If you’re looking to cozy up your dessert game this holiday season, you absolutely have to try this Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe. These blondies boast a warm, gooey texture with that irresistible nutty caramel flavor from brown butter, perfectly spiced with classic gingerbread warmth. And wait until you see those festive white chocolate designs that turn these blondies from delicious treats into lovely holiday centerpieces. Trust me, once you make this Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe, it’ll become your go-to festive dessert that fills the house with the scent of happiness and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the best part about this Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe. Each element plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden-brown color you’ll adore.
- 10 tbsp butter: The star of the show when browned, delivering a rich, nutty caramel flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture for gooey blondies.
- ¼ cup white sugar: Helps balance sweetness and creates a slight crisp edge.
- 1 egg: Provides structure and moisture, keeping the blondies tender.
- 1 tbsp egg white: Whipped for extra fluff and lightness in your batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other spices with a smooth undertone.
- 1 tbsp gingerbread spice: The fragrant blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg that makes these blondies unforgettable.
- 1 heaping tsp baking soda: Gives a nice rise, contributing to that perfect blondie texture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything beautifully together.
- ½ cup white chocolate melting chips: For those festive decorations that make every bite merry and bright.
How to Make Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by heating the butter over medium heat in a sauce pot, stirring constantly for about 4 to 6 minutes. You want the butter to bubble gently and thicken, turning golden brown with a nutty aroma—not burnt. This step is the flavor foundation for these blondies, lending a rich caramel complexity that regular melted butter just can’t compete with.
Step 2: Combine Sugars with Browned Butter
Once your butter is perfectly browned, add the brown sugar directly into the pot and stir until fully combined. This mixture becomes the luscious, sweet base that encourages those chewy, gooey blondies everyone loves.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs for Fluffiness
In a large bowl, whisk the white sugar, egg, and egg white vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. This whipping action adds air to your batter, resulting in lighter blondies without sacrificing the dense, moist texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Together
Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture into the whipped eggs, then add vanilla extract. Gently mix to create a decadent batter that promises the perfect balance of richness and spice.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Carefully fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and gingerbread spice. Folding rather than stirring vigorously will keep the blondies tender, ensuring you get that melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your blondie batter into a parchment-lined 9×9 pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the blondies turn an even golden color and the center has puffed up slightly. Resist the urge to overbake; slightly underdone in the center is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Create White Chocolate Decorations
While the blondies bake, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and lump-free. Pour the melted chocolate into a sandwich bag and snip off a small corner to pipe festive shapes like Christmas trees, snowflakes, or dots onto parchment paper. Let these chill in the fridge to harden for that perfect sweet garnish.
Step 8: Decorate and Chill
Once the blondies are cool but still slightly warm, gently place your white chocolate decorations on top. The residual warmth helps the chocolate stick and melt just a little, creating an elegant, festive finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper to carefully lift the blondies out of the pan, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares. Each tender square offers that perfect harmony of spice, caramel, and creamy white chocolate flair.
How to Serve Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe even more eye-catching, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. These simple touches add sparkle and a pop of color that bring out the holiday spirit beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these bounty blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee complements the warm flavors perfectly, creating a cozy dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving isn’t just about taste—it’s about delight. Try arranging your decorated blondies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holiday-themed napkins. You might also stack a few squares in a beautiful glass jar, tied with a red ribbon, to gift a sweet piece of joy to friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilling not only keeps them fresh for up to 5 days but also enhances their doughy, chewy texture—a delightful treat when you reheat them slightly before serving.
Freezing
These blondies freeze wonderfully. Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a cozy snack, thaw at room temperature or enjoy cold as a bite-sized frozen treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your blondies in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly until just warm. This step refreshes their fudgy texture and softens the white chocolate decorations slightly, making every bite feel like it’s freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the butter?
Absolutely, but I highly recommend browning it! It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes these blondies truly special. If you’re short on time, melted butter works, but you’ll miss out on that deep caramel aroma.
What is gingerbread spice made of?
Gingerbread spice usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s the warm, aromatic mix that gives gingerbread its classic holiday flavor, perfect in these blondies.
Can I use white chocolate chips for the decorations?
Yes! White chocolate melting chips are ideal because they melt smoothly and harden nicely for decorating. Regular white chocolate bars can be chopped and melted too, but chips tend to give a more consistent finish.
How do I prevent the blondies from drying out?
Don’t overbake them! Baking until the edges are golden and the center has just set is key. Also, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps retain moisture and keeps them chewy.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper makes lifting and slicing much easier—and cleaner. It’s a small step that really pays off in ease and presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly magical about making and sharing this Gingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe. From the cozy aroma of browned butter and gingerbread spices filling your kitchen to the charming white chocolate designs on top, these blondies make every moment festive and warm. If you’re seeking a dessert that’s both comforting and beautiful, don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your family and friends will thank you for bringing such joyful treats to the table.
PrintGingerbread Blondies with White Chocolate Decorations Recipe
These warm and gooey Gingerbread Blondies are a delightful holiday dessert alternative to traditional Christmas cookies. Made with rich brown butter for a deep nutty caramel flavor, these blondies are topped with festive white chocolate decorations that add a playful and elegant touch, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Blondies
- 10 tbsp butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp egg white
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp gingerbread spice
- 1 heaping tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Blondie Topping
- ½ cup white chocolate melting chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the blondies later.
- Brown the butter: In a sauce pot over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly for 4-6 minutes until it bubbles, thickens, and turns a golden brown without burning. This deepens the flavor with nutty caramel notes.
- Add brown sugar: Mix the brown sugar thoroughly into the browned butter while still warm.
- Whisk sugars and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white sugar, whole egg, and egg white vigorously for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and lightened in texture.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the browned butter and brown sugar mixture along with vanilla extract to the whipped eggs and sugar. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and gingerbread spice until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the blondies dense.
- Pour and bake: Transfer the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the blondies turn an even golden color and the center is set and slightly risen.
- Melt white chocolate: While baking, place white chocolate melting chips in a microwave-safe small bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted without overheating, typically about three intervals.
- Create decorations: Pour melted white chocolate into a small sandwich bag and snip off one corner. Pipe festive shapes such as Christmas trees and snowflakes onto parchment paper. Chill these white chocolate decorations in the fridge or a cool place until set.
- Cool blondies: Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for several minutes. The tops should still be slightly warm when applying decorations.
- Decorate: Gently place the chilled white chocolate shapes onto the warm blondies. The heat will slightly melt the white chocolate, allowing them to stick beautifully to the top.
- Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 24 squares and enjoy your festive, gooey gingerbread blondies.
Notes
- Store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain a doughy texture.
- While browning the butter is optional, it significantly enhances flavor with a richer, nutty depth.
- Be careful not to overbake the blondies; they should remain moist and gooey inside.
- White chocolate decorations can be made ahead and stored refrigerated until ready to use.
