These Valentine's Day Blondies are an absolute delight! A delicious, sweet treat that's perfect for your loved ones on the special day. The blend of the rich butter, brown sugar and white sugar creates a soft, chewy blondie, while the melt-in-mouth chocolate chips and vibrant m&m's add a fun and festive touch. They're easy to make and sure to impress anyone you share them with.
Most of the ingredients required for the Valentine's Day Blondies are commonly found in home kitchens. However, if you do not have m&m's on hand, these are a key ingredient for this recipe for their festive touch. You can find m&m's in the candy aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Valentine's Day Blondies
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the blondies.
Brown sugar: Contributes to the moist and chewy texture.
White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a golden crust.
Eggs: Provides structure and stability to the blondies.
Vanilla: Gives a subtle, sweet aroma.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the blondies rise.
Baking soda: Reacts with the brown sugar to help the blondies brown and rise.
Flour: The main structural ingredient of the blondies.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Chocolate chips: Adds gooey, chocolatey bites.
M&M's: Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
One reader, Britt Grimes says:
This Valentine's Day blondies recipe is a game-changer! The combination of chocolate chips and M&M's creates a delightful burst of flavor. The texture is perfect - soft and chewy. It's a hit with my loved ones every year! Highly recommend for a sweet Valentine's Day treat.
Key Techniques for Making Valentine's Day Blondies
How to prepare the blondie batter: Combine the wet and dry ingredients separately, then mix them together until well combined. Add in the chocolate chips and M&M's before transferring the batter to the pan.
How to line the pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom and sides of the pan, allowing for an overhang to easily lift the blondies out after baking.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the blondies are ready. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
How to cut the blondies into bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled blondies into even-sized bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
How To Make Valentine’s Blondies
Serve these chocolate-chip filled blondies to your special someone on Valentine’s day! It’s chewy, tasteful, and takes only 30 minutes to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupbutter
- 1cupbrown sugar
- ½cupwhite sugar
- 2eggs
- 1tspvanilla
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspbaking soda
- 2⅓cupsflour
- ¼tspsalt
- ½cupchocolate chips
- 1cupM&M’s
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
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Heat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar over medium heat while stirring, until smooth. Let cool 5 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until mixed. Add in the vanilla.
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Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
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Stir the flour mix into the egg mixture, then add ½ of the M&Ms and ½ of the chocolate chips.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, then top with the remaining M&M’s and chocolate chips.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
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Allow to cool, then remove the blondies from the pan. Cut the blondies into bars.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 222.93kcal
- Fat: 11.05g
- Saturated Fat: 6.80g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.49g
- Carbohydrates: 28.83g
- Fiber: 0.70g
- Sugar: 18.53g
- Protein: 2.39g
- Cholesterol: 35.58mg
- Sodium: 69.04mg
- Calcium: 39.82mg
- Potassium: 51.23mg
- Iron: 0.43mg
- Vitamin A: 75.28µg
- Vitamin C: 0.07mg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Valentine's Day Blondies
When melting the butter and sugars together, make sure to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. It's also important to let this mixture cool before adding the eggs. If the mixture is too hot, it could cook the eggs and result in a lumpy batter. For a more even distribution of chocolate chips and m&m's, try tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Valentine's Day Blondies Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and ensure you have everything you need.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly mix the batter and achieve a smooth consistency.
Room temperature eggs and butter: Bring the eggs and butter to room temperature before starting to speed up the mixing process.
Bake multiple batches: Double the recipe and bake in multiple batches to save time and have extra treats on hand.
Chill the dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for a shorter time to firm it up before baking, allowing for easier cutting and shaping.
Pre-cut parchment paper: Pre-cut parchment paper to fit the baking pan for quick and easy preparation.
One-bowl mixing: Minimize cleanup by mixing all the ingredients in one bowl, saving time on washing up.
Use a hand mixer: Opt for a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for easier cleanup and quicker mixing.
Pre-portion ingredients: Pre-portion the chocolate chips and M&M's to streamline the baking process and save time during assembly.
Quick cooling: Speed up the cooling process by placing the baked blondies in the refrigerator or freezer for rapid chilling.
Substitute Ingredients For Valentine’s Blondies Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, making it a suitable substitute in baking recipes.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor to brown sugar and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes.
white sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and moisture to the blondies, and its distinct flavor can enhance the overall taste.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the blondies, similar to eggs, making it a suitable egg replacement in baking.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder by increasing the acidic ingredients in the recipe.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda by increasing the acidic ingredients in the recipe.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and a moist texture to the blondies.
chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs can provide a rich, chocolatey flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them a great substitute for chocolate chips in the blondies.
m&m's - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor to the blondies, similar to the festive touch provided by M&M's.
