Irresistibly Chewy Salted Caramel M&M Blondies: The Ultimate Big Batch Recipe
Prepare to be enchanted by these spectacularly chewy, brown-sugary salted caramel blondies, generously studded with decadent chocolate chunks and vibrant M&Ms. This impressive big batch of bars isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration in itself, making it absolutely perfect for any party, potluck, or simply for satisfying that irresistible sweet tooth whenever the craving strikes.
Blondies stand as a delightful testament to the magic of baking, offering a sublime harmony of rich brown sugar flavor with the beloved chewy and fudgy texture often associated with classic brownies. What sets these particular blondies apart is the thoughtful inclusion of an abundance of robust chocolate chunks, pockets of gooey caramel goodness that melt in your mouth, and a colorful scattering of crunchy M&M candies on top. This combination creates a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to every palate. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors – the soft chewiness of the bar, the satisfying snap of chocolate, and the sweet crunch of the candy shell.
This recipe yields a substantial batch, making it an ideal choice for sharing with a crowd, preparing for future events, or even freezing for those moments when you need a quick, homemade indulgence. Be warned, though, despite their generous quantity, these delightful bars have a mysterious way of disappearing far more quickly than one might anticipate!
My culinary journey with this recipe began with a specific request: to create a batch of salted caramel candy blondies inspired by a recipe from Kristen Tomlan. I embarked on this task with every intention of following the original plan to the letter. However, as often happens in creative kitchens, one thing led to another, and before I knew it, my initial modest 9×13-inch pan preparation had magically transformed into a full-sized half sheet pan endeavor. It’s almost as if the deliciousness demanded a grander stage!
Have you ever experienced such a delightful expansion in your own baking projects? In my kitchen, baked goods frequently seem to take on a life of their own, often growing beyond their initial scope to become something even more spectacular. This particular expansion was certainly no cause for disappointment; in fact, I was absolutely thrilled with how things evolved. The final outcome left me over the moon with happiness, a sentiment enthusiastically shared by my family who quickly devoured the oversized batch. My coworkers, too, were more than pleased that the unexpected abundance meant extra treats for them, turning a simple baking project into a widespread delight.
The sheer scale of this recipe, filling a generous half sheet pan, makes it an excellent choice for a wide array of occasions. Imagine bringing these impressive bars to potlucks, family gatherings, casual BBQs, or festive parties – they are guaranteed to be a showstopper. This ample quantity means you can effortlessly share the joy with all your friends and family, or, if you prefer, indulge a little and keep some for yourself. For ultimate convenience, consider individually wrapping leftover bars and freezing them. Then, whenever a craving for a warm, chewy treat strikes, simply pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ll have a fresh-ttasting blondie ready to enjoy.
Baking Perfect Blondies: Essential Tips, Clever Tricks, and Delicious Substitutions
Creating the perfect blondie is an art, but it’s also wonderfully accessible. Here are some insights and ideas to ensure your salted caramel M&M blondies turn out perfectly every time.
Understanding Blondie Dough Consistency
Unlike many other blondie recipes that often rely on oil for their fat content, this particular recipe uses butter. Consequently, you might find the dough to feel noticeably drier and even a bit crumbly as you mix it together. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s entirely normal for this specific formulation. The dough will come together with continued mixing, eventually forming a cohesive, albeit dense, batter. This unique consistency is actually a key factor in achieving the signature chewy texture that makes these blondies so irresistible.
Expert Tips for Spreading Sticky Dough
Working with a rich, sticky dough can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to spreading it evenly into the pan. If you find the dough adhering too much to your fingertips, a simple trick can make all the difference: lightly wet your finger tips with water before pressing the dough into place. The slight moisture creates a barrier, allowing you to smooth out the sticky dough across the pan without it clinging. Remember, the goal is just enough moisture to ease the spreading, not to incorporate a significant amount of water into the dough itself.
