Name: Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
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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Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are everything you adore about classic chocolate chip cookies, but in a delightful, chewy bar form that’s perfect for gatherings or just indulging yourself. The nutty aroma of brown butter elevates the flavor profile, making these treats irresistibly rich. Imagine taking that first bite: a soft, golden bar studded with melting chocolate, just the right amount of sweetness, and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt that enhances it all.

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 discovered this recipe during a cozy evening spent baking with friends. The kitchen instantly filled with a warm, inviting scent that had us all eagerly anticipating our sweet reward. These cookie bars are surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion—from an afternoon snack to a dessert centerpiece at your next gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying these cookies in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just under an hour, making it great for last-minute cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich, nutty brown butter combined with dark and milk chocolate offers a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden with a glossy finish—perfectly cut to showcase those gooey chocolate chips.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a bake sale, party treat, or mid-afternoon snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in gluten-free flour for a GF version and adjust the chocolate for dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter: This is the star ingredient, providing richness and flavor. Browning the butter brings out its nutty notes. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted but reduce the added salt.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives these bars a warm sweetness and adds moisture. Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar for a lighter touch.
2 eggs: Lightly beaten, these help bind the mixture, giving the bars structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate better, so plan ahead!
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is preferred for its deep flavor. If you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla will work but lacks the same depth.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Base for the bars, contributing to their structure. You can replace it with a gluten-free blend if desired.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Provides a little lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors, especially the chocolate and butter. Adjust to taste if needed.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Creamy and sweet, they balance with the richer dark chocolate. You can switch them for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
1 cup dark chocolate chips: Adds a deeper chocolate flavor; use your favorite cocoa percentage to customize the richness.
Maldon flaked salt for topping: A sprinkling of this soft, flaky salt adds a lovely crunch and enhances sweetness.

Melt the butter: Begin by melting the 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and you catch a lovely nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix with sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar and the slightly cooled browned butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and mix until everything is fully combined; this will create a luscious base.

Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; it’s okay if a few lumps remain for a chewy texture.

Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips using a spatula. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter for the best flavor in every bite!

Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later, and lightly grease the parchment to keep everything from sticking.

Spread the batter: Transfer the cookie bar batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted to come out with moist crumbs.

Add the finishing touch: As soon as you pull the cookie bars from the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of Maldon flaked salt on top while they are still warm; this step elevates the flavor to new heights!

Cool and cut: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Storing & Reheating

You can store your Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you prefer to chill them, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh them after freezing, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, bringing back that beloved chewy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to brown the butter slowly to prevent burning; patience pays off with that nutty flavor!
Avoid overmixing your batters after adding in the flour to keep your bars tender.
Timing matters! Keep an eye on the oven as baking times may vary slightly depending on the oven calibration.
Letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps them hold their shape better, though I know the temptation of warm chocolate!
If you want extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter for depth.

There’s something truly comforting about making these salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars—a magical combination of rich flavors, delightful textures, and the simple joy of baking. Give yourself the opportunity to create a treat that’s not only easy to whip up but also brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Enjoy experimenting with mix-ins or even drizzling chocolate on top, and remember—the joy of baking is all about making it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! If you prefer all milk chocolate or dark chocolate, go right ahead. You can even add white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize them to your taste.

What’s the best way to cut these cookie bars?

For clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water can help make neat slices—just wipe it off between cuts to keep them looking nice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the bars a day ahead of when you plan to serve them; just store them at room temperature in an airtight container. You can even freeze the batter for up to a month and bake it fresh when you’re ready.

What’s the texture like?

These bars will have a chewy, cookie-like texture with crispy edges. If left to cool completely, they hold their shape beautifully but still retain a soft center. Just perfect for that cookie craving!