Irresistible Easter Blondies: Your Ultimate Guide to a Festive & Delicious Spring Treat
Embrace the vibrant spirit of spring and Easter with these delightful Easter Blondies. Ready in under an hour, these treats are not just incredibly tasty but also visually stunning, adorned with charming pastel M&M’s that instantly evoke the joy of the holiday. Whether you’re planning a festive dessert for your Easter dinner or simply craving a sweet, easy-to-make treat to celebrate the season, these blondies offer the perfect solution. They combine classic blondie flavors with a delightfully chewy texture and a slightly crisp edge, making them an instant favorite for all ages.
Why You’ll Adore Our Easter Blondies
These aren’t just any blondies; they are specifically crafted to bring a touch of Easter magic to your table. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire:
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
Each bite of these blondies offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. You’ll experience the rich, buttery essence complemented by deep vanilla notes and the sweet, caramelized hints of brown sugar. The texture is a dream – perfectly chewy in the center with wonderfully crisp edges, all elevated by the satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate of the M&M’s. It’s a dessert that caters to every craving, offering comfort and excitement in one.
Effortless Easter Baking
Holiday preparations can be busy, but baking delicious treats doesn’t have to be complicated. This Easter Blondies recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. From start to finish, you can have a batch of these beautiful bars ready in under an hour. It requires minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.
Perfectly Festive & Customizable
The star of the show, beyond the blondie itself, is the festive touch of pastel M&M’s. These muted, spring-colored chocolates instantly transform a classic dessert into an adorable Easter treat. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these blondies are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with various mix-ins, allowing you to cater to different tastes or experiment with new flavor combinations, making each batch uniquely yours.
The Allure of Blondies: A Brief History
Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the blondie itself. Often considered the “sister” to the chocolate brownie, blondies are dense, chewy bar cookies that get their rich, butterscotch-like flavor from brown sugar and butter, rather than cocoa. While brownies can be traced back to the late 19th or early 20th century, blondies emerged as a popular alternative, offering a delightful vanilla and butterscotch profile. They typically feature a moist, dense interior with a slightly crisp top, making them a comforting classic that lends itself beautifully to various additions, like our festive M&M’s.
Essential Ingredients for Delightful Blondies
Creating truly irresistible blondies starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays in achieving that perfect taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Unsalted Butter: The Foundation of Flavor
Softened unsalted butter is crucial. It contributes richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb. Using softened butter ensures it creams smoothly with the sugars, incorporating air for a lighter texture and preventing a dense, greasy blondie.
A Duo of Sugars: Sweetness and Texture
This recipe calls for both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. The light brown sugar is key to the blondies’ signature chewy texture and deep, caramel-like flavor. Its molasses content adds moisture and depth. Granulated sugar, on the other hand, helps create those desirable slightly crisp edges and contributes to the overall sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs & Vanilla: Binding and Aroma
Large eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding structure. They also contribute to the richness and moistness of the blondies. Pure vanilla extract is non-negotiable for blondies; it provides a warm, aromatic base that complements the butter and brown sugar beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Always opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: The Structure Builder
All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for your blondies. It’s important to measure it correctly (using the scoop and level method) and avoid overmixing once it’s added. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough, dense blondies rather than the desired chewy, tender texture.
Pastel M&M’s: The Easter Magic
While any M&M’s will work, pastel-colored M&M’s truly make these blondies shine for Easter. Their soft hues of pink, blue, yellow, and green instantly add a festive touch, making these treats visually appealing and perfect for spring celebrations. The chocolate candies melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness and a satisfying textural contrast.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easter Blondies
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Easter Blondies every time. Precision and care in each step will ensure a truly delicious outcome.
Prepare Your Baking Sanctuary
Begin by preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan. Lightly spray it with a nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up two sides. This creates convenient “handles” that will make it significantly easier to lift the cooled blondies out of the pan later, ensuring clean removal without sticking.
Creaming Butter and Sugars to Perfection
In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together on low to medium speed until they are well combined, light, and fluffy. This creaming process is essential as it incorporates air, contributing to the blondies’ tender texture.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the large eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing for approximately one minute, ensuring the eggs and vanilla are fully incorporated into the sugar-butter mixture, lending richness and a delightful aroma to the batter.
Gently Fold in the Flour
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix only until the flour is just incorporated into the batter. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough rather than perfectly chewy blondies. As you mix, remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Add the Star of the Show: M&M’s
It’s time for the vibrant pastel M&M’s! Gently fold them into the blondie batter by hand using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed without crushing them or overworking the batter. The delicate colors will be dispersed throughout, promising a burst of cheer in every slice.
Spread and Adorn
Carefully spread the prepared blondie batter evenly into your lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even bake. For an extra festive touch and an irresistible visual appeal, sprinkle a handful of additional pastel M&M’s over the top of the batter before baking.
The Chilling and Baking Process
Once the batter is in the pan, place it in the refrigerator while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). This brief chilling period helps firm up the butter, contributing to a chewier blondie and preventing excessive spreading. Bake for 25-35 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. The blondies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool, Cut, and Savor
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the blondies to cool completely to the touch in the pan before attempting to remove them. This is crucial for achieving clean cuts and preventing them from falling apart. Once thoroughly cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the blondies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 16 perfect squares. Now, they are ready to be savored and shared!
