Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted and cooled
- Light Brown Sugar, packed: 1 cup
- Large Egg: 1
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Shelled Pistachios, roughly chopped: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is lightened and glossy, about one minute of mixing.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix only until just combined; do not overmix the batter.
- Step 4: Gently fold in most of the chopped pistachios, reserving approximately one tablespoon to use as a topping. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the reserved chopped pistachios over the surface of the batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Step 6: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour) before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares.
Notes
- For optimal chewiness, store cooled blondies tightly covered at room temperature; they stay fresh and soft for up to four days.
- If you crave a warm, gooey center, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds before serving to reactivate the melted butter and vanilla notes.
- Elevate this dessert by serving warm squares alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a touch of orange zest.
- A critical step: ensure the blondies cool completely before slicing, as cutting them warm causes crumbling due to the high sugar and butter content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American