Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I love chocolate chip cookies, but sometimes I don’t have the time or patience to scoop out individual cookies. That’s where Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come in.

These bars are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of making individual cookies.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are essentially a giant cookie baked in a pan and cut into bars. These bars have the same delicious taste and texture as regular chocolate chip cookies but are quicker and easier to make.

Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a party or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, chocolate chip cookie bars are a great option.

this recipe

Ingredients

When it comes to making chocolate chip cookie bars, having the right ingredients is key. Here are the two main categories of ingredients you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

The dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookie bars are a little different from most. You’ll notice that I use a chocolate chip cookie mix. You will need:

• chocolate chip cookie mix (17.5 oz.)
• semi-sweet chocolate chips
• all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

The wet ingredients are what bring everything together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salted Butter
• Egg

The browned butter helps to bind everything together, while the egg adds moisture. 

When it comes to making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, using high-quality ingredients is important. This will ensure that your cookie bars turn out delicious and perfect every single time.

Supplies

• Small Skillet or Saucepan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Tools
• Mixing tools
• 9×9 Inch Baking Pan
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper

Instruction Tips 

Preparation

I love making chocolate chip cookie bars because they’re so easy to prepare. Here’s what I do:

Add butter to a small saucepan or skillet.

Heat the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook the butter or it will burn. Allow to cool for 10 minutes or until cool to touch. 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Or you can line it with parchment paper and set it aside. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the cookie mix, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and flour until well combined.

Add the browned butter and egg. Mix until well combined, about 2 minutes. You can use an electric hand mixer for this step. 

Baking

Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to bake the bars. Here’s what I do:

Press the dough into the prepared pan. With a spatula, smooth it into an even layer. 

Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the top.  

Bake for 22-27 minutes until the edges are golden brown, the center’s set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. 

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bars. 

Pro tip: If you want to add a little extra something to your chocolate chip cookie bars, try sprinkling some sea salt on top before baking. It’s a delicious way to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate chips.

This recipe makes 9 large bars. Of course, you can cut these into smaller bars. 

Variations

As someone who loves experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, I always enjoy trying out new variations of classic recipes. Chocolate chip cookie bars are no exception. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Add-ins

One of the easiest ways to change up chocolate chip cookie bars is by adding different ingredients. Some of my favorite add-ins include:

• Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
• Dried fruit: Dried cranberries or cherries add a nice tartness to the sweet bars.
• Candy: Chopped-up candy bars or M&Ms can add a fun twist to the classic recipe.
• Peanut butter: Swirling in some peanut butter before baking adds a deliciously rich flavor.

Substitutions

Another way to mix things up is by substituting different ingredients for the classic ones. Here are some of my go-to substitutions:

• Flour: I have had success using almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. You can also use a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie mix. 
• Chocolate: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, I have used dark chocolate chunks or even white chocolate for a different flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix: Change the type of cookie mix and use peanut butter, sugar, or oatmeal cookie mix as the base. 

Overall, there are so many ways to customize chocolate chip cookie bars to your liking. Whether you prefer crunchy or chewy, sweet or salty, there is a variation out there for you to try.

Storage

When it comes to storing chocolate chip cookie bars, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Firstly, it’s important to let the bars cool completely before storing them. If you try to store them while they’re still warm, they’ll release steam and become soggy.

Once the bars have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

If you’re freezing the bars, it’s best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the bars fresh.

When you’re ready to enjoy the bars, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to make them warm and gooey again.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your chocolate chip cookie bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Conclusion 

They are a perfect combination of chewy and crunchy, with just the right amount of sweetness. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves chocolate chip cookies but wants a quicker and easier way to make them.

One thing I appreciate about these cookie bars is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them to your liking by adding different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles.

They also make a great base for other desserts, such as ice cream sandwiches or cookie crumbles for a pie crust.

 The only potential downside is that they are so delicious, it’s hard to stop at just one! But with a glass of cold milk, these chocolate chip cookie bars make for a perfect afternoon treat or dessert.