Peanut Butter Blondies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter: melted
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar: packed
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the salt, flour, and baking powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in the extras: If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts until evenly distributed.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
7. Serve: Enjoy the blondies as is, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips:

• Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Variations: Add other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even a swirl of Nutella for a different twist.