Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Published on August 23, 2023 Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars- soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars made with brown butter, lots of chocolate, and flaky sea salt. The bars are made in one pan, making them the perfect EASY dessert for potlucks, parties, or any day! The bars are also easy to take to parties, potlucks, or any celebration. One pan desserts are always a good idea! My classic chocolate chip cookie bars, one bowl blondies, magic cookie bars, and monster cookie bars are a few of my favorites. I also LOVE these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Brown butter makes everything better (hello, brown butter chocolate chip cookies), including these cookie bars. They are insanely delicious. Every time I take make them, my family and friends beg for the recipe. They are definitely a crowd pleaser! The bars are soft, chewy, gooey (thanks to lots of chocolate chips AND chocolate chunks), and have a caramel, nutty flavor thanks to the brown butter. The bars are finished with flaky sea salt that enhances all of the flavors! Basically, these are the BEST cookie bars. If you like chocolate chip cookies, you have to make chocolate chip cookie bars! I know you will LOVE them!

Ingredients

Butter– slice the butter into tablespoon pieces so it is easier to brown. Brown sugar– I like to use dark brown sugar for this recipe for a deeper caramel flavor, but light brown sugar works well too. Always pack your brown sugar when measuring. Granulated sugar Eggs– use large eggs. Vanilla extract– always use pure vanilla extract. All-purpose flour Salt– use kosher salt and not table salt. Baking soda & Baking powder– make sure they are fresh! Chocolate– I like to use a mix of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks, but you can use all chunks or all chips. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate, but dark or milk chocolate is fine. Use your favorite. Flaky sea salt– for sprinkling on bars, a must!

How to Brown Butter

Brown butter is the secret to making these cookie bars extra delicious! If you haven’t browned butter before, don’t worry, it is EASY and adds SO much flavor!

Place the butter in a medium saucepan, preferably light in color so you can see the color of the butter. Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often, until it foams, smells nutty, and browns. Pay close attention because when the butter starts to brown it will brown quickly. You don’t want to burn it. It should take about 5 minutes. When the butter is browned, scrape it into a large mixing bowl immediately so it stops cooking. Make sure you get all of the brown bits, they have so much flavor! Let it cool for 5 minutes before adding any other ingredients.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe with ingredients and instructions!

Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line with parchment paper. Set aside. Brown the butter and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the brown butter and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined. Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, don’t over mix. Stir in the chocolate chunks and chocolate chips.

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan with a spatula. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes or until the bars are set and golden brown. Don’t over bake the bars will continue setting up as they cool.

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the bars cool before cutting into squares.

Variations

Instead of chocolate chips, use butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips. Or do a mix of chips! Add M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces! Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans. Add dried cranberries or raisins. Make the bars extra fun by stirring in colorful sprinkles! Serve warm with ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. SO good!

How to Store & Freeze

How to Store: Store the bars in the pan, tightly covered. I like to use this pan because it has a lid.You can also transfer the bars to an airtight container. The bars will keep on the counter for up to 3 days. How to Freeze: Let the bars cool completely and place in a freezer bag or freezer container. If you are layering the bars, place a piece of parchment paper in between the bars so they don’t stick. If you want to freeze the pan of bars before cutting into squares, wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Always label and date! Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes before serving.

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