The secret to truly irresistible chocolate chip cookie bars lies in one crucial step: browning the butter. This simple technique infuses the bars with a deep, nutty flavor that improves them far beyond a standard cookie. This recipe makes the most of that rich brown butter, combining it with the perfect balance of sugars for a chewy texture and crisp edges. These chocolate chip cookie bars are designed for ease and maximum flavor, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply a comforting treat at home. The process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

⏱ Time: 35 min
👥 Servings: 16
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars - Chocolate chip cookie bars: craft these incredibly chewy brown butter bars with a hint of flaky sea salt. Perfec

Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookie bars: craft these incredibly chewy brown butter bars with a hint of flaky sea salt. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup (110g) + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups (165g) all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup (185g) semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter browns and a nutty aroma appears. This usually takes 5-7 minutes. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl to cool slightly. Scrape all brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightened in color and fluffy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Press the dough into an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

– For the best flavor, do not rush the browning of the butter. Watch it carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as the milk solids turn amber and smell nutty, not burnt.
– Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher bars. Mix until just combined.
– These bars are best when slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a wonderfully soft and chewy center. Aim for moist crumbs on a toothpick.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For the best flavor, do not rush the browning of the butter. Watch it carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as the milk solids turn amber and smell nutty, not burnt.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher bars. Mix until just combined.
  • These bars are best when slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a wonderfully soft and chewy center. Aim for moist crumbs on a toothpick.

These brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or packed for a delightful snack. Share your creations!

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