How to Beautifully Present Valentine's Day Blondies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Valentine's Day blondies, focus on creating an elegant and sophisticated plating. Use a rectangular plate to showcase the blondies, and consider using a dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of finesse.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce vibrant and visually appealing elements to the plating. Consider adding fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to bring a pop of color to the plate. The contrast of the colorful berries against the blondies will create a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize edible flowers: Enhance the presentation by incorporating delicate and edible flowers. Choose flowers such as rose petals or pansies to delicately garnish the plate, adding a touch of romance and elegance to the overall presentation.
Create a chocolate drizzle: Elevate the visual appeal by drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the plated blondies. The decadent chocolate drizzle will not only enhance the flavor but also add a professional and artistic touch to the presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and extravagant presentation, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the blondies. The shimmering gold accents will elevate the dessert to a truly opulent level, perfect for a special occasion like Valentine's Day.
Incorporate a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Serve the blondies alongside a quenelle of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm blondies and the cool, velvety ice cream will create a delightful sensory experience for the diners.
Essential Tools for Making Valentine's Day Blondies
Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients, protecting countertops and ensuring safety.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and incorporating air into mixtures.
Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients, scraping bowls, and flipping baked goods.
Baking pan: Provides a vessel for baking the blondie batter, ensuring even cooking and easy removal.
Parchment paper: Prevents the blondies from sticking to the baking pan and facilitates easy cleanup.
Oven: Used for baking the blondies to perfection at the specified temperature.
Storing and Freezing Valentine's Day Blondies
Let the blondies cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
To store the blondies, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep the blondies fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze the blondies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen blondies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or in the refrigerator overnight.
For best results, freeze the blondies in individual portions. This way, you can easily grab a single serving whenever you want a sweet treat, without having to thaw the entire batch.
If you want to keep the blondies extra fresh and prevent freezer burn, you can wrap each individual portion in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer-safe container.
Frozen blondies will keep for up to 3 months. After that, they may start to lose their flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Blondies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover blondies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the blondies loosely with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out or browning too much. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place the blondies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals, checking after each interval, until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the chocolate chips and m&m's to melt and become messy.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your blondies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the blondies in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will give you a slightly crispier exterior while keeping the interior soft and gooey.
For a more indulgent treat, cut the leftover blondies into bite-sized pieces and serve them as a topping for vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey blondies and the cool, creamy ice cream is sure to delight your taste buds.
If you want to give your leftover blondies a fresh twist, crumble them into small pieces and use them as a base for a trifle or parfait. Layer the blondie crumbles with whipped cream, chocolate pudding, and fresh berries for a delicious and visually appealing dessert.
Interesting Fact About Valentine's Day Blondies
The blondies recipe is a versatile dessert that can be customized with various mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate.
Is Making Valentine's Day Blondies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Valentine's Day Blondies recipe largely depends on the availability and price of ingredients. While butter, sugar, and flour are common pantry staples, the inclusion of chocolate chips and M&M's may increase the overall cost. However, considering that the recipe yields a large batch, the cost per serving is reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. In terms of taste and presentation, this recipe earns a solid 9/10, making it a delightful and cost-effective option for a sweet Valentine's Day celebration.
Are Valentine's Day Blondies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Valentine's Day blondies recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The use of all-purpose flour provides little nutritional value, as it is refined and stripped of its natural nutrients.
- Chocolate chips and M&M's add extra sugar and calories to the blondies, further reducing their nutritional value.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Replace some or all of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil.
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, as they contain less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Incorporate healthier add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut to boost the nutritional value and provide additional texture.
- Cut the blondies into smaller portions to encourage mindful eating and portion control.
Editor's Opinion on This Valentine's Day Treat
This Valentine's Day blondies recipe is a delightful treat for your loved ones. The combination of brown sugar, chocolate chips, and M&M's creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The method of heating the butter and sugars together adds a rich caramel flavor, while the addition of M&M's brings a festive touch. The blondies are easy to make and can be a wonderful homemade gift for Valentine's Day. Enjoy these delectable blondies with your special someone or share them with friends to spread the love.
Enhance Your Valentine’s Blondies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Valentine's Day Blondies
Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Valentine's Day Blondies
Why trust this Valentine’s Blondies Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful treat for Valentine's Day, created by a seasoned chef with a passion for creating delicious desserts. The combination of rich butter and sweet chocolate chips ensures a decadent flavor, while the addition of colorful M&M's adds a festive touch. The careful incorporation of vanilla and precise baking instructions guarantees a perfect texture and taste. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and indulge in these irresistible blondies that are sure to impress your loved ones.
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