A blondie, also known as a blonde brownie or butterscotch brownie, is a dessert bar originating in the United States. Unlike traditional brownies, which are chocolate-based, blondies are characterized by their rich, sweet flavor derived from brown sugar and vanilla, resulting in a light golden color. They are typically baked in a pan and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
The earliest known recipe resembling today's blondie was published in 1896 by Fannie Farmer, a pioneer of modern American cookery. Her recipe featured vanilla and molasses instead of cocoa, which gave the blondie its distinctive golden color.
Initially referred to as "brownies", these treats predate the chocolate brownie, which first appeared in 1906, also by Fannie Farmer. A common misconception is that brownies are named after their brown color. In fact, they were named after the "Brownies", elfin characters that were popular in books and folk stories, chosen due to their brown color. The term "blondie" did not come into common usage until the mid-1970s or early 1980s.[1][2][3]
Appearance
A blondie bar typically has a golden or light brown color, attributed to the use of brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa. They are usually square or rectangular, cut from a larger pan of baked dough. Depending on the recipe, the surface can have a slight crackle, or it may be smooth and shiny. Additional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts might be visible on the surface or when biting into the bar.[4][unreliable source?]
Variations
Blondies can be customized with a variety of ingredients to create unique flavors. Some popular variations include:
Chocolate chip blondies: These blondies are loaded with chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Dulce de leche: These blondies are loaded with a sweet, caramel-like, rich flavor profile.[5]
Nutty blondies: Nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the blondie mix for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Butterscotch blondies: Butterscotch chips are added to the mix to give these blondies a sweet, buttery flavor.
Coconut blondies: Shredded coconut is mixed into the batter for a tropical twist.
Caramel blondies: A layer of caramel is added to the middle of these blondies for a gooey, sweet surprise.[6]
Caramelized white chocolate pistachio blondies: Featuring the rich, caramel-like flavor of caramelized white chocolate and the nutty crunch of pistachios.[7]
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