Decadent Sourdough Blondies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar and chocolate chips with the unique tang of sourdough. Perfect for enjoying during weeknights or on the weekends, these blondies offer a comforting dessert that can be shared at gatherings or savored during quiet moments at home. Their straightforward preparation makes them a practical choice for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and create something delicious together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Decadent Sourdough Blondies
These Decadent Sourdough Blondies are not only easy to make but also provide a reliable dessert option for any home cook. Their balanced flavor, stemming from the combination of sweet brown sugar and chocolate, brings comfort in every bite. With practical value, you won’t need to think twice about making them for family or friends, ensuring they perfectly fit into your everyday routine.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (structural role)
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder (leavening agent)
- ½ cup Butter, Softened (adds moisture and richness)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 1 Egg (binding ingredient)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (flavor enhancer)
- ½ cup Sourdough Discard (Unfed, Inactive) (adds tang and moisture)
- 1 ½ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (sweetness and texture)
How to Make Decadent Sourdough Blondies
Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is important for ensuring the blondies bake evenly and achieve the desired texture. Allow the oven to heat fully before you put your batter in to bake. This initial setting creates the foundation for perfectly baked blondies.
Step 2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. This step is key to ensuring the leavening agent is evenly distributed. Proper mixing prevents any dry pockets from forming, which can affect the final texture of your blondies.
Step 3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using a rubber spatula or whisk until the mixture is creamy and light. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping the blondies rise and become light. Make sure no lumps of brown sugar remain for a smooth batter.
Step 4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir them in thoroughly until the mixture is homogenous. This step adds moisture and binds the ingredients together. Take your time here to ensure that everything is well combined, contributing to the overall flavor.
Step 5. Gently mix in the sourdough discard into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Sourdough discard adds a unique tanginess that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. Ensure everything is blended without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Step 6. Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to combine them gently, being careful not to overwork the batter. Overmixing can result in dense blondies, so fold until just combined and no dry flour is visible.
Step 7. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate, enhancing the overall sweetness. Make sure they are mixed evenly to ensure every bite has chocolate.
Step 8. Pour the blondie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly using a spatula. This ensures uniform cooking and provides a consistent texture throughout. Smooth out the top as best as you can to help with even browning.
Step 9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the blondies as they bake; when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs, they are done. This balance ensures a fudgy center.
Step 10. Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, you can lift them out using the edges of the parchment paper if you used it. Cooling them slightly helps the texture firm up, making them easier to cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions
Decadent Sourdough Blondies can be enjoyed in various ways to fit your lifestyle. They make a delightful treat for breakfast alongside coffee or serve as a sweet snack during the day. These blondies are perfect for family meals as a dessert or can be packed along for picnics and gatherings. Leftovers can be easily stored and enjoyed over a few days, maintaining their flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve a creamy consistency when mixed with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the blondies tender.
- Allow the blondies to cool before cutting to achieve clean slices.
- Use quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor and better melting properties.
- Adjust baking time if using a different pan size to prevent over or under baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies. It’s best to mix until just combined to preserve a tender texture.
- Using Cold Butter
- Cold butter does not incorporate well with sugar and can lead to a denser product. Always use softened butter for a lighter, fluffier blondie.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature
- Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven, and remember that oven temperatures can vary; an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately
- Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can drastically affect results. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities.
- Skipping the Cooling Step
- Cutting into the blondies while still warm can cause them to crumble and fall apart. Letting them cool helps set the texture, making for a better experience.
- Using Active Sourdough Discard
- Using active sourdough discard can alter the balance of wet and dry ingredients, affecting texture. Ensure your discard is unfed and inactive for the best results.
Variations & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate. You can also experiment with mini chocolate chips for a greater chocolate-to-batter ratio. For a fun flavor change, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top after baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your blondies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring to place them in an airtight container to maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to three months. When reheating, place the blondies in the microwave for a short burst of about 10-15 seconds to refresh their texture.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time! They store well at room temperature for a few days, and you can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, your blondies can last in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating to maintain their moisture and freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! These blondies freeze very well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months and are easy to thaw at room temperature.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you’re looking to replace an ingredient, consider using melted coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option. This can impart a subtle coconut flavor while maintaining the moisture needed in the blondies.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Several factors could contribute to an unsatisfactory result, such as incorrect measurements, not following the baking time closely, or using active sourdough discard. It’s important to adhere to the recipe closely for the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
Making Decadent Sourdough Blondies is a simple and rewarding experience that results in a delicious treat for you and your loved ones. Their comforting flavor and easy preparation make them a go-to dessert. Enjoy each bite knowing that you crafted something delightful, perfect for any occasion or craving.
Decadent Sourdough Blondies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour Structural role
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder Leavening agent
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter, Softened Adds moisture and richness
- 1 cup Brown Sugar Sweetness and depth of flavor
- 1 unit Egg Binding ingredient
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Flavor enhancer
- ½ cup Sourdough Discard (Unfed, Inactive) Adds tang and moisture
Mix-Ins
- 1 ½ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Sweetness and texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and light.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until homogenous.
- Gently mix in the sourdough discard.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Baking
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.