Description

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.

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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Instructions

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.