Ultimate Reese's Peanut Butter Blondies

Welcome, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable baking experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Today, we’re diving into the irresistible world of peanut butter blondies – specifically, a recipe that takes indulgence to the next level with the addition of rich brown butter, crunchy chopped walnuts, and decadent Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chunks.

These aren’t just any blondies; they are a symphony of textures and flavors, boasting a moist, chewy interior, crisp edges, and an explosion of nutty, chocolatey goodness in every bite. Whether you’re a long-time fan of blondies or new to their charm, this recipe promises to deliver pure bliss.

The Inspiration: A Culinary Journey with Ina Garten

This remarkable peanut butter blondie recipe has a storied past, originally making its debut for my Pass the Cook Book Club way back in 2013. That month, the spotlight shone on a true culinary icon: Ina Garten, with her beloved cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust. Who doesn’t adore Ina? As an avid viewer of Food Network, I was introduced to her elegant yet accessible approach to cooking early in my culinary explorations. Her recipes are known for their reliability and incredible flavor, consistently delivering fantastic results. In fact, one of my earliest and most successful chocolate cake recipes comes from Ina’s archives, and it remains my steadfast go-to for a perfectly moist and rich chocolate indulgence.

Given my admiration for Ina, I was incredibly excited about the cookbook club’s selection. Naturally, my attention immediately gravitated towards the dessert options from the list of three featured recipes: Chocolate Chunk Blondies, Easy Gazpacho & Goat Cheese Croutons, and Foolproof Ribs with BBQ sauce. While the savory dishes sounded tempting, my sweet tooth always wins, and those Chocolate Chunk Blondies were calling my name!

From Classic Chocolate to Irresistible Peanut Butter Bliss

I first prepared Ina’s original Chocolate Chunk Blondie recipe, and it was, as expected, absolutely glorious. The simplicity and depth of flavor were truly impressive. However, my creative spirit quickly took over. For the second batch, I decided to adapt the recipe, transforming it into something uniquely special. Instead of classic chocolate chunks, I incorporated chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups – a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself!

Adding to this transformation, I embraced my recent obsession with brown butter. If you’ve been following my baking adventures, you’ll know I’ve been on a major brown butter kick (check out my brown butter week recipes here, here, and here). Browning the butter adds an incredible depth of nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates any baked good, and these blondies were no exception. This simple step infuses the entire batch with a warmth and complexity that truly sets them apart.

Introducing the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Blondies

The results of this adaptation? Nothing short of spectacular! These Reese’s Peanut Butter Blondies are, quite simply, the bomb. They strike the perfect balance between moist and chewy, with a delightful crunch from the walnuts and the peanut butter cups. The loaded peanut butter chunks from the Reese’s not only infuse every bite with an intense peanut butter flavor but also contribute to the incredible moisture of these bars.

The browned butter caramelized the sugars and married all the flavors into a harmonious, irresistible treat. The nutty undertones of the brown butter complement the rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate perfectly. Seriously, you *need* to try these blondies ASAP! As always, any recipe originating from Ina Garten is fantastic, and this adapted version truly showcases her “foolproof” foundation. This particular cookbook is already waiting in my Amazon cart for my next order—it’s that good.

Essential Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Blondies

Crafting these delectable blondies requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating their unique flavor and texture. The most crucial step for unlocking that rich, complex taste is browning the butter – trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our blondies, which we’ll transform into brown butter for unparalleled flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the blondies’ signature chewy texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of high-quality vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
Extra-Large Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and moisture. Ensure they are at room temperature for the best emulsion and a smoother batter.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving structure to our bars.
Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, helping the blondies rise slightly and achieve a tender crumb.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Chopped Walnuts: These provide a fantastic textural contrast and nutty flavor. While optional, I highly recommend them for that perfect crunch.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunks: The star of the show! These chunks, ideally from chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, melt slightly to create pockets of gooey peanut butter and chocolate.

For optimal results, I strongly suggest using room temperature eggs. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform blondie. If you don’t have light brown sugar on hand, regular brown sugar can be used as a substitute, though it might result in a slightly deeper flavor and color. And while walnuts add a delightful crunch and earthy note, feel free to omit them if nuts aren’t your preference.

How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Blondies

These peanut butter blondies are surprisingly simple to make, even with the extra step of browning the butter. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease and flour a 9 x 11 x 2-inch baking pan. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and will release easily after cooling.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the blondies’ soft texture.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Next, incorporate the extra-large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl after each egg to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and prevents lumps in your batter.
Incorporate Dry into Wet: With the mixer still on low speed, slowly add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
Fold in Add-Ins: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chunks. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s crucial not to overbake; the toothpick might have melted chocolate or peanut butter on it, but it should not have wet batter. Overbaking will result in dry blondies.
Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This allows them to set properly and prevents crumbling. Once cooled, cut them into 12 delicious bars and enjoy!

Tips for Blondie Success

Don’t Rush the Brown Butter: Browning butter transforms its flavor from simple dairy to a nutty, caramelized masterpiece. Cook it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk solids at the bottom turn a deep amber color and the butter smells fragrant. Let it cool completely before adding it to your batter to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter at room temperature emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a more tender final product.
Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make blondies dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, dense blondies.
Customize Your Add-Ins: While Reese’s and walnuts are fantastic, feel free to experiment! Try pretzels for a salty crunch, different types of nuts, or other chocolate candies.
Patience in Cooling: It’s tempting to cut into warm blondies, but resist! Cooling completely allows them to set, preventing them from falling apart and making for cleaner cuts.

More Blondie Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with these peanut butter blondies, you’ll be thrilled to discover other variations that offer equally delightful experiences:

Raspberry Blondies: A fruity twist that adds a burst of tartness to balance the sweetness.
Peanut Butter Banana Blondies (Elvis Bars): Inspired by the King’s favorite sandwich, these blondies combine peanut butter, banana, and a hint of smoky bacon – a truly unique indulgence.

Yield: 12 blondies

Peanut Butter Blondies

These peanut butter blondies are incredibly moist, chewy, and loaded with Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chunks. The addition of brown butter elevates their flavor to an irresistible level, making them addictively delicious.

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Ingredients

½ lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned and cooled at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 extra large eggs, at room temperature
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
1 lb. Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chunks

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease and flour a 9 x 11 x 2-inch baking pan.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well, scraping down the bowl after each addition.
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts and Reese’s peanut butter chocolate chunks with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (it may have melted chocolate/peanut butter, but no wet batter). Don’t overbake!
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 12 bars.

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Serving and Storage Suggestions

These peanut butter blondies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. A cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee also makes for a perfect companion. For a truly indulgent experience, warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to bring out their gooey center.

To store your blondies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before enjoying.

What do you think of this amazing blondie recipe? What creative serving suggestions do you have, or what unique twists would you add? Let me know in the comment section below. I love hearing about your kitchen experiments!

If you share your delicious creations across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist so I can see your beautiful blondies come to life!

Happy baking, friends!

Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Blondies