Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Treat: The Blondie

January 22 is National Blonde Brownie Day! The blonde brownie is also known as a blondie. They’re similar to brownies in how they’re made, only the recipe doesn’t call for chocolate. According to foodtimeline.org, blondies don’t derive from brownies at all — it evolved from gingerbread bars. However, they are as versatile as brownies — you can find them with all sorts of sweet embellishments: butterscotch, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, caramel, walnuts, coconut — just about anything you think would be delicious in a dessert. Some people take it to the extreme with Oreo blondies or birthday cake blondies — there’s even a recipe out there for Roasted Strawberry and Goat Cheese Blondies — but anyway you make it, it’s moist, dense and rich just like the brownie — and it’s way better than a cookie!

At The Lakeside Collection, our favorite blondie recipe includes white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. It’s very simple — only seven ingredients (five if you make it without the nuts and white chocolate) Although we’re making blondies to celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day, it’s our favorite Valentine’s Day treat.

Blondies

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts
• ⅔ cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375℉.

In a bowl fitted to a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to cream together the sugar and butter on medium speed until it’s well-combined. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time and mix until it’s creamy and smooth. Slowly add the flour and mix well.

Turn the mixer down to low speed and add white chocolate chips and nuts. Spread mixture in a 9”x9” baking dish. Bake the blondies for 40 minutes or until the edges are dark brown and the top is golden brown. For extra measure, stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Let cool completely before cutting.

Of course, you can make blondies any day of the year — not just National Blonde Brownie Day or Valentine’s Day — they’re a perfect dessert for just about any occasion.