If there’s one good thing that’s come out this quarantined time at home, it’s everyone’s newfound love for baking. I’ve truly never seen so many cookies, breads, cakes, buns, and brownies (oh the brownies…so many brownies) being made in such a short amount of time. I thought the month of December was quite the baking season, but this special period seems to have topped things by far! Apparently, when we’re all holed up at home, we bake. Which, of course, makes me happy. Baking is fun, it’s relaxing, and when it involves a good amount of chocolate, all is right with the world. Well, at least for a short time. Which probably explains all the baking. It’s a nice distraction that provides you with a pretty delicious outcome.
Especially today. I have so much to say about these giant skillet blondies. It’s what our Friday night NEEDS right now. It’s what our weekend needs. And if you’re still looking for an Easter dessert, it’s what your Easter needs as well. Dramatic, but true.
The story.
Like with most of my favorite recipes, this skillet blondie happened at the end of a long day. It was not planned, but instead just kind of created out of the ideas running through my head at the time. I wanted to share something easy that was also mouth-watering in every possible way. I wanted it to be something simple and classic but with an elevated twist that made it better than any other recipe out there. And then I had an idea. Everyone has been loving my crinkle top brownies, which got me thinking, “what if you created a crinkle top blondie? Wouldn’t that be so good?” Oh and what about peanut butter? Could I swirl that in?”.
These were the thoughts going through my head. And if you were in my brain you’d be exhausted, but it’s how I work. Instead of overthinking the recipe, I just started to create it. In less than an hour later I had this skillet blondie in front of me. It was perfect. Not one adjustment was needed. YES. My day was made, and all was good at that moment in time. Twas’ a nice feeling.
To make these blondies…
The process is pretty effortless. Start out by browning salted butter on the stove. Browning the butter really adds a rich nutty flavor to these bars and makes them just a touch cozier. Remove the skillet from the stove and mix in the peanut butter and sugars. At this point, let the mix cool off. That way the heat won’t cook the eggs once you’re ready to add them in. Now, the eggs. The eggs are KEY to creating that crinkly top. Whisking the eggs prior to mixing them into the batter creates air that helps to shape that crinkly top. It might seem like an unnecessary step, and a waste of a clean bowl, but just trust me on this, it’s what makes that delicious crinkly top. Don’t skip this step. Once you add the eggs, simply stir in the flour and baking powder. Then add those chocolate chips and swirl in the peanut butter.
And now you bake.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake. I like to bake these exactly twenty-three minutes. I found this to be the perfect time for the texture I was going for, but the time will depend on the size of your skillet. Here’s what I will note, these blondies are meant to be extra gooey in the center. They should be slightly undercooked and never over baked. If you want fully baked cookie bars, you’re probably better off going for something like one of these… 1 or 2 or 3. This recipe is all about the crinkly top, chewy edges, and gooey center. If you love these brownies, you’ll love the blondie peanutty skillet version too.
How do you serve this skillet blondies?
Warm, right out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream and a spoon…or maybe a few spoons depending on who you’re quarantined with. It’s really the only way to do it. Perfect for yet another Friday at home. Hey, got to keep things exciting and delicious. I hope you all enjoy this one guys…it’s a true favorite. See you all tomorrow for another quarantined Cocktail Saturday post.
watch the how to video:
Lastly, if you make these crinkle top chocolate peanut butter skillet blondies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
