There’s just something magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of butter and sugar filling your kitchen, festive music in the background, and trays of colorful, sweet treats ready to be devoured. While cookies get a lot of the Christmas spotlight, there’s a seriously underrated treat that deserves front-and-center attention on your holiday table: blondies.
Blondies are the golden, chewy cousin of brownies. Instead of cocoa or melted chocolate, they use brown sugar and butter as the base, resulting in a rich, caramel-like flavor and a delightfully fudgy texture. And when you give them a Christmas twist—like white chocolate chips and holiday-colored M&Ms—you get something truly special: a gooey, chewy, chocolate-studded dessert that looks as festive as it tastes.
What Makes These Blondies So Special?
These aren’t your average blondies. They’re thick, soft in the center, slightly crispy at the edges, and packed with two of the best holiday flavors—white chocolate and Christmas M&Ms.
Just one look at these beauties and you’ll understand why they’re a crowd favorite. The vibrant red, green, and white candies pop against the golden brown base. The white chocolate chips melt slightly into creamy little puddles, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
They’re perfect for:
- Holiday cookie exchanges 🎁
- Christmas Eve snacking by the fireplace 🔥
- Homemade gifts wrapped in festive boxes 🎀
- Leaving out for Santa (he’ll totally upgrade your gift!) 🎅
Ingredient Breakdown: Holiday Baking Essentials
Let’s break down what you need and why each ingredient plays a key role:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter (1 cup) | Gives richness and chewy texture |
| Light Brown Sugar (1¾ cups) | Adds deep, caramel flavor |
| Eggs (2) | Binds the batter and gives structure |
| Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) | Enhances flavor with a sweet, warm aroma |
| Salt (½ tsp) | Balances sweetness |
| All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups) | The base for a thick, tender crumb |
| White Chocolate Chips (1¼ cups) | Sweet, melty bursts of flavor |
| Christmas M&Ms (1 cup) | Crunchy, colorful, and festive! |
No fancy ingredients. Just simple pantry staples coming together for holiday magic.
Let’s Talk Butter: The Gooey Blondie Secret
Butter is the heart of any good blondie. But here’s the twist: you melt the butter.
Why?
Melted butter leads to a denser, chewier texture (yes, please!), as opposed to a cake-like crumb that softened butter might give. You want that gooey, rich bite that practically sticks to your teeth in the best way. Just make sure it’s slightly cooled before mixing, so you don’t scramble the eggs.
Brown Sugar Bliss: Deep Flavor, Chewy Texture
This recipe uses light brown sugar—and a lot of it, and that’s no accident. Brown sugar doesn’t just sweeten your blondies—it brings moisture and depth of flavor thanks to the molasses.
That’s what gives these blondies their signature butterscotch vibe, making every bite richer and warmer than using plain white sugar. For extra depth? You can even sneak in a tablespoon of dark brown sugar if you have it on hand.
The Role of Eggs & Vanilla: Structure and Warmth
Eggs do more than hold the batter together. They’re responsible for that dense, fudgy texture you love in a good blondie. One egg would make it cakey. Two? Perfection.
And vanilla extract? It’s like the unsung hero of holiday baking. That warm, nostalgic scent that wafts from the oven? That’s vanilla working its magic.
Flour & Salt: The Right Foundation
Flour gives the blondies structure, but too much can make them dry or crumbly. That’s why it’s key to measure it properly—ideally by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
And don’t skip the salt! It might seem small, but it’s crucial. It sharpens the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor from the brown sugar and vanilla.
White Chocolate Chips: Sweet Melty Magic
Here’s where things get even better. White chocolate chips are folded right into the batter and pressed on top before baking.
They don’t just look pretty—they melt into the blondies and add creamy little bursts of sweetness that balance the chewiness. The key is using ¾ cup in the batter and saving ½ cup for the topping, which ensures they stay visible and melt slightly without disappearing into the bake.
Christmas M&Ms: The Star of the Show
Red, green, and white M&Ms scream Christmas cheer! Not only do they make these blondies totally Instagram-worthy, but they add a crunchy contrast to the soft center.
Again, it’s all about balance. Fold ¾ cup into the batter and sprinkle ¼ cup on top so the festive colors don’t get lost while baking.
Tip: Press a few M&Ms gently into the top right before baking to keep that bright color front and center.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Christmas Blondies
Ready to make your own? Here’s the easy step-by-step breakdown:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until thick and glossy.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and shiny.
- Stir in flour and salt until a thick, sticky batter forms.
- Fold in ¾ cup of white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of M&Ms.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan evenly.
- Press remaining white chocolate chips and M&Ms on top.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes until the edges are set and the top looks matte.
- Let cool completely—at least 1 hour—before slicing.
Pan Prep Like a Pro: Why Parchment is Your Best Friend
Here’s a pro tip that’ll save you time and effort: use parchment paper with overhang. This makes it a breeze to lift the whole blondie slab out once cooled. No stuck corners, no mess—just clean edges ready to be sliced into perfect squares.
Baking to Perfection: Matte Top, Soft Center
You’re not looking for a golden-brown top here. In fact, if they brown too much, they’re likely overbaked. What you want is a matte surface, set edges, and a slightly soft center.
