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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There’s something truly magical about the combination of brown butter, chocolate chips, and a hint of salt. Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, transforming all the comforting elements of a classic recipe into rich, decadent bars. The nuttiness of the brown butter melds perfectly with rich chocolate and the slight crunch of Maldon flaked salt, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds. Each bite is a sweet, satisfying experience that beckons you back for more.

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 this recipe during a casual afternoon of baking with friends. We had that universal craving for something sweet, and these bars fit the bill perfectly. The brown butter aroma filled the air, setting the stage for what would become a new family favorite. Besides being incredibly easy to make, they transform mundane moments into extraordinary occasions, making them perfect for everything from an afternoon pick-me-up to a crowd-pleasing dessert at parties. The best part? They’ll vanish in a flash, leaving smiles all around. So grab your apron and join me in baking these delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking, you’ll have these delicious bars ready before you know it.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter pairs heavenly with ooey-gooey chocolate, while the flaked salt enhances the sweetness beautifully.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars not only taste amazing but look beautiful with their golden edges and chocolate-studded surface.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a lunchbox treat, a cozy night in, or a gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free needs by swapping with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter: For browning, which gives the bars their unique, nutty flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a depth of flavor that white sugar simply can’t provide.
2 large eggs: Lightly beaten to incorporate air, helping give the bars the perfect texture.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile; pure vanilla extract is best for a rich taste.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our bars; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become soft and chewy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates the flavors of brown butter and chocolate.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: For a creamy sweetness that melts beautifully.
1 cup dark chocolate chips: Adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast, creating a more complex flavor.
Maldon flaked salt for topping: This finishing touch enhances every bite with its delightful crunch and burst of saltiness.

Melt the Butter: Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with that characteristic nutty aroma, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and slightly cooled browned butter until you achieve a smooth consistency. Then, add the lightly beaten eggs and the tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing everything until fully combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t worry if a few lumps remain—this keeps the bars tender and chewy!

Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in both the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang, and lightly grease the parchment to ensure easy removal.

Spread the Batter: Carefully spread the cookie bar batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for a nice finish.

Bake the Bars: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking!

Add Finishing Touches: As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top while they’re still warm. This will create a delightful contrast between the sweet bars and salty flakes.

Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

These cookie bars store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. If you want to save them for another time, freeze the bars, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag, for up to 3 months. To enjoy, reheat slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm them without losing their chewy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Brown Your Butter Carefully: Keep an eye on the butter while browning; it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt quickly. Stir frequently and take it off the heat as soon as it reaches that lovely golden brown.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing until just combined will help maintain that tender, chewy texture that makes these bars special.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opting for high-quality chocolate can elevate the flavor significantly.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of instant coffee granules for a new twist on flavor!

No two batches will ever be the same, so let your creativity run wild!

There’s simply nothing like a batch of warm Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to brighten your day. They’re not just a recipe; they are an experience that brings joy and comfort. Whether baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are sure to be savored and remembered. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and relish the process—happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but do adjust the added salt down to avoid overly salty bars. Start with ¼ teaspoon and taste as you mix to get the desired flavor balance.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can make your own brown sugar by mixing white granulated sugar with molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar will do the trick. Alternatively, white sugar can also be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can these cookie bars be frozen?

Absolutely! They can be frozen wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain their texture.

How should I store leftover cookie bars?

Store any leftover cookie bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If they last that long! For the best texture, they’re best enjoyed fresh but reheat them if needed for that freshly baked taste.

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies. With their rich, nutty flavor from brown butter and a perfect balance of milk and dark chocolate, they stand out as a must-try dessert for any occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly tasty, they’re ideal for sharing or enjoying at home.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and slightly cooled browned butter until smooth. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; it's okay if there are some lumps.
Gently fold the milk and dark chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
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.
Spread the cookie batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Sprinkle Maldon flaked salt generously on top of the warm cookie bars to enhance the flavor.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure the browned butter is cooled slightly before mixing with sugar to prevent cooking the eggs.
You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer them over milk and dark chocolate.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.