Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and fragrant, about 1 minute. You should see a smooth, caramel-y texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. The mixture should become shiny and slightly fluffy, with a rich aroma of vanilla.
Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated, filling the bowl with a warm, fragrant aroma.
Sift together the flour, baking powder (if using), and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, just until combined. The batter will be thick and glossy.
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly, making sure they are distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press down gently to create a smooth surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The edges should turn a beautiful golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out moist with a few crumbs.
Remove from the oven and let the blondies cool in the dish for about 20 minutes. This allows the structure to set, giving you that perfect balance of crispy crust and chewy interior.
Once cooled, lift the blondies out of the dish using parchment paper or cut directly in the dish. Slice into squares and enjoy the rich, caramelized crust with that soft, gooey center.
Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with your favorite beverage for the ultimate treat.