Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

Oh, do I have something special for you today! If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s rich, indulgent, and just the right balance of nutty, sweet, and boozy, these Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies are exactly what you need. Imagine the toasty, caramelized flavor of brown butter, mixed with the warm kick of bourbon and the crunch of pecans, all tucked into a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth blondie. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are big, melty chunks of chocolate scattered throughout to make each bite absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is like a love letter to everything good in life—decadent, cozy, and best enjoyed with a cup of coffee (or maybe a glass of bourbon, if you’re feeling extra festive). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, trust me, these blondies are about to become your new favorite dessert. They have that perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, and the bourbon adds a depth of flavor that takes them to the next level. So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic!

Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for these blondies:

Rich and Buttery: Brown butter takes the flavor of these blondies to a whole new level—nutty, caramelized, and oh-so-decadent.

Bourbon Kick: A splash of bourbon adds warmth and depth to every bite. It’s not overpowering, just a hint of cozy booziness that enhances the other flavors.

Nutty and Crunchy: Pecans provide the perfect crunch and earthiness, making every bite feel extra special.

Chocolate Heaven: Generous chunks of chocolate melt into the batter, adding rich, gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the blondies.

Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the fancy-sounding ingredients! The process is actually simple, and the results are so worth it.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Milk Frother

Buy Now →

Meat Thermometer

Buy Now →

Olive Oil Sprayer

Buy Now →

Ingredients in Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

It’s all about combining a few key ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Brown Butter

The secret ingredient that gives these blondies their toasty, nutty flavor. Browning the butter enhances its richness, making these blondies so much more than your typical dessert.

Bourbon

Just a splash adds warmth and a touch of smokiness to balance out the sweetness. Don’t worry—it bakes off the alcohol, leaving only the flavor!

Pecans

Toasty, crunchy pecans give these blondies a satisfying bite and a little earthiness. Feel free to use walnuts if you prefer, but pecans really shine in this recipe.

Chocolate Chunks

The more, the better! Big chunks of your favorite chocolate will melt into gooey pockets in every bite.

Brown Sugar

Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the brown butter perfectly.

Eggs

Binding the ingredients together and giving the blondies that soft, chewy texture we all crave.

Vanilla Extract

A little vanilla brings everything together and adds that classic dessert flavor we all know and love.

Flour

The base of these blondies. Make sure you don’t overmix the batter to keep them soft and tender.

Baking Powder

Just a pinch of baking powder helps the blondies rise and gives them that perfect chewy texture.

(Note: measurements for these ingredients are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create these dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth blondies:

Brown the Butter

Start by browning your butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently until it turns a rich, golden-brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. This takes about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and the eggs until smooth and combined. Add the vanilla extract and the slightly cooled brown butter, and mix until everything is well incorporated.

Add Bourbon and Dry Ingredients

Pour in the bourbon and mix again. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your blondies soft and chewy.

Fold in the Pecans and Chocolate

Now, fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.

Cool and Slice

Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16 blondies (approx.)
Calories per serving: 250 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 55mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies

These blondies are delicious as-is, but here are a few fun ideas to elevate the experience:

  • A Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair a warm blondie with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an extra creamy touch.
  • Espresso: Enjoy with a shot of espresso or a warm cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness with a little bitterness.
  • Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: For an extra rich treat, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the blondies before serving.

Additional Tips

  • Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the more indulgent these blondies will taste.
  • Don’t skip the browning of the butter: It might seem like an extra step, but trust me, that nutty brown butter flavor is what makes these blondies so special.
  • Let the blondies cool completely: As tempting as it is to dive in right away, letting the blondies cool helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the bourbon for something else?
A1: If you don’t want the bourbon flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or a splash of milk for added moisture.

Q2: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A2: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would work great in these blondies.

Q3: How should I store these blondies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Q4: Can I freeze these blondies?
A4: Yes! Freeze the blondies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I make these blondies without the bourbon?
A5: Yes, you can skip the bourbon entirely. Just add a little extra vanilla or almond extract to boost the flavor.

Q6: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A6: Yes! Light brown sugar will still work well, though dark brown sugar gives the blondies a slightly deeper flavor.

Q7: Do I need to chop the chocolate into chunks?
A7: Chopping the chocolate into chunks creates gooey pockets of chocolate, but you can use chocolate chips if that’s more convenient for you.

Q8: How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
A8: The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few crumbs. You don’t want it to be completely clean, as these blondies should be gooey in the middle!

Q9: Can I add other ingredients like caramel or toffee?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to add caramel chunks, toffee bits, or even dried fruit like cherries or raisins to mix things up.

Q10: Can I make these in a larger pan?
A10: You can, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will spread the batter thinner, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies are a game-changer when it comes to dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, they’re rich, flavorful, and so indulgent. With the perfect balance of brown butter, bourbon, pecans, and chocolate, these blondies will soon become your go-to recipe for any sweet tooth craving. Happy baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 blondies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies are a decadent, gooey dessert with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, the warmth of bourbon, and the crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a chewy blondie base. A perfect treat for special occasions or indulgent cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the bourbon and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Add the browned butter mixture and mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the toasted pecans and chocolate chunks.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should be golden and slightly cracked.
  7. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can substitute the bourbon with vanilla extract or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
  • For extra texture, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the blondies before baking.
  • Store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 blondie
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star