Name: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.75 cup unsalted butter; 1 tbsp milk powder; 0.75 cup light brown sugar; 0.333 granulated or cane sugar; 1 whole egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 0.5 tsp espresso powder; 1.667 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; flaky sea salt

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars cover

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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Browndis

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty.

Remove from heat, pour in a large mixing bowl and stir in milk powder. Let the butter cool for 10-15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang.

When the butter has cooled, whisk in sugars till fully combined and glossy. It will look a little grainy.

Add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Whisk till combined and smooth.

Add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Fold gently just until combined.

Stir in chocolate.

Press dough evenly into prepared pan using lightly damp fingers or an offset spatula.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking early. Edges should be set and golden; center should look slightly underbaked.

Cool in the pan for 10 mins and transfer to a cooling rack to completely.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Brown Butter Temperature Control 🧈
Watch for the milk solids to turn golden amber (not dark brown) and immediately pour into a bowl to stop cooking—this captures nutty caramel notes without bitterness. Let it cool completely before mixing into your dough to prevent premature melting of chocolate chips.
Cornstarch Secret for Chewiness 🤫
The cornstarch in this recipe reduces gluten development, creating that signature chewy texture—don't skip it or substitute with flour. This ingredient is what separates bakery-quality bars from standard cookies.
Double Your Egg Yolk for Richness 🥚
Consider using an extra egg yolk beyond the recipe's ratio to boost richness and improve the bars' fudgy center without making them cake-like. The additional fat from the yolk enhances browning and creates a more luxurious mouthfeel.
Espresso Powder Amplifies Chocolate 🍫
The espresso powder doesn't add coffee flavor—it deepens and intensifies the chocolate taste by enhancing cocoa's natural complexity. Don't skip this secret ingredient as it's crucial for bakery-level depth.
Strategic Sea Salt Placement ✨
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately after baking while bars are still warm so it adheres and creates a sweet-salty contrast. This finishing touch elevates the entire flavor profile and prevents the salt from dissolving into the dough.