If you’re craving the cozy, sweet flavors of fall in a treat that’s irresistibly soft and chewy, look no further than this Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe. These blondies bring together the rich warmth of pumpkin pie spice and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips in every bite, creating a perfect balance that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a straightforward, quick way to enjoy seasonal flavors with a delightful texture that’s sure to become a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the pumpkin blondies. From the melted butter that ensures richness to the pumpkin pie spice that infuses warmth, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the blondies from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easier and bars neatly removable.
- ¾ cup butter, melted: Adds creamy richness and moisture, helping create a tender and chewy texture.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings sweetness along with a subtle molasses depth for a more complex flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the blondies together and contributes to their soft structure.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Provides that unmistakable autumn flavor and keeps the blondies moist and dense.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, giving body and structure to the blondies.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the blondies with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to prevent the blondies from becoming too dense.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the flavors of other ingredients.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips, plus 3 tablespoons for topping: Melts into pockets of luscious sweetness throughout the blondies and adds a delightful finishing touch on top.
How to Make Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to cook your blondies evenly. Next, either spray a rimmed quarter sheet pan or a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and combined. This concoction is the foundation of buttery richness and sweetness. Then, add your egg, canned pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to get a silky, uniform mixture that promises moist blondies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything gently but completely until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen your blondies. This is the stage where the signature flavor and structure start to take shape.
Step 4: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the ½ cup of white chocolate chips throughout the batter. These sweet gems will melt during baking, distributing creamy pockets of chocolate that pair perfectly with the pumpkin’s subtle earthiness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even thickness. Sprinkle the additional 3 tablespoons of white chocolate chips over the surface for a visually appealing and extra indulgent finish. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges just start to pull away from the pan.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the pumpkin blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 bars. Cooling is key to clean cuts and letting the flavors meld, making each bite as delectable as the first.
How to Serve Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pumpkin blondies by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal. You can also top each blondie with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans to add texture and a nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
These blondies shine when paired with a cozy cup of hot coffee, spiced chai, or a creamy latte. They also complement vanilla ice cream beautifully for a dessert that balances warmth with cool creaminess, perfect for chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve your Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves, mini pumpkins, or cranberries to evoke a festive mood. You can also stack them into a pyramid or cut shapes using cookie cutters for themed gatherings, making your presentation as delightful as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and moist. They should stay delicious for up to four days, perfect for snacking or quick desserts during the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your blondies later, freeze them by wrapping individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, simply microwave a blondie for 10-15 seconds. If you’ve frozen them, reheating slightly increases their freshness and makes the white chocolate chips melty and extra luscious once again.
FAQs
Can I make these Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures 1:1 to maintain the texture and flavor. Just be sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
Is it possible to make the blondies dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a nondairy alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine in the same amount. Make sure to use dairy-free white chocolate chips to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin can be used but requires some extra prep. Cook and puree the pumpkin flesh until smooth, then drain any excess liquid for similar consistency. Canned pumpkin puree is preferred for convenience and consistency in moisture.
How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?
The blondies are done when the edges start to pull away from the pan and the center appears set, but still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries would add beautiful texture and flavor contrasts. Just fold in about ½ cup of your chosen add-ins with the white chocolate chips before baking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe, it’s likely to become a seasonal staple in your baking repertoire. The combination of tender pumpkin, fragrant spices, and melting white chocolate is simply irresistible. Give yourself the gift of these cozy bars and share them with friends and family – you’ll quickly discover why they are so loved!
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Pumpkin Blondies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These pumpkin blondies are a delightful fall treat that’s soft, moist, and chewy with balanced sweetness and warm pumpkin spice flavor. Studded with white chocolate chips, they offer a perfect blend of seasonal flavors and textures. This recipe is simple and versatile, allowing easy substitutions to make it gluten-free or dairy-free if desired.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- Additional 3 tablespoons white chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a rimmed quarter sheet pan or a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed light brown sugar until smooth. Then add the egg, canned pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk again until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of fine salt. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and just incorporated.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour and spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula for an even bake. Sprinkle the additional 3 tablespoons of white chocolate chips evenly over the surface of the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 24 bars to serve.
- Storage: Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- To make it dairy-free, replace butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the blondies cool completely before cutting to allow them to set properly.
- Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven; start checking at 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American