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Introduction: Ready for a Dessert That Lights Up Your Party?

Looking for a dessert that’s as festive as a Fourth of July fireworks display? Say hello to Fireworks Blondies! These chewy, buttery bars are packed with red, white, and blue M&Ms and patriotic sprinkles, making them the perfect treat for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any summer celebration. With their sweet brown sugar base and colorful candy crunch, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. Curious about how to create these star-spangled sweets that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds? Let’s dive into this fun, delicious recipe that’s sure to spark joy!

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Overview: What Makes This Recipe Special?

Fireworks Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, loaded with festive red, white, and blue M&Ms and sprinkles for a patriotic pop. These bars are chewy, rich, and simple to make, requiring just one bowl and basic pantry ingredients. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, and their vibrant colors make them a standout on any dessert table.

Time Requirement: About 15 minutes of prep, plus 22–25 minutes of baking.
Difficulty Level: Easy! Ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss dessert.
Why It’s Special: These blondies are quick to make, customizable, and packed with festive flair. They’re a kid-friendly treat with no artificial preservatives, and their chewy texture is irresistible.

This recipe is perfect for holiday barbecues, picnics, or anyone who loves a sweet, colorful dessert.

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Fireworks Blondies comes from simple ingredients that create a chewy, flavorful base with a festive twist. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 113g):
- Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the blondies, creating a chewy texture.
- Substitution: Salted butter (reduce salt to ¼ teaspoon) or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar (2 cups, 400g, packed):
- Provides a caramel-like sweetness and moist, chewy consistency.
- Substitution: Light or dark brown sugar works; dark adds a deeper molasses flavor. Coconut sugar can be used for a lower-glycemic option.
Large Eggs (2):
- Bind the dough and add structure for a soft, chewy bite.
- Substitution: Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):
- Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- Substitution: Almond extract for a nutty twist or skip if unavailable.
Salt (½ teaspoon):
- Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Substitution: Kosher salt or sea salt in the same amount.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):
- Gives the blondies a slight lift for a tender texture.
- Substitution: No direct substitute, but ensure it’s fresh for best results.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 248g):
- Forms the structure of the blondies, keeping them soft and chewy.
- Substitution: Gluten-free 1:1 flour for a gluten-free version or whole wheat flour for a heartier texture (use 1¾ cups).
Red, White, and Blue M&Ms (2 cups):
- Add a crunchy, chocolatey burst and patriotic colors.
- Substitution: Regular M&Ms, chocolate chips, or chopped white chocolate with food coloring for a custom look.
Patriotic Sprinkles (½ cup):
- Bring festive flair with red, white, and blue sparkles.
- Substitution: Any colorful sprinkles or omit for a simpler look.

Tip: Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense blondies.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Fireworks Blondies is a snap with these straightforward steps. You’ll have a pan of festive treats ready in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and spray well with cooking spray.
- Tip: Parchment paper works too, but foil makes it easier to lift the blondies out.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine ½ cup unsalted butter and 2 cups packed brown sugar until crumbly, about 1–2 minutes.
Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Mix in ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined with no floury streaks.
- Tip: Don’t overmix after adding the flour to keep the blondies tender.

Step 3: Add the Festive Mix-Ins

Stir in 2 cups red, white, and blue M&Ms and ½ cup patriotic sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Tip: Reserve a few M&Ms for topping to make the blondies look extra festive.

