It’s always interesting to find out facts, and we are obviously curious about baked goods. Most of us love a baked good, but do many of us actually know where they came from or how they were created? Well, as we recently launched out blondies as part of our brownie range, we wanted to know a little bit more about them.
There are various names these confectionary items go by; they are most commonly known as blondies but they can also be called blonde brownies or butterscotch brownies. It’s understood that much like the brownie, the blondies originated in the USA. However, who invented these tasty snacks is a bit of a mystery.
We do however, know who published the first recipe for brownies, and it was published in 1896. But this brownie recipe contained no chocolate, so it was actually more akin to the blondies we know today.
Unlike cakes, because blondies are classified as finger foods, they fall under the category of a cookie bar. And it’s believed that blonde brownies actually predate chocolate brownies by about 10 years. And before chocolate brownies came about, blondies were call brownies or molasses brownies... which to be honest is a bit confusing. And to make it even worse, Fanny Farmer, who published the first brownie recipe went on to publish blondie and brownie recipes in her 1906 book, but they were both called brownies.
The original name of brownies for these treats came from the elfin characters of brownies that were popular in books and folk stories. It wasn’t until the mid 1970s, or early 1980s that the terms blondie and butterscotch brownies actually seemed to appear. Although, we don’t think it has anything to do with the Atomic band Blondie.
You may be wondering to yourself at this point, what are the main differences between a blondie and a brownie? Well, there’s a couple of things that means we can categories these treats separately. The first is the obvious point, blondies don’t really taste of chocolate, they have more of a vanilla profile. This is obviously due to the lack of the cocoa or chocolate; although they may contain white chocolate on occasion, the leading flavour should be vanilla.
The second difference is the type of sugar that’s used in the recipes, typically brownies use white sugar in the recipes, the sugar helps to create the fudgy consistency and texture for the brownies when mixed with melted butter. Blondies however, use brown sugar, this is why they can sometimes be called butterscotch brownies, as the brown sugar helps provide a caramel flavour to the confectionary. Thinking about it you would have thought it would be the other way around in some ways...
That’s pretty much the main history points for the blondie. Now that you know more about them, why not have one? We now have blondies available for delivery across the UK, alongside our brownie range.
FAQs
History. The first recipe for blondies was published in 1896 by Fannie Farmer, a pioneer of modern American cookery. Notably, they were called brownies when the recipe was first published. However, her recipe contained vanilla and molasses instead of cocoa, which gave the blondies their golden color.
What was the original name of the blondies? ›
The group's original name was 'Angel and the Snake', but was changed to 'Blondie' after countless truck drivers yelled "Hey, Blondie!" out their window to Debbie Harry, when she was walking down the street.
What is the difference between a blondie and a brownie? ›
Both have chewy textures. However, blondies have a much lighter and softer taste than brownies. The ingredients used in brownies are where the two recipes diverge the most. Blondies use vanilla extract and brown sugar instead of cocoa powder to get their flavor, while brownies use chocolate and cocoa.
What is another name for blondies? ›
There are various names these confectionary items go by; they are most commonly known as blondies but they can also be called blonde brownies or butterscotch brownies. It's understood that much like the brownie, the blondies originated in the USA.
Why is a Blondie called a Blondie? ›
Chocolate brownies quickly became the norm and came to be known simply as 'brownies'. Around the mid-1900s the original molasses brownies became known as blonde brownies, which in turn became 'blondies'.
Are blondies supposed to be gooey? ›
Yes, blondies should have a gooey middle and be chewy. Don't overbake them or they will be dry.
Why is blondie called that? ›
Originally billed as Angel and the Snake for two shows in August 1974, they had renamed themselves Blondie by October 1974, while Ivan Kral joined the band on guitar. The new name derived from comments made by truck drivers who catcalled "Hey, Blondie" to Harry as they drove past.
What was blondies first number one? ›
Blondie hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1979. “Heart of Glass” was the group's first No. 1 hit on the chart. Co-written by lead singer Debbie Harry, the song brought in a new and exciting disco sound for the group.
What was blondie famous for? ›
Blondie, American rock group known for incorporating varied influences, including avant-garde, reggae, and hip-hop, into the new wave sound of the 1970s and '80s. Blondie was formed in 1974 by vocalist Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein.
Why are blondies so good? ›
Instead, blondies are made with brown sugar for a rich butterscotch flavor and plenty of vanilla extract for a wonderful vanilla flavor. A good blondie is gooey, chewy, and a little fudgy. I think they're the perfect easy dessert, without chocolate overload, for when you want something a bit lighter and more vanilla-y.
Blondies take less time to cool. (Probably because they're not chocolate-based.) But, if you really can't wait and cut into them while they're still warm, they'll still taste totally delicious.
Is a blondie just a cookie? ›
A blondie is a type of bar cookie that resembles a brownie but doesn't contain any cocoa. They most frequently use melted butter and brown sugar for a moist, chewy texture and molasses-y flavor. They may also have crackly tops similar to a brownie.
Is blondie a slang? ›
informal + sometimes disparaging : a blond person. especially : a blond woman. Being a blondie, I suppose I should have been going for the sweet, good girl look of Betty.
What is a blondie vs Brookie? ›
Visually, it is easy to tell a brookie and a blondie apart. Blondies are paler in color, while brookies have layers of chocolate marbled in. While a brookie houses both a cookie and a brownie taste, blondies use brown sugar as their primary flavoring.
What is the new name for brownies? ›
11, the organization announced Brownies will now be called Embers. Embers is the program for seven and eight-year-old girls. Parents whose kids are in Girl Guides received an email explaining the change.
Why was Blondie important? ›
The band was a pioneer in the American new wave genre and scene of the mid-1970s.
What is the origin of girl brownies? ›
Brownies were originally called Rosebuds and were founded by Lord Baden-Powell after the younger sisters of the Guides and Scouts showed an interest in joining the Guide Association. The Girl Guides Gazette said that Rosebuds wore a dark blue skirt, knitted jersey, cap or tam and the Rosebud Brooch.
When was blondies first hit? ›
Blondie's “Heart of Glass” topped the charts as the band's first number-one hit in the U.S. 44 years ago. But the song was in the works long before its 1978 release.
What is interesting about Blondie? ›
The bands originally name if you can believe it was The Angle and the Snake. Founded by Chris Stein and Debbie Harry as a Bohemian downtown New York band in the 70's, the band officially changed its name to Blondie thanks to one too many catcalls Debbie kept getting from guys on the street!