Tips for Achieving Blondie Perfection
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Easter Blondies from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key
For the best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating an airy base, while room temperature eggs emulsify better with the fat, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter.
Don’t Overmix!
Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your blondies tough and dense instead of delightfully chewy. A light hand is your best friend here.
The Toothpick Test
For perfect doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it comes out clean, they might be slightly overbaked, leading to a drier texture. If it’s wet, they need more time.
The Art of the Clean Cut
For perfectly neat squares, let your blondies cool completely before cutting. For even smoother slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make each cut. Clean the blade after every slice to prevent sticking and dragging crumbs.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content
While pastel M&M’s are perfect for Easter, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can easily swap them out or add other ingredients to suit your preferences (see our “Creative Variations” section below).
Creative Variations for Your Blondies
One of the best things about blondies is their versatility. While the pastel M&M’s add a wonderful Easter touch, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
Beyond M&M’s: Other Candies and Chocolates
- **Chocolate Chips:** Classic chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate) are always a hit.
- **Mini Cadbury Eggs:** For a truly Easter-themed twist, use pastel mini Cadbury eggs, chopped or whole.
- **Other Candies:** Consider chopped caramel candies, butterscotch chips, or even chopped jelly beans for a fun, colorful mix.
Nuts for Crunch
Adding a handful of chopped nuts can introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be fantastic additions.
Fruity Twists
For a different flavor profile, consider adding dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even zest from an orange or lemon to the batter. These can add a lovely tanginess to balance the sweetness.
A Drizzle of Glaze
Once cooled, a simple vanilla glaze or a lemon-flavored glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and elegance. Just whisk powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla (or lemon juice) until smooth, then drizzle over the cut blondies.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Presentation is Everything
These blondies are beautiful on their own, but you can enhance their presentation. Serve them on a pretty platter, perhaps dusted lightly with powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm, decadent dessert. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in cute boxes or bags.
Storing Leftovers
Should you have any leftover Easter Blondie Bars (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and chewy for up to 4 days.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
Yes, you can absolutely freeze blondies! Once they have cooled completely and been cut into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy them again, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Blondies
Do I have to use pastel M&M’s for Easter Blondies?
While pastel M&M’s are highly recommended for their festive Easter appearance, you can certainly use other M&M’s varieties. However, regular M&M’s won’t provide the same soft, muted “Easter vibes” as the pastel ones. Alternatively, consider using mini Cadbury eggs in pastel colors for a similar effect.
Can I double this blondie recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd or simply want to ensure you have plenty of leftovers, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just remember to use a larger 9×13-inch baking pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan. You will also need to adjust and increase the baking time accordingly, so keep a close eye on them.
What other additions can I include in my blondies?
These blondies are wonderfully versatile! Beyond M&M’s, you could stir in dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots, various nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or other baking chips like white chocolate, butterscotch, or dark chocolate. Adding mini marshmallows near the end of the baking time can also create a deliciously gooey texture.
Are binder clips necessary for holding parchment paper?
Not at all! The use of binder clips to hold up the parchment paper edges against the sides of the baking pan is completely optional. They simply help to keep the paper out of the way when pouring in the batter. Feel free to omit them if you don’t have them or prefer not to use them.
What is the best way to cut blondies for clean slices?
For the neatest cuts, ensure your blondies are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife. For even cleaner slices, run the blade under hot water for a few seconds before making your first cut, then wipe the blade clean after each slice. This technique helps prevent the blondies from sticking to the knife and creates smooth, precise edges.
How should I store leftover Easter Blondie Bars?
To keep your leftover Easter Blondie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their deliciousness and chewy texture for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these blondies?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these blondies! Once they have cooled completely and you’ve cut them into squares, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
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- 50 Easter Recipes
Easter Blondies Recipe
Easter Blondies
These fun Easter Blondies are ready in under an hour and a tasty Easter treat. With pretty pastel colored M&M’s, these treats are adorable!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pastel M&Ms (plus more for the top)
Instructions
- Spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper leaving two sides higher to make it easier to remove the blondies later.
- Using a stand mixer or a bowl and an electric hand mixer, add in ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, 1 cup packed light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar, mix until combined well on low/medium speed.
- Add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix again for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add in 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour until fully incorporated, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
- Pour in 1 cup pastel M&Ms and mix them in by hand.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.
- If desired add some extra M&Ms on top.
- Place in the fridge while the oven is pre-heating to 350F.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick for moist crumbs. Oven times do vary.
- Place on a wire rack until cool to touch, then remove parchment from the pan, and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
- The clips holding the parchment paper on the sides of the baking dish are not necessary, but can be helpful.
- Store these at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use a sharp, warm knife to help make clean cuts on the Easter Blondies.
- Please note, oven times do vary with baked goods. The factor depends on many things like if you have an electric, gas or convection oven. It also changes depending if you use a metal pan versus ceramic or Pyrex. It also varies depending on which oven rack you use. A toothpick inserted should not have any wet batter on it. Start with the lowest baking time and go up from there. Use your best judgement based on your own personal knowledge of your particular oven.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 9g
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Sodium: 22mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 28g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Whether you’re hosting a grand Easter feast or simply looking for a sweet way to brighten your day, these Easter Blondies are the perfect choice. Their delightful flavor, irresistible texture, and charming festive appearance make them a standout dessert that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and get ready to bake some Easter magic. Happy baking!