salted brown butter bars

If you're craving a treat that's chewy and indulgent, try Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Start by browning your butter for a nutty flavor, then mix it with sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in flour and chocolate chips, and press the mixture into a baking pan before sprinkling with flaky sea salt. Bake until golden and enjoy the sweet-salty balance. There's a lot more you can explore to make this dessert even better!

History

study of past events

The history of chocolate chip cookies traces back to the 1930s, when Ruth Wakefield whipped up the first batch at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She combined butter, sugar, and Nestlé's semi-sweet chocolate, creating a sweet treat that quickly became a favorite.

The concept of brown butter, or "beurre noisette," emerged from French cuisine, bringing a nutty aroma and rich flavor to desserts. Over the years, salted chocolate desserts gained traction, highlighting the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Cookie bars, like salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars, simplified the baking method, appealing to home bakers. These modern adaptations offer a chewy texture and complex flavors, making them a beloved choice in kitchens everywhere.

Recipe

delicious homemade meal preparation

Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by browning the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma, then set it aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing well until combined. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, then gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, then press the batter evenly into a greased and lined 9×13-inch baking pan.

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 18-24 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center appears slightly underbaked.

Allow the bars to cool for 30-45 minutes before slicing.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure to let the browned butter cool slightly before mixing it with the sugars to prevent cooking the eggs when combined.

If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider adding a touch of espresso powder into the dry ingredients.

Additionally, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but they're best enjoyed warm to maintain their gooey texture.

If you want to reheat them, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back that freshly baked feel!

Cooking Steps

cooking step by step

Let's get started with the cooking steps to create your delicious cookie bars.

First, you'll melt the butter until it turns golden brown, then mix in the sugars for that rich flavor.

After that, you'll gently fold in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips before baking them to a perfect golden brown.

Step 1. Melt Butter Until Browned

brown the melted butter

Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to guarantee it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

As it melts, watch for the butter to shift from foamy to a golden amber color, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

You'll notice a delightful nutty aroma that signals it's nearing the browning point, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.

Once the butter reaches that perfect color and scent, remove it from heat immediately to stop the cooking process.

Allow the browned butter to cool for about 5 minutes before adding it to your chocolate chip cookie bars mixture.

This step is essential for enhancing the rich, nutty flavor in your delicious cookie bars.

Step 2. Add Sugars and Mix Well

combine sugars thoroughly

Once your browned butter has cooled slightly, combine both brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Add sugars and mix until you create a creamy mixture that enhances the bars' rich flavor. Make certain all the sugar granules dissolve for even sweetness throughout.

Next, incorporate one large egg into the mixture, blending it well for added moisture and structure in the final bars.

Don't forget to add pure vanilla extract, which balances the sweetness and deepens the brown butter flavor.

Confirm everything is well combined before moving on to the next step; this is vital for achieving that perfect chewy texture you desire in your cookie bars.

Enjoy the process!

Step 3. Stir in Chocolate Chips

stir in chocolate chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure the mixture has cooled slightly to prevent melting. This step helps maintain the integrity of the chocolate chips, ensuring your bars have that chewy chocolate chip cookie texture.

Use a spatula to stir in chocolate chips, and consider incorporating a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for added flavor complexity. Aim for about 1 to 2 cups, depending on how rich you want the chocolate flavor to be.

For extra texture and flavor, you can also fold in chopped nuts or butterscotch chips. This combination of ingredients will create a delicious, satisfying treat that perfectly balances sweetness and richness, making these bars irresistible. Additionally, you might find that adding a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate enhances the overall flavor profile of your dessert.

Step 4. Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

gently incorporate dry ingredients

After folding in the chocolate chips, it's time to incorporate the dry ingredients.

Use a rubber spatula to fold in dry ingredients gently; this helps maintain the delicate texture of your chocolate chip bars. Gradually add the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed to prevent clumping.

Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl while mixing, but do it with a light hand. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour—this is key to achieving that soft and delicious, chewy consistency. Additionally, keep in mind that consuming high-fat foods like these bars should be done in moderation, especially for those with cholesterol concerns.

If you're adding any other mix-ins, fold them in last, ensuring they're evenly distributed without breaking apart. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars perfectly tender!

Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown

bake until golden brown

As you get ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to assure even cooking.

Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, confirming it reaches all edges.

Now, it's time to bake the cookie bars for about 18-24 minutes.

Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be set while the center remains slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.

When they're golden brown, remove them from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for 30-45 minutes.

This helps maintain that gooey center and guarantees they hold their shape when sliced.

Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

concluding reflections and insights

While you might be tempted to stick with traditional chocolate chip cookies, Salted Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist that's hard to resist.

Their chewy texture and rich flavor, enhanced by the nutty aroma of browned butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, make them a standout treat.

With a total preparation and baking time of just 50 minutes, they're perfect for gatherings.

Remember to use a light-colored aluminum baking pan for even cooking and monitor the baking time closely.

Plus, you can easily adapt these bars for dietary preferences, including gluten-free options, and throw in various mix-ins like nuts or different chocolates to create your ideal treat.

Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Browned Butter Do to Cookies?

Browned butter transforms cookies by adding a rich, nutty flavor that elevates their taste.

As you brown the butter, it caramelizes the milk solids, creating a toffee-like aroma that enhances sweetness.

You'll notice a denser, chewier texture since the fat content becomes more concentrated, interacting uniquely with the flour.

Plus, the inviting scent of browned butter wafts through your kitchen, making it hard for anyone nearby to resist your baking!

Is It Better to Use Salted or Unsalted Butter for Chocolate Chip Cookies?

When you're baking chocolate chip cookies, it's better to use unsalted butter.

It gives you more control over the saltiness, letting you adjust to your taste. Most recipes are designed with unsalted butter in mind, ensuring consistency in flavor and texture.

Plus, the salt content in salted butter can vary, which might throw off your cookie's taste.

Stick with unsalted for a more balanced and delicious result every time!

Can I Use Chocolate Bar Instead of Chips for Cookies?

Yes, you can definitely use a chocolate bar instead of chips for cookies! Chopping the bar into irregular chunks creates a delightful mix of gooey melted pockets and firmer pieces.

Just make sure to choose a high-quality chocolate that matches the recipe's flavor profile.

Keep in mind that chocolate bars have more cocoa butter, so you might need to adjust the flour or other ingredients for the right consistency.

Enjoy experimenting!

Why Did My Brown Butter Cookies Get Hard?

If your brown butter cookies turned hard, think of them like an overcooked steak—too much heat and time can ruin the tender texture.

You might've overbaked them, so keep an eye on that timer!

Also, if you added too much flour or overmixed, you could've created a tough dough.

Remember to chill your dough and guarantee your butter's warmth is just right to keep those cookies soft and chewy.

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