Golden Oat Blondie Bliss

Embrace the cozy essence of autumn with these incredibly soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies. As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats emanating from your kitchen. These blondies perfectly encapsulate that feeling, offering a delightful blend of rustic oats, sweet, caramelly butterscotch chips, and decadent flecks of semi-sweet chocolate, all harmonized by a subtle hint of maple.

Every year, the arrival of fall marks the perfect occasion to rediscover the magic of butterscotch chips. Their rich, buttery, brown-sugary flavor profile is a match made in heaven with the wholesome chewiness of oats. This classic pairing is elevated even further with the thoughtful inclusion of chocolate, adding another layer of depth and indulgence that we’re confident you’ll adore. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, a comforting family treat, or simply a quick indulgence to satisfy your sweet cravings, these oatmeal butterscotch blondies are your ultimate answer.

For fellow blondie enthusiasts, don’t miss exploring some of our other cherished recipes. Our original Brown Butter Blondie Bars offer a nutty, rich twist, while our S’mores Blondies bring campfire nostalgia right to your home. Each recipe holds a special place in our hearts, making it impossible to pick a single favorite – you’ll simply have to try them all to discover your own!

The Art of the Blondie: Why This Recipe Shines

What makes these Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of thoughtfully selected ingredients and a simple, yet effective, baking process that yields truly exceptional results. Unlike many other bar cookie recipes, these blondies strike a perfect balance between a soft, tender interior and a wonderfully chewy texture around the edges. The oats contribute not just to the chew, but also a wholesome, slightly nutty base that complements the sweetness of the butterscotch and chocolate.

The subtle addition of maple flavoring, while optional, infuses the blondies with that quintessential fall warmth, making each bite feel like a cozy embrace. Furthermore, the interplay of butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate creates a harmonious flavor profile – sweet enough to be a treat, but balanced to prevent it from being overly cloying. This recipe is designed for both seasoned bakers and beginners, promising a delicious outcome with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies

Crafting these mouth-watering oatmeal butterscotch blondies requires just a handful of readily available ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying them in less than an hour. Let’s delve into some of the key components that give these blondies their signature taste and texture, ensuring you understand the role each plays in creating a perfect treat.

• Oats: The Foundation of Chewiness. For optimal texture in our baking recipes, we highly recommend using old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats. These oats retain more of their structural integrity during baking, contributing significantly to the signature chewiness that defines these blondies. While quick oats can be used in a pinch, they tend to break down more and will result in a slightly softer, less textured bar. The substantial bite from old-fashioned oats is truly one of the best characteristics of this delightful recipe.
• Butterscotch Chips: The Heart of Sweetness. These golden, sweet, buttery, and distinctly caramelly morsels are truly incomparable. They are the star of this blondie recipe, delivering a unique depth of flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. We typically reach for trusted brands like Nestle or Guittard for their consistent quality and rich taste. If you’re looking to add a charming visual appeal or a slightly different texture, consider using mini butterscotch chips – they disperse beautifully throughout the dough.
• Chocolate: The Perfect Counterpoint. To achieve a balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the butterscotch chips without overwhelming them, semi-sweet chocolate is our preferred choice for these blondies. We experimented with dark chocolate, finding it too bitter, and anticipated milk chocolate would be excessively sweet. Semi-sweet provides just the right amount of cocoa richness. While chocolate chips are a convenient option, chopping a bar of quality semi-sweet chocolate often yields irregular pieces, which melt into pockets of varying sizes, adding a wonderful textural dimension to each bite.
• Maple Flavoring: A Hint of Autumn. The addition of maple flavoring in this blondie recipe is entirely optional, but it introduces a beautiful, subtle hint of fall that truly enhances the overall experience. We opt for natural maple flavoring over maple syrup. This allows for a stronger maple essence without contributing additional sweetness or liquid to the dough, which could alter the texture. Our personal favorite is Frontier Co-op Maple Flavor. For those who find themselves frequently baking with maple (like us!), Amoretti Maple Compound, while an investment, offers exceptional quality and concentrated flavor. If you choose to omit the maple flavoring, simply replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain the fragrant profile.
• Other Staples: Don’t forget the unsalted butter, both brown and granulated sugars for moisture and sweetness, a large egg for binding, vanilla extract for aroma, all-purpose flour for structure, cornstarch for softness, baking soda and baking powder for lift, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors.

