What is the difference between chocolate chunk blondies and brownies?

The key difference is in the base: blondies rely on brown sugar and vanilla , while brownies are rich with cocoa powder or melted chocolate . Think of blondies as the golden, butterscotch cousin of the dark, fudgy brownie. Chocolate chunk blondies bring the best of both worlds with the deep flavor of vanilla and the indulgence of melted chocolate chunks.

What is the chocolate chunk blondie?

A chocolate chunk blondie is a rich dessert bar made with brown sugar, butter, flour, vanilla, and large pieces of chocolate . The texture is chewy with crisp edges and soft centers, and the chocolate chunks melt slightly to create gooey pockets throughout. It’s like a cookie in bar form—but thicker, softer, and more indulgent.

Are blondies meant to be gooey in the middle?

Yes, absolutely! A well-made blondie should be slightly gooey and soft in the center , with a golden-brown top and chewy edges. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake them a couple of minutes longer—but be careful not to dry them out.

What are the ingredients in the best blondie?

The ultimate blondie includes butter, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, flour, and chocolate chunks . Some variations include chopped nuts, espresso powder, or even browned butter for extra depth. The best blondies use high-quality chocolate and real vanilla extract for maximum flavor.

What makes these blondies so gooey and chewy?

The secret lies in the brown sugar and the butter-to-flour ratio. Buttery blondies made with dark brown sugar hold extra moisture and caramel flavor, which translates into that dense, chewy bite. I also bake them just until the center is barely set —this keeps them fudgy rather than cakey.

Can I make these one bowl blondies ahead of time?

Yes, these one bowl blondies are a dream for make-ahead bakers. Once cooled, wrap the whole slab or individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated . You can also freeze them for up to 3 months —just defrost and enjoy that gooey goodness all over again.

Can I double this easy blondies recipe for a party or bake sale?

Definitely! To double it, use a 9x13-inch pan , extend the baking time by about 5–8 minutes, and check the center for doneness. These homemade blondie bars are ideal for events—they travel well, stay moist for days, and are always a crowd favorite.

How should I serve these gooey chocolate blondies?

These vanilla blondies with chocolate shine warm or room temp. For peak indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Pair them with a hot latte or cold brew for the perfect cozy treat.

The 7 Secrets Behind Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Chunk Blondies

Description

Discover the gooey magic of chocolate chunk blondies! This easy, buttery recipe delivers bakery-style bars with melty chocolate in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper
Lightly grease the sides
Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy
Mix in vanilla and eggs one at a time
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt
Gradually add to the wet mixture
Fold in Chocolate Chunks
Gently fold with a spatula
Optional: add chopped nuts for crunch
Bake
Spread batter evenly into the pan
Bake 30–35 minutes, until center is just set
Cool in pan for 15–20 minutes
Slice into squares and serve warm or room temp

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American