1-Getting ready: Getting ready to bake these peanut butter chocolate chip blondies is straightforward and fun, with the whole process taking about 40 minutes including prep and cook time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Remember to lightly spray the pan before adding the parchment to keep it in place, and using two crosswise pieces helps with the corners.

2-Melt and combine: In a large bowl, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter using your microwave or stovetop, then stir in the 1/2 cup peanut butter until it’s smooth and well combined. Next, add the 1 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring everything together until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (if needed) to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

3-Fold and bake: Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the batter cakey instead of chewy. Fold in the 1 cup chocolate chips, then spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan, and optionally add extra chips on top for more chocolatey goodness. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are browned and the center is just set aim for 20-25 minutes if you prefer gooier blondies. Let them cool on a wire rack, lift out using the parchment, and cut into 12 to 16 pieces to serve warm or at room temperature.