Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Bursting with juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate, they offer a unique twist on classic blondies. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in, these sweet cookie bars are sure to impress. The blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these blondies in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of cherries and dark chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature as an afternoon snack.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these blondies are ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Summer Freshness: Using fresh cherries brings a seasonal zest that elevates this dessert to new heights.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 baking pan: This size is perfect for achieving the right thickness in your blondies, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix ingredients separately before combining them, which leads to better results.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into the batter, making your blondies light and fluffy.

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Ingredients

These cherry chocolate chip blondies are the perfect summertime cherry dessert loaded with dark chocolate and fresh cherries in a sweet cookie bar.

For the Blondie Base

• ½ cup butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 large egg (room temp)
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For Mix-Ins

• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup cherries (about 18 cherries) (pitted)

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 baking pan by lining it with cooking spray and parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and pitted cherries until just combined.

Step 5: Pour Into Baking Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it is even across the surface.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the edges start pulling away from the sides of the pan. Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

These cherry chocolate chip blondies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their appeal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic and creamy contrast.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each blondie with dollops of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and fluffiness.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the blondies to amplify the chocolate flavor and create an eye-catching presentation.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Pair with slices of fresh cherries or berries on the side for a refreshing touch that complements the flavors.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish that adds visual appeal.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall dessert experience.

How to Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

Making perfect cherry chocolate chip blondies involves attention to detail and a few simple techniques. Follow these tips for a fantastic outcome every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar blend more easily when at room temperature, ensuring an even texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your blondies soft and chewy rather than dense and tough.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, indicating they are perfectly baked.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing your blondies to cool helps them set up properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

• Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips to customize your blondies based on personal preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

When serving cherry chocolate chip blondies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing; its creamy texture balances the sweetness of the blondies.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a crisp contrast to the soft texture of the blondies.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich and airy, chocolate mousse enhances the chocolate notes in your dessert while adding elegance to your serving plate.

4. Coconut Whipped Cream
   This dairy-free option adds a tropical twist that’s both fluffy and flavorful alongside your blondies.

5. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling warm caramel sauce brings out caramel undertones in the brown sugar used in the blondies and adds another layer of sweetness.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   The bitter notes from coffee or espresso serve as a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet flavors in your dish, balancing out richness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your blondies turn out perfectly every time.

• Bold ingredient measuring – Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to bland or overly sweet blondies. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
• Bold overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense blondies. Mix just until combined for a light and chewy texture.
• Bold incorrect baking time – Baking for too long will make them dry. Start checking around 25 minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown top.
• Bold skipping cooling time – Cutting into warm blondies will result in a gooey mess. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture.
• Bold using old ingredients – Using stale chocolate chips or old flour can affect flavor and texture. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

• Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Warm in 15-second intervals until just heated through, ensuring not to overdo it.
• Stovetop – Place in a pan on low heat with a lid, warming slowly while keeping them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common queries about Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies.

Can I substitute the cherries?

Yes, you can replace cherries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries based on your preference.

What is the best way to cut blondies?

Use a sharp knife and cut when they are completely cooled. This helps achieve clean edges.

How do I know when my blondies are done?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and edges that pull away slightly from the pan.

Can I add nuts to Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends sweet cherries with rich chocolate chips. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different fruits or nuts based on your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delicious dessert bars!