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 sweet treat that dreams are made of. Picture a soft and chewy cookie bar featuring the warm, nutty notes of brown butter, complemented perfectly by rich chocolate chips and topped with a sprinkle of flaky salt. It’s a dessert that not only satiates your sweet tooth but also transforms any occasion into something special. Whether you’ve had a long day and need a little indulgence or want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these bars are the answer.

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 the salted brown butter phenomenon during a cozy afternoon baking session. Inspired by a friend’s irresistible batch, I quickly learned that browning butter not only elevates the flavor but also makes the texture of these cookie bars simply divine. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s hard to resist this recipe. So grab your mixing bowl and set yourself up for success; you’re about to discover your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 55 minutes, these bars are an easy bake for any day.
Irresistible Flavor: The nutty brown butter combined with two types of chocolate creates a taste explosion you won’t forget.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They come out of the oven looking golden and delicious—perfect for sharing!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as an after-school snack, a dessert at dinner parties, or even breakfast on-the-go.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap in gluten-free flour for a delightful gluten-free treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter: Brown this butter for a nutty, rich flavor that brings depth to the cookie bars. If you’re in a pinch, you might use salted butter but remember that you will need to adjust the added salt.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar (loosely packed): This sugar not only adds sweetness but moisture, enhancing the chewy texture of the bars. Dark brown sugar can be used for an even deeper flavor profile.
2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Eggs help bind the ingredients together; room temperature eggs are best for even mixing.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: A splash of quality vanilla elevates the overall flavor and aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for structure. For a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent will ensure your bars rise just enough without becoming cakey.
½ teaspoon salt: Helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially when combined with flaked salt.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Their sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the brown butter.
1 cup dark chocolate chips: For those who prefer a richer flavor, dark chocolate chips add sophistication to the mix.
Maldon flaked salt for topping: This finishing touch brings a delightful crunch and elevates the bar’s overall flavor profile.

Brown the Butter: Start 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 turns a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma that fills your kitchen. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly, allowing those rich flavors to settle.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar and the slightly cooled browned butter until smooth. Once combined, add 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully integrated.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t worry about a few lumps; they’re perfectly fine.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. This ensures that each bite is packed with delicious chocolate goodness.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Spread the Batter: Pour the cookie bar batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top for an attractive bake.

Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Add the Flaky Salt: As soon as you pull the pan from the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt over the warm cookie bars. This little touch makes all the difference in flavor.

Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Now, you’re ready to dig in!

Storing & Reheating

To store your salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For long-term storage, wrap the bars well in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to refresh the texture and warm up the chocolate.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Rush the Browning: Take the time to brown the butter properly. It heightens flavors significantly and gives those cookie bars that magical touch.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room temperature eggs and the slightly cooled butter to ensure good emulsification.
Check for Doneness Carefully: Since these bars continue cooking outside the oven, check for doneness at the lower range of time.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits for variations. Your taste buds will thank you!

Salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars are a transformative take on a classic favorite, combining the comforting flavors we all know and love with a delightful twist. You’ll find they’re perfect for sharing—or not! With their rich taste and creamy texture, these bars can elevate any gathering or simply treat yourself after a long day. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients and explore what variations excite you. Grab your ingredients and immerse yourself in this delightful baking adventure!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use only one type of chocolate chips?

Yes! While the combination of milk and dark chocolate creates a delightful contrast, you can certainly choose to use just one type of chocolate chips. Feel free to use your favorite, whether that’s semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate for a different flavor.

What’s the best way to cut the cookie bars?

To get nice, clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and run it under hot water before slicing—this helps slice through the chocolate and crust without tearing the bars apart.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They actually taste even better after a day as the flavors meld together.

What dishes pair well with these cookie bars?

These cookie bars are heavenly on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth any time!