How to Bake Delicious Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies

Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of incredibly delicious oatmeal butterscotch blondies that will impress everyone.

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8” x 8” square baking pan and spray it lightly with a nonstick cooking spray. For an easier removal and cleaner presentation, line the greased pan with parchment paper. Cut two separate pieces of parchment, one to lay horizontally and one vertically, ensuring an overhang on all four sides. This creates a convenient “sling” that allows you to effortlessly lift the cooled blondies out of the pan. If you’re using a 9” x 9” pan, your blondies will simply be a bit thinner. Metal clips can be used to hold the parchment in place during baking, ensuring it doesn’t shift (just make sure they are oven-safe metal!). This simple step guarantees easy cleanup and perfectly intact blondies every time.

2. Whip Up the Dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream these together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color, which typically takes about 2 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the blondies’ tender texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Then, with the mixer on low speed, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and the optional maple flavoring. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape the bowl once more.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins. To the wet ingredients, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until only a few streaks of flour are visible. This prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough blondies. Finally, gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, butterscotch chips, and chopped semi-sweet chocolate using a spatula. For a visually appealing finish, you might want to reserve a small handful of both the butterscotch chips and chocolate pieces to sprinkle on top before baking.
4. Transfer Dough to Pan and Bake. The blondie dough will be quite thick and somewhat sticky. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to carefully and evenly spread the dough into the prepared pan, making sure to press it into all the corners. Now is the time to sprinkle those reserved butterscotch chips and chocolate pieces over the top of the dough. Place the pan into your preheated oven. These oatmeal butterscotch blondies bake beautifully at 350°F (175°C) and typically require only about 20-23 minutes. You’ll know they are perfectly done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, and the center appears set and slightly puffed up. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.

5. Cool, Cut, and Savor. Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. While it’s incredibly tempting to dig in right away (and we fully support enjoying warm treats!), for that truly chewy and perfectly structured bite, it’s best to allow them to cool completely to room temperature. As they cool, the flavors meld, and the texture sets beautifully. Once cooled, use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire slab of blondies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into squares. Now, they are ready to be savored! These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a warm cup of coffee, or simply enjoyed on their own.

Tips for Baking the Best Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a uniform batter and a better texture in your blondies.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher blondies. A few streaks of flour are fine; they will disappear during the final mixing steps.
• Accurate Measuring: Especially for flour, use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry blondies.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling isn’t just for easy removal; it also helps prevent the blondies from sticking and makes for a cleaner cut.
• Visual Cues for Doneness: Rely on visual cues more than just the timer. Blondies are done when the edges are set and golden brown, and the center looks cooked but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center might come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key! Cooling allows the blondies to firm up, creating that perfect chewy texture. Cutting them while warm can result in crumbling.

Variations & Customizations

• Nutty Addition: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the butterscotch chips and chocolate.
• Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an even warmer, spicier fall treat.
• Different Chocolates: While semi-sweet is recommended, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter blondie, or even a blend of dark and milk chocolate for a complex profile.
• White Chocolate Dream: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips for a different kind of sweet indulgence that pairs beautifully with butterscotch.

More Delightful Fall Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Apple Cheesecake Pop-Tarts
• Reese’s Pieces Rice Krispie Treats
• Brown Butter Toffee Cookie Skillet
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Cake

The Complete Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

Here’s a clear and concise breakdown of the recipe for your convenience:

Yield: 9 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-23 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple flavoring, optional
• 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (120g) old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup (90g) butterscotch chips
• 2 oz (57g) bar semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8” x 8” square pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper to create a sling, with an overhang on all four sides.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color, about 2 minutes.
3. Scrape the bowl well then with the mixer on low speed, add the egg, vanilla, and maple flavoring. Mix until well combined. Scrape the bowl again.
4. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and oats, and mix until only a few streaks of flour remain. Stir in the butterscotch chips and chopped chocolate, reserving some for the top (if desired).
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch chips and chopped chocolate on top. Bake for 20-23 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Notes

• Maple Flavoring: You can leave this out if you don’t prefer maple or don’t have it on hand. Simply add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract in its place to boost flavor.
• Storing: Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

We genuinely hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Oatmeal Butterscotch Blondies as much as we do. If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment below and tagging @sweetkitchencravings on Instagram or TikTok to share your delicious creations. Alternatively, if Pinterest is your preferred platform, you can save our recipes to your collection there. Happy blondie-baking, and enjoy the sweet flavors of the season!