Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. These bars combine the nutty, caramel flavor of brown butter with the gooey richness of chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The warm, heavenly aroma fills your kitchen as they bake, tempting everyone to sneak a taste. Unlike regular cookies, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them great for parties or simply to enjoy with a tall glass of milk.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made these Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a family gathering. With just one bite, they became an instant favorite, prompting my relatives to request them at every event. The combination of textures—the crisp edges and chewy center—along with the hint of salt sprinkled on top elevates them to pure bliss. If you’re craving something sweet that’s easy to share and sure to impress, you’re going to love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking, you can enjoy these bars in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich taste of brown butter marries perfectly with both milk and dark chocolate chips, creating a heavenly combination.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are not only delicious but also look stunning with a sprinkle of flaky salt on top, ready to be admired.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, snack time, or even breakfast when you need a sweet pick-me-up!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You might also explore gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives if needed, making it more accessible for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup unsalted butter to be browned: It’s essential to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your cookies. Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that is key to this recipe.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, loosely packed: Light brown sugar enhances moisture and provides a chewy texture. You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the flavor will be less rich.
2 eggs, lightly beaten: The eggs bind everything together, ensuring that these bars maintain their structure. Room temperature eggs work best for thorough mixing.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bars. For a gluten-free version, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This helps the bars rise slightly and creates a light texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
½ teaspoon salt: A bit of salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and balances the flavors nicely.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Creamy milk chocolate provides a gentle sweetness. You can adjust the type of chocolate to your preference (dark, semi-sweet, or even white).
1 cup dark chocolate chips: Rich and slightly bittersweet, these add depth to the flavor profile. Feel free to mix different types of chocolate according to your taste.
Maldon flaked salt for topping: This finishing touch elevates the flavor and adds a beautiful crunch. Any flaky sea salt will work, but Maldon is a favorite for its delicate texture.
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Melt the Butter: Start by melting your 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it frequently to prevent burning, watching as it foams, bubbles, and turns a lovely golden brown with a nutty aroma, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once it reaches that perfect brown hue, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix Brown Sugar and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of loosely packed light brown sugar and your slightly cooled browned butter until you achieve a smooth mixture. This step is crucial for fully incorporating the flavors. Next, add the 2 lightly beaten eggs and the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, stirring until everything is 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. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined; it’s perfectly fine if a few lumps remain to create a chewy texture.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1 cup each of milk chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips using a spatula. This helps to ensure an even distribution of chocolate throughout the batter—every bite should be deliciously loaded with chocolate!
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
Spread Batter and Bake: Pour the cookie bar batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick, it should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.
Add Flaky Salt: Once out of the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top of the warm cookie bars. This step adds a delightful contrast of sweet and savory that truly takes these bars to the next level.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once they’ve set a bit, lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy every gooey bite!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them in a tight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap well in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds; this will refresh their soft, chewy texture and bring out the chocolate’s heavenly flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is cooled before adding it to the sugar mixture to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Keep an eye on your brown butter! It can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- To enhance the flavor of your cookie bars, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dough; it elevates the chocolate notes.
- If your bars seem too crumbly when cutting, they may have been overbaked. Aim for a toothpick that shows moist crumbs for that ideal chewy center.
- Don’t hesitate to add nuts or dried fruit if you want to experiment; just keep the chocolate chips at a 2 cup total.
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and warm memories waiting to happen. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this easy recipe encourages everyone to enjoy the little moments of sweetness in life. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and dive into this delightful baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The beauty of these bars lies in their flexibility. You can swap in semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your taste preferences. Feel free to mix and match for a chocolate lover’s dream!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The best way to check is to look for golden-brown edges and a slightly soft center. Insert a toothpick into the middle; it should come out with a few moist crumbs on it, but not wet batter. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit in the pan after you remove them from the oven.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep or baking ahead of an event. Just follow the cooling and storing instructions, and they will stay delicious for several days!
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Just ensure that your baking soda is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
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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 are a must-try for chocolate lovers. With a rich flavor from browned butter and a mix of milk and dark chocolate, they’re simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a delicious slice of homemade bliss with each bite!
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 turns golden brown and smells nutty, around 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly afterward.
- In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and slightly cooled butter together until smooth. Incorporate the beaten eggs and vanilla extract until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet mixture until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
- Gently fold in both the milk and dark chocolate chips using a spatula for even mixing.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang, and lightly grease it.
- Pour the cookie bar batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle Maldon flaked salt generously over the warm cookie bars.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares or rectangles to serve.
Notes
Make sure to cool the browned butter slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture to avoid cooking the eggs.
Adjust the amount of Maldon flaked salt based on your taste preferences.
These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
