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in.
– Presentation Tips: Serve the blondies on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice touch, too. This makes your blondies look as good as they taste!
Variations
Nut-Free Version
To make these blondies nut-free, simply skip the walnuts. You can replace them with extra chocolate chips or dried fruit. This keeps the treat delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
For a dairy-free version, swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use maple syrup and keep the other ingredients the same. This way, you enjoy the flavor without dairy.
Substitute Ingredients
Feel free to mix and match ingredients. You can use light brown sugar instead of dark for a milder taste. If you don’t have white chocolate chips, try dark or milk chocolate chips instead.
– Flavor Enhancements: If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some chopped apples or a dash of nutmeg. You can even add a splash of espresso for a richer taste. These small changes can bring new life to your blondies!
By experimenting with these variations, you can create a version that suits your taste perfectly.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Blondies
To keep your blondies fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them in layers if you place parchment paper between each layer. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your blondies, first, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just pull out what you need.
Best Ways to Reheat
To reheat your blondies, remove them from the fridge or freezer. If they are frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For warm blondies, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy that gooey goodness!
FAQs
What makes these blondies chewy?
These blondies are chewy due to the butter and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture. It helps create a dense texture. The eggs also play a crucial role. They bind the ingredients and keep the blondies soft.
Can I use maple extract instead of syrup?
You can use maple extract, but it changes the flavor. The syrup brings sweetness and moisture. If you use extract, add a little extra liquid. This keeps the blondies moist and chewy.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
You can check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the blondies. If it comes out clean, they are ready. They should be golden brown on the edges and soft in the middle.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, you can add other mix-ins! Try chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just remember not to overmix. Fold them in gently to keep the texture right.
How long do blondies last at room temperature?
Blondies can last up to five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.
In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious blondies from scratch. We listed the key ingredients, shared step-by-step baking instructions, and offered helpful tips to ensure your success. Remember, you can customize these blondies with different mix-ins or dietary changes. Storing and reheating them properly keeps them tasty for longer. Enjoy the sweet reward of your baking and share them with friends and family. Happy baking!
