Name: Brown Butter Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487872H46M40S
Total time: PT-487872H46M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)

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Brown Butter Cookie Bars

These Brown Butter Cookie Bars are a perfect combination of chewy, gooey goodness and rich, nutty brown butter flavor. The brown butter adds a deep, caramelized taste to the bars, making them a delicious twist on traditional cookie bars. With a slightly crispy edge and soft, buttery center, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an afternoon snack, or just indulging with a cup of coffee, these cookie bars are sure to impress!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about these Brown Butter Cookie Bars is how the brown butter takes the flavor to a whole new level. The nutty, caramelized flavor of brown butter adds complexity and depth to the bars, while still keeping them wonderfully soft and chewy in the center. The simplicity of the recipe and the irresistible aroma as they bake make these bars a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)

Directions

Brown the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts. After a couple of minutes, the butter will begin to foam and then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Keep stirring to prevent burning, and once it reaches a deep golden color with brown bits at the bottom, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Make the Cookie Bar Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour in the browned butter and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- If using chocolate chips, fold them into the dough.
Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs attached).
- The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.

Serve:

These Brown Butter Cookie Bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a delicious treat any time of day.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on the size you cut them. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 20-25 minutes.

Brown Butter Cookie Bars

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
Swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or even adding a swirl of caramel sauce before baking for a richer flavor.
Using a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar for a lighter flavor if you want a slightly less intense brown sugar taste.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but they’re best served at room temperature. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until soft and warm.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. They actually get better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie bars. After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature.

Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?
You can use regular butter, but the flavor won’t be as rich or nutty. Brown butter gives these cookie bars a deeper, more complex flavor, so I highly recommend using it if possible!

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Cookie Bars are a simple, yet indulgent treat with an irresistible nutty flavor that elevates the classic cookie bar. With their rich, caramelized taste and soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them for a cozy afternoon snack or serving them as a dessert, these bars will leave everyone wanting more!

Brown Butter Cookie Bars

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)

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Instructions

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts. After a couple of minutes, the butter will begin to foam and then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Keep stirring to prevent burning, and once it reaches a deep golden color with brown bits at the bottom, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Make the Cookie Bar Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Pour in the browned butter and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. If using chocolate chips, fold them into the dough.
Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs attached). The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.
Serve: These Brown Butter Cookie Bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a delicious treat any time of day.