Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, chewy blondies with a half-baked center filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 28 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, melted, light brown sugar, packed, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 9 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 18 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before cutting, ensuring the center stays slightly underbaked and gooey.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Blondies with Sea Salt?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.