Name: Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter to be browned; 1 ½ cups light brown sugar loosely packed; 2 eggs lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; maldon flaked salt for topping

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Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet indulgence, combining the nutty richness of browned butter with the gooey satisfaction of chocolate. These bars shift from ordinary cookie fare to something exquisite and memorable every time you take a bite. The edges are beautifully crisp, while the center remains delectably soft and chewy, creating an irresistible texture that beckons you to come back for more. With the warmth of vanilla and a hint of salt sprinkled on top, these bars promise to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon baking session, and it has since become a beloved favorite in my household. There’s something so heartwarming about blending rich flavors and sharing a pan of warm cookie bars with friends or family. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a birthday party, or simply need a sweet treat for yourself, these Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful choice. Trust me, once you try them, they might just become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 15 minutes of prep and 40 total minutes, you’re on your way to enjoying these delicious bars.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and chocolate creates a luscious, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are perfect for sharing, with their golden edges and rich chocolatey goodness inviting everyone to dig in.
Flexible Serving: Great for dessert, snack time, or even as a fun breakfast treat when served warm!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modified to include your preferred chocolate types or different mix-ins for added flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter: This forms the base of your cookie bars, lending depth and richness. Make sure to use unsalted for more control over the sweetness.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar: It provides moisture and a delightful caramel flavor to the bars. Light brown sugar is recommended for a softer texture, although dark brown can be substituted for a more robust flavor.
2 eggs: Slightly beaten, these create structure and moisture in the bars. Fresh eggs at room temperature work best for incorporating into the batter.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and complements the chocolate beautifully. Avoid imitation for the best taste.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookie bars, giving them substance. For a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a lovely texture. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
½ teaspoon salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness, it enhances all the flavors in the bars. You can adjust this to taste.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: These add a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the brown butter. Feel free to swap for semi-sweet if you prefer more chocolate flavor.
1 cup dark chocolate chips: These provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Using a mix of chocolate chips ensures a great balance of sweetness.
Maldon flaked salt for topping: A finishing touch that elevates the taste, adding a delightful crunch. A little goes a long way!

Brown Butter: Begin by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it heats, stir frequently. Watch closely as it foams and turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once you achieve that beautiful color, remove it from the heat to cool for a bit.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar and the slightly cooled browned butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then add in the 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well incorporated.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until it’s just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; don’t overmix!

Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips using a spatula. This ensures all the chocolate is even throughout the batter, creating pockets of melty goodness.

Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Spread and Bake: Spread the cookie bar batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Add Flaked Salt: As soon as the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top while they’re still warm. This enhances the flavors and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift them out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or rectangles, and relish every bite!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookie bars delicious, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you decide to refrigerate them, they’ll last about a week in a sealed container. For longer storage, feel free to freeze the bars, making sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They can be frozen for up to three months! When you’re ready for a warm treat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh their gooey texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing your batter once you add the dry ingredients; it can lead to denser cookie bars.
For the best flavor, ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in; this helps them blend better with the other ingredients.
If you like a thicker cookie bar, you can spread the batter in a smaller pan (like an 8×8 inch) and adjust the baking time accordingly.
If you prefer your bars less sweet, consider reducing the sugar slightly or using dark chocolate chips only for a richer experience.
Feel free to add nuts or your favorite mix-ins to customize these bars—walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter can make them even more delightful!

Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to become a cherished recipe, whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy evening or bringing them along to share with others. Their rich, delightful flavors are sure to impress everyone who tries them. Use this recipe as a foundation, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with pairings or toppings. Baking should be a fun and creative process, so let your imagination run wild! Enjoy every bite, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy these bars bring!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe. This adjustment helps maintain the perfect balance of flavors, ensuring the bars are not overly salty.

How should I store the cookie bars?

Store your cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months, ensuring they are well-wrapped.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll taste just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them! If you plan to serve them later, consider adding a touch of flaked salt just before serving to refresh their flavor.

How can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

To make these cookie bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. This substitution will maintain the texture and flavor you love while accommodating gluten-free diets.