Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the delightful answer to your dessert cravings. Imagine breaking through a golden-brown crust to reveal soft, chewy bars studded with melted chocolate chips. The warm, nutty aroma of browned butter permeates your kitchen, infusing each bite with a rich depth of flavor rarely found in standard cookie bars. They are like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Table of Contents
My first encounter with these cookie bars was at a cozy bake sale, instantly igniting a fondness that sent me rushing home to recreate the magic. What sets these cookie bars apart is not only the salted brown butter lending a toasty richness, but also the combination of milk and dark chocolate chips, creating a satisfying sweet-and-salty balance. Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and budget-friendly, making it easy to whip up for any gathering or casual family treat. The moment they emerge from the oven, you’re bound to be met with eager hands reaching for a warm piece. Trust me; you won’t regret giving this recipe a go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a 15-minute prep and a 40-minute bake time, you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich brown butter and chocolatey goodness creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are not only delicious but visually impressive with their golden crust and glossy chocolate chips.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, dessert after dinner, or potlucks — there’s never a wrong time to enjoy them!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider subbing in gluten-free flour if you’re catering to gluten-sensitive friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Browning the butter enhances its flavor, imparting a nutty richness that is key in this recipe. Always use unsalted to control your recipe’s saltiness. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work too.
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar: This sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. Be sure to pack it loosely in your measuring cup for the best results.
- 2 eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. For a vegan alternative, a flaxseed or chia seed egg could work.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile and brings warmth to the bars.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the structural base of the bars. If you’re seeking a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift for a soft texture. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors, especially the sweetness of the chocolate. Remember, you can adjust based on your taste preference!
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: They add creaminess and sweetness, making the bars extra tempting.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: The dark chocolate gives a slight bitterness that balances the sugar. Feel free to swap out with semi-sweet if you prefer.
- Maldon flaked salt, for topping: Sprinkling this delicate salt on top enhances the flavors and adds a lovely crunch to each bite.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Melt the butter: Start by placing 1 cup of unsalted butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring frequently, watch for it to foam and transform into a golden brown hue, about 5-7 minutes. The nutty aroma will fill your kitchen as it cools slightly.
Whisk together sugar and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar with the slightly cooled browned butter. Use a whisk to blend until smooth, creating a silky mixture. Next, add in the 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined seamlessly.
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 fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; overmixing can lead to dense bars.
Fold in the chocolate chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup each of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips. This step ensures that the chocolaty goodness is distributed evenly throughout the batter.
Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Make sure to lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
Spread and bake: Pour the cookie bar batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Top with Maldon salt: As soon as you take the pan out of the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top while the bars are still warm. This step amplifies the overall flavor and leaves you with a delicious sweet-and-salty finish.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment overhang and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or rectangles, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them; they can last up to a week, but keep them in a sealed container to maintain moisture. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months—simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh the texture, although some changes in chewiness and flavor depth might occur.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure you use room temperature eggs; this helps blend better with the batter for a fluffier texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this can lead to tough bars instead of tender ones.
- If you prefer a gooier texture, take the bars out of the oven when they are slightly underbaked.
- For flavor enhancement, consider adding chopped nuts or a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking; it will intensify the flavors even more!
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars present an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please. From the nutty aroma of brown butter to the decadent melted chocolate in every bite, there’s nothing quite like them. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these treats are bound to brighten any day. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations or add your own twist to the recipe. Enjoy every moment while savoring each delectable bite!
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges appear golden brown, and the center looks slightly puffed and set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While I recommend a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for their flavor balance, you can use semi-sweet chips, white chocolate, or even flavored varieties like peanut butter chips—feel free to customize based on your preference!
Why do I need to cool the browned butter slightly?
Cooling the browned butter allows it to combine with other ingredients better without scrambling the eggs when mixed. It’s an essential step to ensure a consistent batter and optimal texture in the cookie bars.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This can help deepen the flavors and ensure a delicious treat for any occasion.
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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 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars boast a rich, nutty flavor with gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying snack, this recipe is simple yet delivers a delicious 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. Stir frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and slightly cooled browned butter until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips using a spatula for even distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper with some overhang. Lightly grease the parchment.
- Spread the cookie bar batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top of warm cookie bars for added flavor.
- Allow bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For extra flavor, use higher quality chocolate chips.
Ensure to cool the browned butter slightly before mixing with other ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
