Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, chewy, and utterly satisfying desserts, you’re going to love this Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe. Imagine a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, brown and white sugars, and the irresistible crunch of Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups all baked into one golden, buttery square of bliss. These blondies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—from a casual snack to a festive dessert.

Why Cooks Rave About It

Peanut butter blondies are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, they combine the nostalgic flavor of peanut butter with the classic texture of blondies, offering something a little different from your typical chocolate brownie. The combination of brown and white sugars lends a deep caramel undertone that perfectly complements the peanut butter’s creaminess. Plus, tossing in Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups adds delightful bursts of chocolate and candy crunch in every bite.

This recipe uses melted unsalted butter, which enhances the moist texture while creating a slightly chewy edge that everyone loves. The addition of an extra egg yolk makes these blondies richer and fudgier without being cakey. And because they’re made from scratch with simple pantry staples, they’re incredibly easy to whip up on a whim.

If you love peanut butter desserts, you might also want to check out the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls for an entirely different but equally delicious way to enjoy peanut flavors in your meals!

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe

• 1 cup unsalted butter – melted and slightly cooled to room temperature for a smooth batter
• 1 cup white granulated sugar – provides sweetness and crunch
• 1 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter – for that signature peanut butter flavor and creamy texture
• 2 large eggs – bind the ingredients and add richness
• 1 egg yolk – extra fat for fudginess and depth
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors beautifully
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the blondie’s structure
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a slight lift without making them cakey
• 1 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and intensifies flavor
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces – adds color, candy crunch, and peanut butter-chocolate bursts
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups – melts slightly into the blondies for pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter

Gear Up: What to Grab

• 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, chewy blondies
• Mixing bowls – one large for wet and one for dry ingredients
• Whisk or electric mixer – to blend the wet ingredients smoothly
• Rubber spatula – great for folding in the dry ingredients and mix-ins
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray – to ensure the blondies release easily
• Cooling rack – to cool the blondies evenly and prevent sogginess

Build Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your peanut butter blondies will come out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until combined and smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. Beat in the eggs and the extra egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. The batter will look thick and glossy—just right!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly through the flour, avoiding clumps.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing can lead to tough blondies.

Step 5: Add the Candy Mix-ins

Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups, saving a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra candy-studded surface.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with your spatula. Sprinkle the reserved candies on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into squares. This cooling step helps the blondies set up perfectly, giving each bite that chewy yet tender texture.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour to add fiber without sacrificing tenderness.
• Replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and deeper flavor.
• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for a cleaner ingredient list.
• Omit the candy mix-ins and fold in chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips for a less sweet version.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

Pro Tips & Notes

Keep your melted butter slightly cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. This helps maintain a smooth batter consistency.

Don’t skip the extra egg yolk; it’s what makes these blondies so fudgy and rich.

Feel free to experiment with different peanut butter candies or even swirl in some chocolate or caramel sauce for added decadence.

When folding in the candy pieces, do it gently to prevent them from melting or bleeding color into the batter.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store your peanut butter blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week—just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my peanut butter blondies too cakey?

This usually happens if there’s too much flour or if you overmix the batter. Make sure to measure flour accurately and fold the dry ingredients gently just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten.

My blondies are too gooey in the center. What went wrong?

They may need a few more minutes baking, or your oven temperature might be a bit low. Try baking for an additional 3-5 minutes and test again with a toothpick. Remember to let them cool completely to set properly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but it will change the texture slightly by adding a bit of crunch throughout the blondies. If you love that texture, go for it!

Can I substitute the Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups?

Absolutely! You can use any peanut butter or chocolate candies you like, or even add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a different twist.

One Pan, More Ideas

• Try the Butterscotch Zucchini Blondies Browned Butter for a unique twist that sneaks in some veggies while keeping the rich, buttery flavor.
• For a savory-sweet meal, pair your blondies with a main like Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls to balance indulgence and spice.

Wrap-Up

Peanut butter blondies are a delightful treat that combine classic comfort and bold flavors in every bite. This recipe’s use of melted butter, dual sugars, and peanut butter candies creates a chewy, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you’re baking for a party, a special occasion, or just because, these blondies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Remember to follow the step-by-step instructions, keep an eye on baking times, and enjoy experimenting with mix-ins to make them your own. Happy baking!

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