Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are deliciously satisfying, perfect for sharing, and easy to make, filling your kitchen with a warm, homey aroma.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Adds richness and moisture
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar Provides deep flavor and moisture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Contributes sweetness and texture
- 1 large egg Binds ingredients together
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Structural base
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Adds leavening for a lighter texture
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Balances sweetness
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Adds rich chocolate flavor
- Flaky sea salt For sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by browning the butter. Melt 1/2 cup (110g) of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden brown with a nutty aroma. Transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- In the bowl with the browned butter, add 1/2 cup (100g) of dark brown sugar and 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups (165g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, and 3/4 tsp of kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in 1 cup (185g) of semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Save a few for sprinkling on top.
- Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining with parchment paper. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft.
- While warm, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into squares.
Notes
For chewier bars, avoid overmixing. Use high-quality chocolate chips to enhance flavor. Experiment with adding nuts or a swirl of nut butter for variety.