Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of gooey and chewy, with a rich nutty flavor that comes from the brown butter. These bars are truly a treat for anyone who appreciates a good cookie, offering that comforting taste of classic chocolate chip cookies, but with a twist that elevates them to something truly special. And let’s be honest, they’re so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up for every occasion.
Table of Contents
The first time I made these bars, I was instantly hooked. The aroma of the brown butter filling my kitchen was more inviting than I could have imagined. What I love about these Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is that they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, a combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for an after-school snack, a birthday treat, or just a little indulgence, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Trust me, once you try them, you might find them becoming your go-to dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 40 minutes of baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: The nutty brown butter perfectly complements the richness of both milk and dark chocolate chips.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden with a sprinkling of flaky salt make them a delightful addition to any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for gatherings, book clubs, or simply as a late-night snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute ingredients for a gluten-free version if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter: The star ingredient here; browning it adds a depth of flavor that’s simply unforgettable. Ensure it’s unsalted to control the saltiness of your bars.
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor to the bars. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, though it won’t have the same richness.
- 2 eggs: Lightly beaten, they help bind the bars and give them that desirable chewy texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor. For the best taste, avoid imitation vanilla.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure. If you need to make these bars gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: This will help your bars rise slightly, giving them a fluffy crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balancing out the sweetness; if you’re using salted butter, you might want to omit this.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: These add creaminess and sweetness. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: The bittersweet chocolate perfectly offsets the sweetness of the bars.
- Maldon flaked salt for topping: A sprinkle of flaky salt enhances the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Melt Butter: Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with a delightful nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Once it achieves that gorgeous color, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Whisk Sugar and Butter: 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. Next, mix in the 2 lightly beaten eggs and the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, incorporating everything until fully combined.
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 your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t worry about getting it completely smooth; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup each of milk chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. At this point, the mixture should smell heavenly!
Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
Spread Batter: Pour the cookie bar batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Add Flaky Salt: As soon as you take your pan out of the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top of the warm cookie bars to enhance their flavor.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy these delicious treats!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge again, heat them in a microwave for a quick 10-15 seconds to restore that warm, gooey goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always brown your butter on medium heat and watch it closely to prevent burning; you want that lovely nutty flavor.
- Room temperature eggs help maintain the batter’s creamy texture, so pull them from the fridge ahead of time.
- If your bars seem too dry, try under-baking a little next time; they’ll continue to cook in the pan as they cool.
- For a different twist, consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- To maximize flavor, try using high-quality chocolate brands—your taste buds will definitely thank you!
These Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a true crowd-pleaser, and their simplicity makes them an irresistible option any time of year. You might find they quickly become a favorite in your home, too!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use unsweetened chocolate chips instead of milk and dark?
You can certainly switch to unsweetened chocolate, but remember to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors. It’ll create a more intense chocolate flavor!
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these delicious cookie bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it warm up a bit at room temperature before spreading it into the baking pan.
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid climate, storing them in the fridge will help maintain their texture longer.
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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
These salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars combine irresistible flavors and simple prep. Loaded with chocolate chips, they are a delightful homemade treat that everyone will love.
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 golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes, then cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the browned butter and brown sugar until smooth, then incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in milk and dark chocolate chips evenly using a spatula.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle Maldon flaked salt on top of warm cookie bars to enhance flavor.
- Cool the bars in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out with parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Allow the butter to brown properly for the best flavor.
Use a mix of chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
