After a busy day, there’s something quite satisfying about preparing a warm, comforting treat. These blondies offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and richness, making them perfect for weeknight snacking, weekend gatherings, or a quiet moment with your favorite book. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility; you can easily whip them up with common pantry ingredients. Allow this easy preparation to invite you into the comforting world of homemade sweets.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Sourdough Blondies

These blondies bring together ease and reliability, making them a go-to choice for many home cooks. The comforting combination of flavors, especially with the addition of sourdough discard, gives them a unique twist. The texture is chewy and soft, inviting you for second helpings. This Sourdough Discard Blondies Recipe fits seamlessly into everyday life, providing warmth and a satisfying treat whenever you need it.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking dish

Ingredients

• 1 cup All Purpose Flour (provides structure)
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder (helps the blondies rise)
• ½ cup Butter, Softened (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (contributes sweetness and a slight chew)
• 1 Egg (binds the ingredients together)
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (enhances flavor)
• ½ cup Sourdough Discard, Unfed, Inactive (adds a light tang and moisture)
• 1 ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (provides chocolatey richness)

How to Make Chewy Sourdough Blondies

Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to the desired temperature, usually around 350°F. This ensures an even baking environment. Having the oven ready when you mix your ingredients means that baking will start promptly, leading to a consistent texture in the final product.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Stir them together gently, making sure there are no clumps. This helps the baking powder distribute evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that your blondies will rise and have a nice texture.

Step 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You’re looking for a light and fluffy consistency, which will help trap air in the batter, contributing to a lighter texture once baked.

Step 4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, bringing moisture and richness to the blondies, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 5. Gently fold in the sourdough discard. Its moisture and subtle tang will add depth to your blondies, making them unique. Ensure it is mixed well without overworking the batter, which can lead to a tougher texture.

Step 6. Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, but without any dry flour remaining.

Step 7. Finally, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step brings a delightful richness to the blondies. You might want to reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top before baking for an appealing finish and extra chocolatey flavor.

Step 8. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Use the spatula to smooth the top, making it as even as possible, which helps with consistent baking.

Step 9. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked, around 20-25 minutes. You want a light golden color on top and a soft texture for that classic blondie chew.

Step 10. Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time will help them firm up a bit, making slicing easier and keeping them from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

These blondies can serve as a delightful breakfast option, especially when paired with coffee or tea. They also work great as an afternoon snack, especially after a long day, providing just the right amount of sweetness. If you have kids, these blondies can be an easy addition to lunchboxes or a family meal dessert. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, as leftovers can be just as tempting, perhaps even with a scoop of ice cream.

Pro Tips for Best Results

1. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure a fluffy texture when combined with sugar.
2. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent tough blondies.
3. For a richer flavor, let the batter sit for 10-15 minutes before baking.
4. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
5. Use fresh chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
6. If using a non-stick baking dish, grease it lightly to prevent sticking even further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using cold butter: This can lead to a dense batter. Always ensure your butter is softened so the mixture can aerate properly for a lighter texture.
2. Overmixing the batter: This can result in tough blondies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
3. Not measuring ingredients correctly: Baking relies on precise measurements, so make sure to measure carefully to achieve the right texture.
4. Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out the blondies. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness a few minutes early.
5. Skipping the cooling step: If you don’t let them cool before cutting, they may crumble. Patience helps achieve nice slices.
6. Not greasing the baking dish adequately: This can make for a frustrating cleanup. A light greasing will help them come out easily.

Variations & Substitutions

For a fun twist, consider adding nuts or using different chocolate variations, such as milk or dark chocolate chips. You could also mix in a bit of coconut or sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for an interesting flavor contrast. If you’re looking to reduce sweetness, you can slightly decrease the amount of brown sugar.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, these blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. If you choose to freeze them, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds to bring back some of the original softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these blondies can be made ahead of time. Simply bake, allow them to cool, and store them. They hold up well, and you can slice them just before serving for the best texture.

How long does it last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to a week in the fridge. This makes them convenient for quick snacks or desserts throughout the week.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! These blondies freeze well. Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer bag. They can be enjoyed from frozen or thawed overnight in the fridge.

What can I substitute for one ingredient?

If you need a substitute for the butter due to dietary preferences, you could use a plant-based butter or margarine. This will keep the texture similar while catering to different needs.

Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?

There are a few common reasons, such as improper measurements or overmixing the batter. These factors can affect the final texture. Pay close attention to your mixing and measuring for better results next time.

Final Thoughts

Making these blondies is a straightforward and rewarding experience. They fill the kitchen with warmth and that inviting aroma of baked goods. Enjoying a slice with a warm beverage becomes a comforting ritual. The simple pleasure of homemade treats invites you to pause and savor life’s quieter moments. Embrace the joy of sharing these blondies with friends or family, knowing you’ve made something wholesome and delicious.

Sourdough Discard Blondies

These blondies offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and richness, thanks to the unique addition of sourdough discard, providing a chewy and soft texture perfect for snacking or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup All Purpose Flour provides structure
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder helps the blondies rise

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup Butter, Softened adds moisture and richness
• 1 cup Brown Sugar contributes sweetness and a slight chew
• 1 large Egg binds the ingredients together
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract enhances flavor
• ½ cup Sourdough Discard, Unfed, Inactive adds a light tang and moisture

Chocolate

• 1 ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips provides chocolatey richness

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Stir them together gently.
• In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
• Gently fold in the sourdough discard until mixed well.
• Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients and fold until just combined.
• Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.

Baking

• Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly underbaked.
• Allow the blondies to cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature; leftover blondies can be enjoyed later, possibly with a scoop of ice cream. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough blondies, and always use softened butter for best results.

Keyword Baking, Blondies, Chocolate Chips, Easy Dessert, sourdough discard