Nothing says “Happy 4th of July” quite like pulling a pan of these Fireworks Blondies out of the oven – golden, chewy, and bursting with red, white, and blue candies. I still remember my aunt teaching me this one-bowl wonder recipe when I was eight, flour dusting both our faces as we giggled waiting for the timer to ding. Now I make them every summer, and let me tell you, that chewy texture with crisp edges disappearing at picnics? Pure magic. These couldn’t be simpler to throw together – just melt, mix, and bake while the fireworks prep outside!
Why You’ll Love These Fireworks Blondies
Trust me, these blondies are about to become your go-to holiday treat. Here’s why:
- One-bowl wonder: No mixer, no fuss – just melt, stir, and bake. Even the kids can help!
- Instant holiday vibes: Those red, white, and blue candies make every bite feel like a celebration.
- Perfect texture: Chewy centers with slightly crisp edges – exactly how a blondie should be.
- Crowd pleaser: I’ve never brought leftovers home from a potluck. Ever.
Fireworks Blondies Ingredients
Grab these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens with:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (that rich, toasty flavor is everything)
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar – pack it tight for that perfect chew
- 2 large eggs at room temperature (they blend smoother this way)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract – yes, a full tablespoon! It makes all the difference
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled (don’t scoop directly from the bag)
- 1/2 tsp salt to balance all that sweetness
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms or patriotic sprinkles for that festive pop
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of something? No worries – here’s how to adapt:
- Swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed pretzels for salty-sweet goodness
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 GF flour blend (I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill)
- Warning: Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup will make these too cakey – stick with granulated sugars
- For dairy-free, coconut oil works instead of butter, but the texture will be slightly different
How to Make Fireworks Blondies
Making these patriotic treats couldn’t be easier – let’s dive in! First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, starting with a hot oven is crucial for that perfect chewy texture. Here’s how we’ll create these Fireworks Blondies step by step:
- Prep your pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes removing the blondies SO much easier later.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. It’ll look like caramel sauce – yum! Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt until you no longer see streaks of flour. Don’t overmix here – a few lumps are totally fine!
- Fold in the fun: Carefully stir in your red, white, and blue candies or sprinkles. I like to reserve a handful to press on top before baking for extra color.
- Bake to perfection: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. That’s the secret to ultra-chewy blondies!
- Cool completely: Let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares once fully cooled – I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents crumbly edges!
Pro Tips for Perfect Fireworks Blondies
Here are my hard-earned secrets from years of blondie baking: Underbake slightly for maximum chewiness (they’ll continue cooking as they cool). Distribute candies evenly so every bite has festive color. And never skip the parchment paper – it’s the difference between perfect squares and blondie chunks!
Serving and Storing Fireworks Blondies
These blondies shine at summer gatherings! I love serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top – the contrast of cold cream and chewy blondie is heavenly. Pack them in your picnic basket (they travel beautifully) or arrange on a patriotic platter for 4th of July parties. Store any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Layer wax paper between them to prevent sticking!
Fireworks Blondies FAQs
I get asked about these patriotic blondies all the time – here are the answers to everyone’s burning questions!
Can I freeze Fireworks Blondies?
Absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Just wrap cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when your sweet tooth strikes.
How do I prevent overbaking?
Pull them out when the edges look set but the center still appears slightly underdone – about 25 minutes usually does it. They’ll firm up perfectly as they cool.
Can I use different holiday colors?
Of course! Swap the red, white, and blue M&Ms for green and red at Christmas or pastels for Easter. The recipe works for any occasion.
Why did my blondies turn out cakey?
You probably overmixed the batter or baked them too long. Next time, mix just until combined and don’t be afraid to underbake slightly for that perfect chewy texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use two 9×13-inch pans or a large half-sheet pan (18×13 inches). You might need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Fireworks Blondies Nutrition
Nutritional values will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. These blondies are definitely an indulgent treat – think of them as edible fireworks for special occasions rather than everyday snacks!
Rate This Recipe
Did you make these Fireworks Blondies? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo and share your creation with me – those patriotic colors make my heart sing every time. Find more recipes on Pinterest.
PrintFireworks Blondies
Chewy blondie bars packed with red, white, and blue candies for a festive 4th of July treat. Simple one-bowl recipe with a crowd-pleasing texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until combined.
- Fold in flour and salt until just incorporated.
- Gently mix in candies or sprinkles.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the blondies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Swap M&Ms for chocolate chips or nuts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg