Ultimate Fudgy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These ultimate fudgy brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars are rich, soft, and packed with a toasted, nutty aroma. They combine the indulgence of chocolate chip cookies with the ease of bars, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips (mix of semi-sweet and dark)
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts. After a few minutes, it will foam, then start to turn a golden brown with nutty aromas. Watch closely and remove from heat as soon as you see brown flecks forming. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix sugars and browned butter: Add 1 cup (200g) brown sugar and 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar to the browned butter. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and glossy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and slightly fluffy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to avoid toughness.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in 1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips and optional 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Prepare pan and bake: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28-32 minutes until edges are set and golden but center is slightly fudgy.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out with the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy.
Notes
Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning; the nutty aroma is your best guide. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep bars tender. Check bars at 28 minutes; the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. Cool bars completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of the
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 3
Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookie bars, fudgy cookie bars, easy dessert, homemade cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, quick dessert