When you’re planning a big holiday meal, dessert can sometimes feel like an afterthought. You want something special, but also something that won’t take up your entire afternoon. Let me tell you, I’ve been there.
That’s where these amazing Christmas Blondies come in. They are one of my favorite Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas to have in my back pocket. They are incredibly simple to make, taste so good, and look wonderfully festive on any dessert table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this is a recipe you can make in one bowl. Yes, you read that right. Less mess during the busy holiday season is always a huge win in my book. It keeps things simple and quick.
The texture is just wonderful. These blondies are soft, chewy, and dense in the best way possible. They have a rich, buttery flavor thanks to the brown sugar, which makes them so comforting.
They are also super festive. The combination of red and green holiday M&Ms, colorful sprinkles, and rich chocolate chips makes them so cheerful. They just look like Christmas on a plate.
This is a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. If you are new to baking, this is a fantastic place to start. It’s almost foolproof. It’s also a fun recipe to get the kids involved with.
And honestly, they are so easy to customize. You can swap out the mix ins for whatever you have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s great for using up leftover holiday candy.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these blondies are mostly pantry staples, which is great for last minute baking. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 extra large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for sprinkling on top
- 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms, plus extra for sprinkling on top
- 2 tablespoons holiday jimmy sprinkles, plus extra for sprinkling on top
A quick note on a few things. Using melted butter helps create that dense, chewy texture we’re looking for. The dark brown sugar adds so much moisture and a deep caramel like flavor.
And please try to use a room temperature egg. It mixes into the batter much more evenly, which leads to a better overall result. It’s a small detail that makes a difference.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the easiest dessert for your holiday gathering? Let’s walk through it. This is one of the most Simple Christmas Dinner Ideas you’ll find.
Step 1: Get The Oven And Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating up, prepare your 8×8 inch square pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will act like little handles later.
This parchment paper trick makes it so much easier to lift the entire slab of blondies out of the pan once they have cooled. It makes for super clean cuts and no sticking.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and white sugar. You’ll also add the salt and nutmeg here. Mix it all together until it’s thoroughly combined and smooth.
Next, add the room temperature egg and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and well blended. That’s how you know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Add The Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time for the flour and baking soda. Add them both to the wet ingredients. Mix until they are just combined. Be really careful not to overmix at this stage. You should still see a few streaks of flour.
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, cakey blondies instead of the chewy ones we want. A light hand is key here.
Step 4: Fold In The Fun Stuff
Gently fold in your dark chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and sprinkles. Use a spatula to fold them in until they are just evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is where they really start to look festive.
Step 5: Prepare For Baking
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners. A smooth, even surface will help the blondies bake uniformly.
For that extra pop of color, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles over the top of the batter. This makes them look so appealing after they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Bake And Cool
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bars are puffed up and the top is a light golden brown. The edges should also look set.
Now for the hardest part. You must let them cool completely in the pan before you even think about cutting them. I know it’s tempting, but this step is crucial for the texture. They continue to set as they cool.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, storing them is simple. You can keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They will stay nice and chewy.
I don’t recommend refrigerating them, as it can make them a bit hard. But if you do, just let them sit at room temperature for a little while before enjoying them to soften up.
These also freeze beautifully. Cut them into individual bars and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you want a treat.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Christmas Blondies come out wonderfully every time. These really are one of the best Christmas Food Ideas For Dinner because they are so forgiving.
Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s the most important tip. Mix until you can barely see flour anymore, and then stop. This ensures a chewy, not cakey, result.
The parchment paper sling is your best friend. Leaving that overhang on the sides of the pan makes removal so easy. No more broken blondies or messy pans to scrape out.
Patience is a virtue, especially when cooling. Letting the blondies cool completely in the pan allows them to set up properly. If you cut them while warm, they will likely fall apart. Wait at least an hour, or even longer.
Feel free to get creative with your mix ins. White chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even other types of holiday candies would be delicious additions. Make it your own special treat.
When measuring your flour, use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A festive, delicious, and incredibly simple dessert that fits perfectly into your holiday plans. These blondies are proof that great Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner treats don’t have to be complicated.
They are a wonderful addition to any cookie platter and a great homemade gift for friends and neighbors. I hope you and your family enjoy these chewy, colorful bars as much as mine does during the holiday season.
When you need truly Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas, especially for dessert, this recipe is a clear winner. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just use a 9×13 inch pan instead of an 8×8 inch one. You will likely need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on it.
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Chips Instead Of Dark?
Absolutely. If you prefer milk chocolate, feel free to use it. The blondies will be a little sweeter, but just as tasty. Semisweet or even white chocolate chips would also work well here.
Why Are My Blondies Cakey Instead Of Chewy?
A cakey texture is usually caused by one of two things. The most common reason is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. The other possibility is adding too much leavening, like baking soda.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, these are one of the great make ahead Holiday Dinner Ideas. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to serve.
What If I Don’t Have An 8×8 Inch Pan?
If you don’t have an 8×8 inch pan, a 9×9 inch pan will work. Your blondies will be a bit thinner and will likely bake faster, so check them a few minutes earlier. You could also use a round 9 inch cake pan.
Christmas Blondies
When planning a big holiday meal, these Christmas Blondies are a wonderful, easy dessert. They are incredibly simple to make, taste so good, and look wonderfully festive. Soft, chewy, and dense with a rich, buttery flavor, they’re packed with holiday M&Ms, colorful sprinkles, and rich chocolate chips.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for handles.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract; mix until glossy and well blended.
- Add flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in dark chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until puffed and light golden brown. Cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix until you can barely see flour anymore, and then stop. This ensures a chewy, not cakey, result.
The parchment paper sling is your best friend. Leaving that overhang on the sides of the pan makes removal so easy. No more broken blondies or messy pans to scrape out.
Patience is a virtue, especially when cooling. Letting the blondies cool completely in the pan allows them to set up properly. If you cut them while warm, they will likely fall apart. Wait at least an hour, or even longer.
Feel free to get creative with your mix ins. White chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even other types of holiday candies would be delicious additions. Make it your own special treat.
When measuring your flour, use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
