Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that perfectly balances the rich, nutty flavors of brown butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Each bite offers a chewy, gooey texture that will have your taste buds dancing. Unlike typical cookies, these bars present an effortless way to serve a crowd. They’re sweet enough to satisfy cravings yet comforting enough to feel like a warm hug. Your family and friends will rave about them, and you’ll find yourself making them over and over because they’re just that good.
Table of Contents
This recipe is not only irresistible but absolutely foolproof, making it a definite go-to in anyone’s baking stack. The combination of gooey chocolate chips, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and the subtle depth of brown butter creates a flavor profile that is simply divine. Plus, it’s fairly quick to whip up—perfect for those unexpected dessert cravings or small gatherings. With that said, I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready to indulge in just 40 minutes of baking bliss.
- Irresistible Flavor: Brown butter adds a nutty depth that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to new heights.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A tray of golden bars sprinkled with flaky salt looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily customize with your favorite chocolates or even try gluten-free flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter (to be browned): Browning the butter amplifies its flavor, giving these cookie bars a rich, nutty undertone. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted, just reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, loosely packed: This ingredient provides moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that compliments the chocolate. Dark brown sugar can be used if you prefer a more robust flavor.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs bind the ingredients together, creating a chewy texture. Room temperature eggs mix in more smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making everything taste more inviting. Use pure vanilla for the best results.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your bars; it provides the structure. For a gluten-free alternative, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and become puffy. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and strengthens the flavors. Maldon salt can also be used for topping later.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Sweet and creamy, they melt beautifully into the cookies. Feel free to substitute with semisweet chocolate if preferred.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the milk chocolate’s sweetness.
- Maldon flaked salt (for topping): A sprinkle on top right after baking enhances flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Melt the Butter: Begin by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until it foams and develops a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. This step is key; it creates that signature flavor in your bars. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix Brown Sugar and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar and the slightly cooled browned butter until smooth and glossy. It’s important to let the butter cool a bit to avoid cooking the eggs when they’re added next.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the mixture, and stir until fully incorporated. You want everything to be well combined for even flavor in your bars.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly okay; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in both 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips using a spatula. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter to ensure every bite is deliciously chocolatey.
Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
Spread the Batter: Pour the cookie bar batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. This step helps ensure even baking.
Bake: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want that wonderful chewy texture.
Add Flaky Salt: As soon as the bars come out of the oven, generously sprinkle some Maldon flaked salt over the top while they’re still warm. This step intensifies the flavor and adds a special touch.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars 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 cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy the chewy goodness!
Storing & Reheating
Store your salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. While you might notice a slight change in texture, a quick warm-up revitalizes their scrumptiousness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just incorporated, and you’re golden!
- Using room temperature eggs will make it easier to blend everything together smoothly.
- If you want more chewy bars, try slightly underbaking them; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or nuts for unique flavor variations.
- You can make these cookie bars ahead of time. Once completely cooled, wrap and store; they taste even better a day later!
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly a delightful dessert that showcases simple ingredients transformed into something amazing. With a rich texture and decadent flavor, they’re perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations with chocolate or nuts, and have fun with the recipe! Your friends and family will thank you for this treat, and you’ll be sure to enjoy every bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but make sure to decrease the salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon. This way, the bars won’t be overly salty, allowing the sweet and nutty flavors to shine through.
What should I do if my cookie bars are too crumbly?
If your cookie bars turn out too crumbly, they might be overbaked. Keep an eye on them during baking, ensuring they come out when they’re just set with a few moist crumbs. Adding a touch more butter next time could help with moisture as well!
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely! Allow the bars to cool completely and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge and enjoy!
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder or baking soda is also certified gluten-free. The results will still be deliciously satisfying!
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📖 Recipe Card
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the delightful taste of Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These bars feature a rich brown butter flavor and are packed with both milk and dark chocolate chips, making them the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. With an easy preparation method, they are ideal for gatherings or a comforting snack at home.
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
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until it foams and turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk together the brown sugar and the slightly cooled browned butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mixture with the wet ingredients until just incorporated, leaving a few lumps.
- Fold in the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips using a spatula for even distribution.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, greasing lightly.
- Spread the cookie bar batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle Maldon flaked salt generously on top of the warm cookie bars for an extra flavor boost.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Ensure the butter is browned properly for the best flavor and aroma.
Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