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter into the prepared pan. The mixture is sticky, so spray your hands or a spatula with cooking spray to smooth it into an even layer.
Sprinkle extra M&Ms on top if desired for a prettier look.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden. The center may look slightly underdone, but it will set as it cools.
- Tip: Err on the side of underbaking for chewy blondies; overbaking can make them dry.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1–2 hours.
Use the foil overhang to lift the blondies out, then cut into squares or rectangles (about 12–16 pieces).
- Tip: For clean cuts, chill the blondies in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

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Assembly: Creating a Festive Dessert

These Fireworks Blondies are all about chewy texture and patriotic pizzazz. Here’s how to assemble them for maximum appeal:

Prep the Pan: Line with foil and spray well to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
Mix Evenly: Combine the batter thoroughly to distribute the M&Ms and sprinkles for bursts of color in every bite.
Spread Smoothly: Use greased hands or a spatula to create an even layer for uniform baking.
Top with Flair: Add extra M&Ms on top before baking for a vibrant, festive look.
- Presentation Tip: Serve on a patriotic platter with red, white, and blue napkins, or stack in a clear jar for a party display.
Cut Neatly: Slice into even squares or bars for a polished presentation, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Pro Tip: Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or more patriotic sprinkles before serving for a sparkly finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Fireworks Blondies are perfect for preparing ahead or saving for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Warm slightly in the microwave (5–10 seconds) for a fresh-baked feel.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Bake the blondies up to 2 days in advance and store at room temperature.
- Prepare the batter (without M&Ms and sprinkles) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; stir in mix-ins before baking.
- Freeze baked blondies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Tip:
- If M&Ms lose their shine after freezing, dust with powdered sugar to refresh the look.

Recipe Variations

These blondies are super versatile! Try these fun twists to keep the patriotic vibe or switch it up:

Firecracker Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pretzels or toffee bits for extra crunch.
Patriotic White Chocolate: Swap M&Ms for white chocolate chips and add red and blue food coloring to the batter for swirls.
Berry Burst Blondies: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity patriotic twist.
Vegan Fireworks Blondies: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate candies.
S’mores Patriot Bars: Add ½ cup mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a campfire-inspired treat.
Nutty Fireworks: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds for a nutty texture.

Tip: Stick to red, white, and blue mix-ins to keep the Fourth of July theme.

Conclusion: Celebrate with a Sweet Explosion!

You’re now ready to bake Fireworks Blondies that’ll light up any patriotic celebration! These chewy, colorful bars are quick to make, packed with festive M&Ms and sprinkles, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a Fourth of July barbecue, a Memorial Day picnic, or a summer get-together, these blondies are sure to be a hit. Get creative with variations, serve with a smile, and enjoy every buttery, chocolatey bite. So preheat that oven, grab your M&Ms, and let’s make some dessert fireworks!

Fireworks Blondies

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Ingredients

The magic of Fireworks Blondies comes from simple ingredients that create a chewy, flavorful base with a festive twist. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 113g):
- Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the blondies, creating a chewy texture.
- Substitution: Salted butter (reduce salt to ¼ teaspoon) or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar (2 cups, 400g, packed):
- Provides a caramel-like sweetness and moist, chewy consistency.
- Substitution: Light or dark brown sugar works; dark adds a deeper molasses flavor. Coconut sugar can be used for a lower-glycemic option.
Large Eggs (2):
- Bind the dough and add structure for a soft, chewy bite.
- Substitution: Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):
- Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- Substitution: Almond extract for a nutty twist or skip if unavailable.
Salt (½ teaspoon):
- Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Substitution: Kosher salt or sea salt in the same amount.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):
- Gives the blondies a slight lift for a tender texture.
- Substitution: No direct substitute, but ensure it’s fresh for best results.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 248g):
- Forms the structure of the blondies, keeping them soft and chewy.
- Substitution: Gluten-free 1:1 flour for a gluten-free version or whole wheat flour for a heartier texture (use 1¾ cups).
Red, White, and Blue M&Ms (2 cups):
- Add a crunchy, chocolatey burst and patriotic colors.
- Substitution: Regular M&Ms, chocolate chips, or chopped white chocolate with food coloring for a custom look.
Patriotic Sprinkles (½ cup):
- Bring festive flair with red, white, and blue sparkles.
- Substitution: Any colorful sprinkles or omit for a simpler look.

Tip: Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense blondies.

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