Fireworks Blondies are the perfect dessert for any celebration! These vibrant cookie bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for holidays like the 4th of July, they can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins. The blend of red, white, and blue M&Ms along with colorful sprinkles makes them not just delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Fireworks Blondies
Fireworks Blondies are a delightful treat that everyone will adore. Here’s why they stand out:
- Easy to Make: This blondie recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or candies.
- Perfect for Celebrations: With their festive colors, these blondies are great for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a satisfying chewiness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun colors and sweet flavors make these blondies a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and effortless.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides the ideal size for evenly baked blondies.
- Aluminum foil: Ensures easy removal of the blondies from the pan without sticking.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the blondies from sticking to the foil-lined pan.
Ingredients
Fireworks Blondies – this EASY blondie recipe is the BEST EVER COOKIE BAR! It’s so soft and perfect with any additions, but especially with 4th of July M&Ms and sprinkles!
For the Blondie Base
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
For Mix-Ins
- 2 cups red, white, and blue M&Ms
- ½ cup patriotic sprinkles
How to Make Fireworks Blondies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, combine the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Mix until crumbly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix in the salt, baking powder, then gradually add the all-purpose flour. Stir until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the red, white, and blue M&Ms along with the patriotic sprinkles.
Step 6: Spread into Pan
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. It may be wet, so it’s helpful to spray your hands with cooking spray before smoothing it out. Top with extra M&Ms if desired for decoration.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes until they start to turn golden brown. Remember to err on the side of underbaking since they will continue to cook as they cool.
How to Serve Fireworks Blondies
Fireworks Blondies are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various creative ways. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply indulging at home, these blondies are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Classic Slice
- Serve them warm: Enjoy the blondies fresh out of the oven for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Pair with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the chewy bars.
Festive Presentation
- Use colorful plates: Present your blondies on vibrant dishes to enhance their festive look.
- Decorate with extra sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of patriotic sprinkles on top before serving for an extra pop of color.
Individual Treats
- Cut into mini squares: Make bite-sized pieces for easy snacking at parties.
- Package as gifts: Wrap individual blondies in clear bags tied with ribbons for a sweet gift.
How to Perfect Fireworks Blondies
Perfecting your Fireworks Blondies is all about attention to detail. These tips will help ensure your blondies come out just right every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and flour are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined to keep the blondies chewy rather than dense.
- Check for doneness: Bake until they are lightly golden; they will continue cooking as they cool.
- Let them cool completely: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before cutting for cleaner edges and better slicing.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate for variety and flavor enhancement.
Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Blondies
While Fireworks Blondies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the blondies.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds airiness and richness.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the blondies for an indulgent touch.
- Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage pairs nicely, enhancing flavors while providing balance.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up a sundae station with toppings for guests to customize their desserts.
- Nutty Granola – Sprinkle granola over blondies for added crunch and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fireworks Blondies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect texture and flavor.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in dense blondies. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Skipping the foil lining: Not lining the pan can lead to sticking and tearing. Always line with foil and spray for easy removal.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make them dry. Scoop and level flour for accurate measurement.
- Baking too long: Overbaking can make blondies hard. Check them around 22 minutes for perfect softness.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well they mix. Use room temperature ingredients for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place blondies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a single blondie on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place blondies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Fireworks Blondies different from regular blondies?
Fireworks Blondies are unique because they incorporate colorful M&Ms and sprinkles, giving them a festive look and extra sweetness compared to traditional blondies.
Can I customize my Fireworks Blondies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different types of candies based on your preference to make them your own.
How do I know when my Fireworks Blondies are done baking?
Look for a light golden color around the edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with few moist crumbs.
Can I use other types of candy in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite candies or seasonal options to match any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks Blondies are not only delicious but also versatile! Their soft texture makes them perfect as a base for various additions like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or just want a fun treat, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Fireworks Blondies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Fireworks Blondies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any celebration! These chewy, colorful cookie bars are easy to make and perfect for festive occasions like the 4th of July. Bursting with vibrant red, white, and blue M&Ms and topped with fun sprinkles, they not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served warm with ice cream or cut into bite-sized squares for sharing, Fireworks Blondies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups red, white, and blue M&Ms
- ½ cup patriotic sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar until crumbly.
- Add in eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually combine salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour into the mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan; top with extra M&Ms if desired.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until lightly golden but still soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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