It’ll firm up as it cools. Promise.
Cooling is Crucial: Patience Pays Off
This is where most people mess up. Do. Not. Cut. Too. Soon.
Blondies continue to cook as they sit, and if you cut them early, they’ll be gooey—but not in a good way. Wait a solid 1 to 2 hours for clean, thick, bakery-style squares.
Cutting Clean Squares: Get That Bakery Look
Now that you’ve patiently waited for your blondies to cool, it’s time for the most satisfying part: slicing into those thick, golden squares. But wait—there’s a trick to getting that clean, professional look just like the photo you see above.
Here’s how to do it:
- Lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Use a large, sharp knife (not a serrated one).
- Wipe the knife clean between each cut—yes, really! It keeps the edges clean.
- For the cleanest lines, you can chill the blondies for 10–15 minutes in the fridge before slicing. It firms them up just enough for a perfect cut.
Want smaller bites for a party tray? Cut into 16 squares instead of 9. Want thick, bakery-style treats? Stick with the classic 9.
How to Store and Freeze Your Christmas Blondies
Let’s be real—these probably won’t last long. But if you somehow have leftovers (or are planning ahead), here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Storing:
- Keep blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can also refrigerate them to keep them chewier, especially in warm climates.
Freezing:
- Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To enjoy later, just thaw at room temp or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Great for gifting or prepping dessert trays ahead of time!
Fun Variations to Try (If You Dare)
While this recipe is holiday perfection, it’s always fun to switch things up. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Add crushed peppermint candies for a minty holiday twist.
- Swap white chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for extra richness.
- Use mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits for a s’mores-inspired Christmas blondie.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or white chocolate ganache once cooled for a bakery-style finish.
- Try peanut butter M&Ms if you’re a fan of that sweet-salty combo.
Feel like experimenting? Blondies are super forgiving and welcome creativity.
Print
🎄 Perfect Christmas White Chocolate Blondies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (+1 hour cooling)
- Category: Holiday Desserts • Christmas Bars • White Chocolate Treats • Festive Baking
Description
🎄✨ Thick, gooey, festive, and loaded with melty white chocolate and holiday M&Ms! These blondies deliver soft centers, chewy edges, and that picture-perfect Christmas look everyone loves. 🎁🍫🎅
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
1¾ cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ cups white chocolate chips (¾ cup mixed in, ½ cup on top)
1 cup Christmas M&Ms (¾ cup mixed in, ¼ cup on top)
Instructions
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Duration: 3 minutesWhisk together melted butter and brown sugar until thick and glossy. ✨
Duration: 1 minuteAdd eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth and shiny.
Duration: 1 minuteAdd flour and salt, mixing gently to form a thick, sticky batter.
Duration: 2 minutesFold in ¾ cup white chocolate chips and ¾ cup M&Ms. 🎉
Duration: 1 minuteSpread batter evenly in the pan, then press the remaining white chocolate chips and M&Ms on top for that festive finish. ❤️💚
Duration: 1 minuteBake for 28–32 minutes, until edges are set and the top looks matte but NOT browned.
Duration: 30 minutesCool completely for 1–2 hours to get clean, thick, gooey blondie squares. 🍪
Duration: 1 hour
Notes
For extra gooey blondies, slightly underbake and let them cool fully before cutting.
You can swap Christmas M&Ms for crushed peppermint bark or sprinkles for a different festive twist.
These blondies freeze well—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.
Perfect for gifting, cookie boxes, parties, and Christmas potlucks! 🎄✨
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 blondies
- Calories: 320 kcal
Pairing & Serving Ideas
These blondies are stunning on their own—but if you want to level up your dessert game, try serving them with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream 🍨
- A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce 🍫
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra holiday charm ❄️
- A side of hot cocoa or eggnog latte ☕
Perfect for cozy nights by the fireplace or impressing guests at your holiday party.
You may also like :
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
🎄 Christmas Sprinkle Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe: Soft, Festive, and Full of Holiday Magic
Why These Blondies Are a Holiday Must-Bake
They’re easy. They’re beautiful. They’re absolutely delicious.
With their soft, gooey centers, chewy edges, and vibrant Christmas candy topping, these white chocolate blondies deliver festive vibes in every single bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting something homemade, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this recipe hits all the right notes.
No stress. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients coming together to make something magical.
So grab your apron, turn up your favorite holiday playlist, and get baking. Because once you make these, they’re going to be a part of your Christmas tradition every single year.
🎄 FAQ – Christmas White Chocolate Blondies Edition
1. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan instead of 8×8. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time, but keep an eye on the top—once it’s matte and edges are set, it’s ready.
2. How do I know when they’re done baking?
The top should look matte but not browned, and the center should jiggle slightly when you move the pan. Remember: they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead?
Definitely! While white chocolate gives that perfect wintery look and flavor, dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chunks can be swapped in for a richer bite.
4. How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerated for about a week. Freeze them for longer storage.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur), and you’re good to go. The texture might be slightly different, but still amazing.
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