Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. Combine that with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and the decadent sweetness of dulce de leche, and you have a treat that’s truly irresistible. These Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just another dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that will have your friends and family begging for more. Perfect for any occasion, these bars bring a delightful twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie, ensuring they find a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies (who isn’t?), then these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert. The combination of the nutty richness of brown butter, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the creamy, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Not only are they easy to make, but they also come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 8 tablespoons dulce de leche
Equipment Breakdown
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and incorporating the brown butter.
- 9×9 inch Baking Pan: This is where the magic happens; a great size for these cookie bars.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the browned butter until well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Dulce de Leche
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, followed by the dulce de leche. Swirling the dulce de leche into the batter creates delicious pockets of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the parchment paper out and slice into squares. Enjoy your Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Butter: Replace with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Egg: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder.
- Dulce de Leche: Look for a plant-based version or make your own using coconut milk.
Insider Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top right before baking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for the best texture; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the wet ingredients.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why did my cookie bars turn out dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit! Keep an eye on them and take them out of the oven as soon as the edges start to brown.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar; however, this will slightly alter the flavor and moisture level.
My bars are too gooey. What went wrong?
This may happen if you didn’t bake them long enough. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick before removing them from the oven.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor to your bars. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
Healthy-ish Favorites
- Brown Butter Garlic Shrimp Ravioli – A delightful pasta dish that merges rich flavors with a touch of elegance.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Mozzarella Gnocchi – A comforting meal that’s creamy and bursting with flavor.
See You at the Table
These Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to any dessert table. They combine the best elements of a classic cookie with the luxurious flavors of brown butter and dulce de leche, creating a treat that is both nostalgic and exciting. The recipe is simple enough for novice bakers, yet the results are sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseur. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this scrumptious treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the browned butter until well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, followed by the dulce de leche. Swirling the dulce de leche into the batter creates delicious pockets of sweetness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the parchment paper out and slice into squares. Enjoy your Dulce de Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top right before baking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for the best texture; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
