Festive Christmas Blondies Recipe Best Holiday Dessert

Introduction

Let me tell you, the aroma of buttery vanilla and brown sugar filling my kitchen as these festive Christmas blondies bake is pure holiday magic. It’s the kind of scent that makes you stop mid-whisk and just smile, knowing you’re creating something special. The first time I made these blondies, I was trying to recreate the cozy, warm feeling of childhood Christmas mornings—when the house was filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and sugary treats that felt like a hug in dessert form. These blondies delivered all that and more.

Honestly, they’ve become a staple in my holiday baking routine, and for good reason. They’re soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch from festive mix-ins like red and green candies, white chocolate chips, and pecans. My family couldn’t stop sneaking bites off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them!). Whether you’re making them for a holiday potluck, gifting them to neighbors, or saving them for your Christmas dessert table, these blondies are guaranteed to spread smiles and holiday cheer.

Perfectly easy to whip up, these blondies feel like pure nostalgic comfort with every bite. You’re going to want to bookmark this recipe—it’s one of those desserts that gets rave reviews every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These blondies come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
• Simple Ingredients: No special trips to the store—most of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: They’re festive, colorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties or family dinners.
• Customizable: From mix-ins to toppings, you can adapt the recipe to suit your favorite holiday flavors.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The soft, buttery texture paired with the sweet, nutty crunch makes these blondies irresistible.

What really makes these Christmas blondies stand out is their versatility. You can load them with your favorite holiday candies or keep it classic with white chocolate and pecans. Plus, they’re the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe after just one bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, these blondies are the holiday dessert you didn’t know you needed.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
• Brown sugar: Creates that classic chewy blondie texture and caramel-like flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
• Large eggs: Room temperature works best for even mixing.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must for that warm, holiday flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without being too dense.
• Baking powder: Ensures the blondies rise just enough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• White chocolate chips: For creamy bursts of flavor.
• Red and green candy-coated chocolates: Add festive color and crunch.
• Chopped pecans: Optional but adds a nutty texture.

Feel free to swap out the mix-ins to suit your taste. For example, you can use dried cranberries or crushed peppermint candies for a different holiday twist. Gluten-free flour can also work as a substitute for those with dietary restrictions.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Christmas blondies:

• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in the mix-ins without overmixing.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: The size that gives the perfect thickness for blondies.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal and cleanup.
• Cooling rack: Helps cool the blondies evenly after baking.

If you don’t have parchment paper, greasing the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray works too. And if you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can divide the batter into smaller pans—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. The batter should look glossy and smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the mixture until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the white chocolate chips, red and green candy-coated chocolates, and chopped pecans (if using). Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into squares.

Pro tip: If you want clean edges when slicing, chill the blondies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Fold until just combined.
• Use room temperature eggs: They incorporate more smoothly into the batter, ensuring an even texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dense blondies.
• Watch the bake time: Overbaking can dry out the blondies. They should be slightly underbaked in the center for a chewy texture.
• Custom mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with holiday flavors like crushed candy canes or dried fruits.

By following these tips, you’ll nail the soft, chewy texture that makes blondies so irresistible.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and add extra candy mix-ins or shredded coconut instead.
• Seasonal Twist: Replace the red and green candies with pastel-colored ones for Easter or orange and black ones for Halloween.
• Peppermint Blondies: Add crushed candy canes and a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist.
• Fruit Add-In: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

One of my favorite variations is swapping out the pecans for crushed gingerbread cookies—they add a spicy, crunchy kick that’s perfect for the holidays!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These blondies are best served at room temperature, but they’re also delicious slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arrange them on a festive platter or stack them in a clear container with holiday ribbons for gifting.

To store, place the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen blondies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Bonus tip: The flavors of these blondies deepen after a day, making them even better for make-ahead holiday treats!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (based on 1 blondie):

• Calories: Approximately 220
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 2g

Key benefits include the energy boost from the sugars and healthy fats from the pecans. If you use dark chocolate chips or cranberries, you’ll add a touch of antioxidants to the mix. Keep in mind, these blondies are a treat—perfect for indulging in moderation during the holidays.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love, these Christmas blondies are the answer. I love how customizable they are—you can tweak the mix-ins and flavors to suit your family’s holiday traditions. Plus, they’re just plain fun to bake and share.

Give these blondies a try and let me know how you like them! Leave a comment below with your favorite mix-ins or holiday adaptations. And don’t forget to share the recipe with friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be as sweet as these blondies!

FAQs

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes! These blondies stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, and their flavor improves after a day, making them perfect for make-ahead baking.

Can I freeze the blondies?

Absolutely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of pecans?

You can skip the nuts altogether or replace them with walnuts, shredded coconut, or crushed holiday cookies.

How do I know when the blondies are done?

The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, and the recipe will work beautifully.

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