These Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies are the perfect combination of rich, nutty brown butter, smooth bourbon, crunchy toasted pecans, and decadent chocolate chunks. Each bite delivers a complex flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These blondies are a game-changer for dessert lovers who crave something beyond ordinary brownies. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty complexity that elevates the entire dessert, while the bourbon provides a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness perfectly. The toasted pecans bring a delightful crunch, and the chocolate chunks create pockets of melted indulgence throughout each square.
What makes these Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies truly special is their perfect texture – they’re chewy around the edges with a tender, fudgy center. The brown sugar creates that signature blondie chewiness, while the combination of whole egg and egg yolk ensures they stay moist and rich. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and require just one bowl for mixing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg plus one egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into chunks
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Brown the Butter Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts, foams, and eventually turns a golden amber color with a nutty aroma. You’ll notice brown bits forming at the bottom – this is exactly what you want. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter and packed brown sugar until well combined. Add the bourbon and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk until the mixture is glossy and well incorporated.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined – don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins Gently fold in the toasted pecans and chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly underdone – it will continue cooking as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Helpful Tips
Perfect Brown Butter Every Time: Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the color change clearly. The butter will foam, subside, then start to brown. Don’t walk away during this process – it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Room Temperature Eggs: This ensures better incorporation and a smoother batter. If your eggs are cold, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before using.
Don’t Overbake: These Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat and will be perfectly chewy once cooled.
Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans for 5-7 minutes in a 350°F oven enhances their flavor significantly and adds extra crunch to your blondies.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Difficulty: Easy
The key to these exceptional blondies lies in the brown butter technique. When butter is heated until it turns golden and develops a nutty aroma, it creates compound flavors that add incredible depth to baked goods. Combined with the warmth of bourbon and the richness of brown sugar, these flavors create a sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Notes
- Bourbon Substitution: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of vanilla extract or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
- Chocolate Choices: Semi-sweet chocolate chunks work beautifully, but you can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Pan Size Matters: Using an 8×8-inch pan creates the perfect thickness for these blondies. A 9×9-inch pan will make them thinner and may require slightly less baking time.
- Storage: These blondies actually improve in flavor after a day, as the bourbon notes mellow and blend with the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these blondies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store them covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze these blondies? A: Yes, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have bourbon? A: You can substitute with rum, whiskey, or omit the alcohol entirely and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Certainly! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: How do I know when the brown butter is ready? A: The butter will foam, then the foam will subside, and you’ll see golden brown bits at the bottom of the pan. It should smell nutty and aromatic – this usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. The blondies can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature for 30 minutes.
For best results, cut the blondies only when you’re ready to serve them, as this helps maintain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.
Related Recipes
Looking for more decadent dessert options? Check out these related recipes from Run of Life:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies – Another crowd-pleasing favorite with brown butter
- Salted Caramel Brownies – For when you want something even more indulgent
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars – Similar flavors in a different format
Conclusion
These Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies represent the perfect marriage of sophisticated flavors and homestyle comfort. The technique of browning butter might seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly simple and makes an enormous difference in the final product. The result is a dessert that’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet approachable enough for family weeknight treats.
The combination of textures – from the chewy blondie base to the crunchy pecans and melty chocolate chunks – creates an irresistible eating experience. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to something special, these blondies are guaranteed to impress.
Remember, the key to perfect Ultimate Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Blondies lies in not overbaking them and allowing the flavors to develop overnight. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with what might just become your new signature dessert.