Ensuring a Non-Stick Experience and Flawless Bars
To guarantee that your blondies lift cleanly from the pan and yield beautifully intact pieces, I highly recommend a dual approach to pan preparation. Start by thoroughly spraying your half sheet pan with a good quality nonstick spray. Following this, line the bottom of the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on the sides for easy lifting once baked. While a sprayed pan alone might suffice, this extra step with parchment paper provides an invaluable insurance policy against sticking, ensuring crisp edges and perfect presentation for every single bar. This is especially useful for a large batch, as uniform pieces are easier to cut and serve.
Unleashing Your Creativity with Flavorful Additions
In this recipe, I opted for a delightful blend of salted caramel baking chips and robust semi-sweet chocolate chunks, complemented by a festive sprinkle of M&M’s on top. However, the beauty of blondies lies in their versatility. Do not feel constrained by these choices; let your culinary imagination run wild! For a different twist, consider swapping out the salted caramel chips for decadent peanut butter chips to create a nutty, savory-sweet profile, or indulge in the classic butterscotch chips for a nostalgic flavor. Regular chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of different chocolate varieties would also be absolutely amazing. Beyond chips, think about adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity counterpoint, or other candy pieces like chopped pretzels for an added salty element. Each variation brings its own unique charm and texture, allowing you to tailor these blondies to your personal preferences or the specific occasion.
The Finishing Touch: Flaky Sea Salt
For those who truly appreciate the harmonious balance of flavors, a delicate dusting of flaky sea salt over the baked blondies is an optional yet highly recommended step. The subtle crunch and briny notes of the sea salt brilliantly enhance the sweetness of the brown sugar, the richness of the chocolate, and especially the distinct taste of the caramel. It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire experience, transforming a delicious treat into an extraordinary one by adding depth and complexity. This small touch of salt is the secret to making the “salted” caramel aspect truly sing.
Cooling and Storage for Optimal Enjoyment
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to blondies. While the aroma of freshly baked treats is intoxicating, allowing your blondies to cool completely on a wire rack is crucial before cutting. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly, firming up their chewy interior and preventing them from crumbling when sliced. Once cooled, store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness and chewiness. For longer storage, individual pieces can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen blondies can be thawed at room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick, comforting dessert.
More Delicious Treats to Try
If you love these chewy bars, be sure to explore other delectable recipes from our collection:
- Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies: A warm and inviting cookie perfect for any season.
- Chocolate Spritz Sandwich Cookies: Delicate, buttery cookies with a rich chocolate filling.
- Soft and Sweet Sugar Cookie Bars: Easy-to-make sugar cookie delight in bar form, ideal for decorating.
Chewy Salted Caramel M&M Blondies
Equipment
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OXO Good Grips 8-Piece Baking Essentials POP Container Set, White
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Sheet Pan (13×18 inch)
Ingredients
- 4¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 cups light brown sugar packed
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups assorted baking chips*
- ½ cup M&Ms
- optional: flaky sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a half sheet pan (13×18 inches) with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and free of lumps. Set aside.4¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons salt
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy.1 cup butter, 3 cups light brown sugar
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.3 eggs, 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in your chosen baking chips (like salted caramel and chocolate chunks).2 cups assorted baking chips*
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Transfer the dough to the prepared half sheet pan. Use your fingers (slightly moistened if the dough is too sticky) or an offset spatula to spread the dough evenly across the entire pan. Generously sprinkle the M&Ms over the top of the dough. If desired, lightly dust with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.½ cup M&Ms, optional: flaky sea salt
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Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should appear lightly golden brown, and the center should be set and slightly puffed. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry blondie.
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Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before attempting to cut them. The center will gently sink back in as they cool, which is a sign of their fudgy texture.
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Store any extra pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for a delightful treat whenever you desire.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Estimate Per Serving)
Calories: 204 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 32g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 7g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Cholesterol: 29mg |
Sodium: 255mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 17g
“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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