Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies

Get ready to indulge in a sweet, rich, and oh-so-decadent treat! Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies are the perfect balance of nutty, buttery, and just a hint of warm, comforting bourbon flavor. Imagine a chewy, golden blondie with a caramelized richness from the brown butter, a slight boozy kick from the bourbon, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Each bite is like a little slice of heaven, perfect for dessert or even a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re craving something truly special to impress your friends and family (or simply spoil yourself), these blondies are the answer. Trust me, they won’t last long—so grab a few while you can!

Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and bourbon is an absolute flavor bomb. It’s like a grown-up version of a blondie, and it’s totally worth it.
• Perfectly Chewy: These blondies have the ideal chewy texture that makes each bite a delight. They’re soft in the center with a slightly crispy edge—just the way a blondie should be!
• Toastiness from Pecans: The toasted pecans add that perfect crunch and nutty flavor that takes these blondies to the next level.
• Elevated Dessert: The addition of bourbon gives them a sophisticated twist that makes them perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in.
• Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the brown butter or bourbon—this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to whip up, leaving you with a show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients

These blondies are made with simple ingredients, but the brown butter and bourbon really take them to the next level:

• Butter: Browned to perfection, giving the blondies a rich, nutty flavor.
• Sugar: A mix of white sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and depth.
• Eggs: To help bind everything together and create that chewy texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the blondies.
• Baking Powder: For just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, classic flavor that complements the bourbon.
• Bourbon: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor profile (and a little extra fun).
• Pecans: Toasted to perfection, they add a nice crunch and nuttiness.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making these gooey, flavorful blondies:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning the butter to unlock that nutty, caramelized flavor. Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and starts to bubble. Keep an eye on it—once it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes), remove it from the heat immediately. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter with the white sugar and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugars are fully incorporated into the butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon, and mix until everything is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the blondies tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Pecans

Fold in the toasted pecans. If you haven’t already toasted them, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Blondies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Don’t overbake—they should be slightly gooey in the middle.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the blondies cool in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing them into squares. The cool-down helps them set, and you’ll get clean cuts.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy these beauties while they’re still slightly warm for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Serve them on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for the ultimate indulgence.
• As a Snack: Perfect for a quick snack or to pack for lunchboxes, these blondies will keep you coming back for more.
• Coffee Pairing: These blondies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the sweetness of the blondies.
• Topped with Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache over the top for extra richness.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make these blondies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
• Bourbon-Free Option: If you want to skip the bourbon, you can replace it with extra vanilla extract or even a splash of coffee for a unique flavor.
• Customize: Feel free to swap out the pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your preferences.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A1: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would all work wonderfully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make these blondies without bourbon?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with extra vanilla extract or even a bit of coffee for a different but still rich flavor.

Q3: Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

Q4: How should I store the leftover blondies?
A4: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw them before serving.

Q5: Can I make these blondies in advance?
A5: Yes! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just let them cool completely before storing.

Q6: How can I make these blondies more gooey?
A6: For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the blondies. Check them at 25 minutes, and take them out when the top is set but still a little soft in the center.

Q7: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A7: Yes, but if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

Q8: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A8: Yes, dark brown sugar will add a slightly deeper molasses flavor to the blondies, which will complement the brown butter beautifully.

Q9: What’s the best way to slice these blondies?
A9: Let the blondies cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife or even a pizza cutter for clean, straight cuts.

Q10: Can I bake these in a different-sized pan?
A10: Yes, if you use a larger pan, the blondies will be thinner, so check them for doneness earlier. If using a smaller pan, the baking time may increase slightly.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Blondies are an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, the warmth of bourbon, and the crunch of pecans create the perfect dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these blondies are a surefire hit! Enjoy every bite!

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