Are you ready to bake a sweet holiday surprise? My Holiday Sprinkle Blondies are festive and easy to make, perfect for sharing! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this delicious treat that everyone will love. In this post, I’ll guide you through the whole process, from ingredients to fun variations. Let’s spread some holiday cheer one blondie at a time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Holiday Cheer: These blondies are packed with festive sprinkles, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Rich: The combination of melted butter and brown sugar gives these blondies a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Detailed List of Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients form the base of your blondies. You need melted butter for richness and brown sugar for sweetness. The eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla adds flavor. Flour, baking powder, and baking soda give the blondies structure and a soft texture. The salt balances the sweetness. Finally, sprinkles and white chocolate chips make them festive and fun!
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Brown sugar can be replaced with granulated sugar, but the blondies may be less chewy. If you want a lighter option, use egg substitutes like applesauce or flax eggs. For gluten-free blondies, try almond flour or a gluten-free mix.
Tools and Equipment Needed
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack
These tools make baking easy and fun. The baking pan gives the blondies their shape. Mixing bowls are crucial for combining ingredients well. A whisk helps create a smooth batter. A spatula is handy for spreading the batter evenly. Parchment paper helps with easy cleanup, and a wire rack cools the blondies perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Pan
First, turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for the blondies. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. Lightly grease the pan with some butter or cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper. If you do, let the paper hang over the sides. This trick helps you lift the blondies out easily.
Making the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter. Add the packed brown sugar next. Use a whisk to mix them well until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. Now, it's time to add the eggs. Add them one at a time. Whisk well after each egg. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt. Mix this well. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This keeps the blondies soft. Finally, fold in the festive sprinkles and white chocolate chips, if you want them.
Baking the Blondies
Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Now, place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready.
After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Enjoy your festive treat!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfect Blondies
To make the best holiday sprinkle blondies, follow these simple tips. First, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven helps the blondies rise well. Next, use a light-colored baking pan. Dark pans can brown the edges too fast. Grease the pan lightly or use parchment paper for easy removal. This way, you'll avoid any sticky surprises.
Best Practices for Mixing Ingredients
When mixing your ingredients, start with the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. This step adds richness to your blondies. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a sweet aroma. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can make your blondies tough. Fold in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips carefully to keep them evenly distributed.
Cooling and Cutting Recommendations
Once your blondies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Use the parchment paper to lift them out gently. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. For cutting, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Clean the knife between cuts for neat squares. Enjoy your festive treats!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your blondies are perfectly baked, do the toothpick test. A few moist crumbs should cling to the toothpick when inserted in the center.
- Customize Your Sprinkles: Feel free to use any festive sprinkles you have on hand. Different shapes or colors can add a unique twist to your blondies!
Variations
Different Types of Sprinkles to Use
You can use many kinds of sprinkles for your blondies. Classic jimmies in red, green, and white bring the holiday cheer. If you want something fun, try star-shaped sprinkles. They add a cute twist to the look. Nonpareils are tiny dots that offer a nice crunch. You can even use chocolate sprinkles for a rich flavor. Just ensure your sprinkles fit the holiday theme. Mix colors to make your blondies pop!
Adding Flavor with Mix-Ins
Mix-ins can take your blondies to the next level. White chocolate chips are a great choice, adding creaminess. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. Try chopped nuts for a crunchy bite. Pecans or walnuts work well here. Dried fruit, like cranberries, adds a sweet and tart flavor. You can even add a hint of cinnamon for warmth. Experiment with your favorite flavors until you find a mix you love!
Alternative Toppings and Frosting Ideas
Toppings make your blondies even more special. A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds sweetness and decor. You can sprinkle some extra festive sprinkles on top for color. Cream cheese frosting offers a tangy contrast. Just beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. For a nutty twist, sprinkle crushed nuts over the frosting. You can also serve blondies with a scoop of ice cream. This adds a fun and creamy element to your treat.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Blondies
To keep your holiday sprinkle blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to five days. They will stay soft and tasty this way. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best option.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze blondies, first, let them cool completely. Cut them into squares for easy serving. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take out what you need.
Best Practices for Reheating
To reheat your blondies, remove them from the container. You can use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, heat for about 10-15 seconds. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will make them soft again. A drizzle of melted white chocolate on top adds a nice touch!
FAQs
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these blondies gluten-free. To do this, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, as it helps with the texture. You can find many brands in stores or online. Just be sure to check if the blend works well for baking.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
To adjust the sweetness in the blondies, you can reduce the brown sugar. Try cutting it back by ¼ cup for less sweetness. You could also use a sugar substitute. Just make sure it measures the same as brown sugar. Tasting the batter before baking is a fun way to find the right balance for your palate.
What’s the best way to serve holiday sprinkle blondies?
Serving these blondies is easy and fun! You can cut them into squares and place them on a colorful holiday platter. For extra flair, drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles to make them pop. This adds a lovely touch and makes them more inviting. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with friends and family.
This blog post covered everything you need to make perfect blondies. We explored ingredients, substitutions, and the tools required. The step-by-step instructions simplify baking, while tips ensure great results. Variations let you customize flavors, and clear storage info keeps your blondies fresh. Remember, baking is fun and creative. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious blondies any time. Happy baking!
