Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
There’s something magical about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, but when you transform that classic into a bar form, everything changes. Enter Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These bars are the perfect blend of nutty brown butter, melty chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky salt that elevates each bite to heavenly heights. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at a gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookie bars have you covered. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for your secret!
What Makes This Recipe Special
One of the standout features of these Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is the use of brown butter. Browning the butter not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also enhances the overall depth of the dessert. The combination of both milk and dark chocolate chips ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, while a sprinkle of Maldon flaked salt on top gives that satisfying contrast between sweet and salty.
Shopping List
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 large 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
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking!
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the eggs and sugar together.
- Spatula: Great for folding in the chocolate chips.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking your cookie bars evenly.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking dish for easy removal.
Mastering Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: How-To
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn! Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and the browned butter. Mix until well blended. Add in the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in both the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution of chocolate throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Top with Salt
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the top with Maldon flaked salt for that irresistible sweet and salty contrast.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every decadent bite!
In-Season Swaps
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to swap in seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint chips during the fall and winter months.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract in place of vanilla for a unique twist.
Behind the Recipe
This Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe was inspired by the classic chocolate chip cookie but reimagined for ease and indulgence. Brown butter adds a depth of flavor that transforms a familiar dessert into something extraordinary. The addition of flaky salt has become a beloved trend in dessert making, balancing sweetness with a savory touch that keeps you reaching for more.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make these cookie bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, cut the bars into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Reader Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While you can use salted butter, it may alter the overall flavor of the bars. If you do opt for salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making them too salty.
What if I don’t have both types of chocolate chips?
No worries! You can use just one type of chocolate chip, whether it’s all milk or all dark chocolate. The bars will still be delicious!
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like shredded coconut, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for a unique flavor twist!
Try These Next
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
- Salted Caramel Brownie Bars
- Peanut Butter Blondies
That’s a Wrap
There you have it! Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in, these bars will have your friends and family asking for more. So grab your ingredients, get your baking tools ready, and enjoy the process of creating something wonderfully delicious!
Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and browned butter. Mix until well blended. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Maldon flaked salt before serving.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, layered between parchment paper.
- Experiment with different chocolate types or add nuts for extra texture!
