Pin It These Maple-Pretzel Chocolate Chip Blondies are my answer to any sweet and salty craving that strikes and need to impress a crowd without breaking a sweat. Packed with gooey chocolate, crunchy pretzel bites and the warmth of real maple syrup, they deliver everything you love about a bakery treat with the simplicity of a one-bowl bake.
Every time I bake these for friends they disappear before dinner even starts which makes me feel like the snack hero of every party. My nephew says they taste like cookie dough grew up and decided to go on vacation.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: the classic base for a dense chewy crumb look for unbleached flour for better flavor
- Light brown sugar: makes the bars chewy and deepens the butterscotch notes use fresh soft sugar for best texture
- Unsalted butter: ensures rich moist flavor throughout and using unsalted lets you control the salt level
- Pure maple syrup: brings a floral earthy sweetness that cannot be matched choose grade A dark robust syrup for full flavor
- Egg: adds structure and chew without making the blondies cakey be sure to use a large egg at room temperature
- Vanilla extract: deepens the aroma and rounds out the sweetness real vanilla makes a difference in such a simple recipe
- Mini pretzels or pretzel twists: add salty crunch and cut the sweetness use fresh crisp pretzels not stale ones
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks: create gooey pools throughout high quality chocolate melts best
- Baking powder: offers lift for the perfect blondie not too flat not too cakey make sure your powder is fresh
- Kosher salt: brightens flavor and helps balance maple and chocolate avoid table salt which can taste harsh
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat swirling often until fully liquid and barely sizzling. Turn off heat and let cool for three minutes so you do not scramble the egg later.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk in the light brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the maple syrup egg and vanilla extract whisking until completely combined and the mixture is thick but pourable.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl stir flour baking powder and kosher salt with a fork until evenly mixed breaking up any lumps.
- Make the Batter Base:
- Pour dry ingredients into wet. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined with no dry streaks. Do not over mix as this can toughen your blondie.
- Fold in the Mix Ins:
- Add two thirds of the chocolate and two thirds of the crushed pretzels. Fold gently but thoroughly so pieces are evenly distributed for every bite.
- Prep and Fill the Pan:
- Line an eight inch square pan with parchment leaving some overhang for easy lifting. Pour in the blondie batter smoothing the top gently. Scatter the remaining pretzels and chocolate over the surface so they bake into an eye catching crust.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty three to twenty seven minutes. The edges should look golden and set but the center is just slightly wobbly for the chewiest texture.
- Cool and Cut:
- Remove from the oven and let cool at least thirty minutes in the pan to finish setting. Lift using the parchment. Cut into squares once cool then enjoy every sweet salty chunk.
Pin It My favorite part is pressing the last handful of salty pretzels right on top because these always helped my cousin recover from a tough day at school. She swears the sprinkle of flaky salt is what makes all the difference.
Storage Tips
After fully cooling wrap the blondies tightly in foil or reusable wrap and store at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage you can freeze individual squares in zipper bags up to three months. Thaw overnight on the countertop or rewarm for a few seconds in the microwave to revive the gooey chocolate texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
No pure maple syrup Use dark brown sugar in its place and add an extra half teaspoon vanilla for depth though true maple brings unmatched flavor. You can swap chocolate chunks for white chocolate or peanut butter chips to play with the flavors. Make it dairy free by choosing plant based butter sticks and a dairy free chocolate brand.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into bite sized cubes for a party platter or top warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. These are absolutely perfect for potlucks brunches or packed into picnic baskets for road trip snacks. If you want a more elegant dessert dust lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.
Cultural Context
Blondies are the caramelly cousin to brownies and maple syrup brings a New England twist inspired by sugar shack treats from the Northeast. Salty pretzels and melting chocolate are a mashup of classic American flavors that work in cookies trays or lunchbox squares all year round.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap maple syrup for honey or date syrup if you want a warmer flavor during fall and winter. Add chopped dried cranberries or walnuts around the holidays for festive bites. In summer use mini pretzel rods and serve with fresh berries for a refreshing lift.
Pin It There was not a crumb left when I brought these to my book club meeting and several friends have made them for bake sales and gatherings ever since. Try keeping a batch in your freezer for sweet emergencies that make any moment special.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes these blondies unique?
The blend of maple syrup and pretzels adds layers of sweet and salty flavors, enhancing classic chocolate chip blondies.
- → Can I use other nuts or mix-ins?
Yes, chopped nuts or other add-ins like white chocolate can be substituted for pretzels or chocolate chips.
- → How do I get gooey centers?
Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and pretzels to adapt the bar for dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.