Chewy Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

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Chewy Butterscotch Brownies Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a thick, chewy butterscotch brownie. The way brown sugar caramelizes into a soft, dense crumb, the hint of vanilla, the barely-there salty edge, and bursts of rich butterscotch chips—that’s what sets these bars apart. If you have a soft spot for sweet, gooey dessert bars, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chewy Butterscotch Brownies

You’re in for a treat that’s both familiar and a little unexpected. Unlike classic chocolate brownies, butterscotch brownies—sometimes called blondies—lean into butterscotch flavors with deep notes of toffee and caramel. They have a crisp top, a soft, tender center, and the kind of satisfying chew that pairs well with a glass of milk or coffee.

These brownies get their signature flavor from brown sugar and real butter. Butterscotch chips melt into golden pockets, and optional chopped nuts add crunch. A touch of salt keeps the sweetness in check, so each bite feels balanced. It’s one of those desserts that strikes the perfect compromise between homey and indulgent.

Key Ingredients: What Makes Them Special

The secret to standout butterscotch brownies is the harmony between simple pantry staples:

• All-purpose flour: Offers structure without heaviness, letting the bars stay light and chewy.
• Unsalted butter: Rich taste and moisture. Choosing a quality butter makes a difference.
• Brown sugar: The heart of butterscotch flavor. It brings moisture, chew, and a hint of molasses.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bars lift.
• Baking powder: Just enough to fluff them slightly without losing the dense, gooey texture.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and complements the brown sugar.
• Butterscotch chips: Intensify the butterscotch punch; melt into pools as the bars bake.
• Salt: Rounds out any sweetness and lets every flavor pop.
• Chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add earthy crunch.

Ingredient Breakdown Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these chewy butterscotch brownies is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Here’s a clear path from prep to plate:

1. Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Melt the butter gently—either in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop—then allow it to cool slightly.

2. Dry Ingredient Mixture

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps yield even brownies without dry pockets.

3. Creaming Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Beat until creamy and smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Combine and Blend

• Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula for a gentle touch—overmixing can make brownies tough.
• Stir until just combined. Some flour streaks are okay; they’ll disappear during baking.

5. Add Mix-Ins

• Fold in butterscotch chips and, if desired, chopped nuts. Reserve a small handful of chips and nuts to sprinkle on top for a pretty finish.

6. Bake

• Evenly spread batter into the prepared pan. Scatter remaining chips and nuts over the top.
• Bake on the middle rack for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges pull slightly from the pan and the center is set but soft.
• A toothpick inserted near the center should emerge with moist crumbs (not liquid batter).

7. Cool and Slice

• Let brownies cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper.
• Cool completely on a wire rack for the cleanest slices. For extra neat edges, chill for an hour before cutting.

Tips for Chewy and Perfect Bars

• Use room temperature eggs and cooled butter to create a uniform batter. Cold ingredients can cause clumping.
• Don’t overbake. The brownies will set further as they cool. Pull them when they look a bit underdone in the very center.
• Customize your nuts. Walnuts offer earthiness; pecans provide buttery crunch. Toast the nuts prior for bolder flavor.
• Boost your butterscotch. For a bolder flavor, brown the butter before mixing—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
• Try salted caramel. Swirl a few spoonfuls over the batter before baking for a sophisticated twist.

Simple Variations

You can tailor these bars with different flavors and mix-ins:

• Chocolate chips: Add a half cup for a subtle chocolate note.
• White chocolate or peanut butter chips: Blend with butterscotch for new dimensions.
• Dried fruit: Chopped dried apricots or cherries punctuate with tart contrast.
• Sea salt sprinkle: Dust the top with flaky sea salt after baking to intensify the sweet-and-salty profile.

Storing and Freezing

Butterscotch brownies keep well, making them ideal for make-ahead treats, potlucks, or packed lunches.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerated: Keeps the texture fresher for 7–10 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw: Leave at room temperature, still wrapped, for a few hours.

For optimal chewiness, enjoy brownies at room temperature, or warm a square for 10 seconds in the microwave to revive gooey pockets of butterscotch.

Brownie vs. Blondie: What’s the Difference?

Butterscotch brownies, sometimes called blondies, skip the cocoa powder and chocolate—substituting brown sugar for white sugar, and amplifying vanilla and butterscotch notes. The result is a dessert more like a thick, chewy cookie bar than a classic, fudgy brownie. Chocolate brownies are all about chocolate, while blondies (and these butterscotch brownies) celebrate caramelized sugar and buttery richness.

Common Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; the texture may become slightly softer, but the flavor remains spot-on.

What can I use instead of butterscotch chips?
Caramel chips or white chocolate chips work well. You can also bump up vanilla extract or use a homemade butterscotch sauce swirl.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a half-sheet pan and bake for 5 to 10 extra minutes, watching closely for doneness at the edges.

Chewy butterscotch brownies fill the kitchen with the scent of caramel and vanilla. Each bite brings together a golden, gooey center and a pleasingly crisp crust. The recipe is forgiving, so don’t stress the finer points—focus on quality ingredients and careful baking. Serve them for dessert, pair with coffee, or wrap up slices for edible gifts. However you enjoy them, they offer a timeless comfort you’ll want to share.