Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled; browned in the saucepan)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (Avocado oil works well)
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 0.333333 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1.25 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt (for the batter)
• 1.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate
• flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it begins boiling, swirl the pan or stir constantly until the butter turns deep amber brown, creating brown butter.

3. 3

   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and the measured batter salt. Set the dry mixture aside.

4. 4

   Allow the brown butter to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, combine it with the neutral oil, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk for 1–2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms.

5. 5

   Add the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract. Mix for 2–3 minutes, until well combined and the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

6. 6

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet batter and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.

7. 7

   Add the semi-sweet chocolate and mix with a spatula until it is evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix the batter.

8. 8

   Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

9. 9

   Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

10. 10

    Bake for 25–30 minutes, keeping a close eye on the bars to avoid overbaking, until lightly golden.

11. 11

    Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the bars with flaky sea salt for garnish.

12. 12

    Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Notes

Cool the brown butter slightly before combining it with the other ingredients. Avoid overmixing the batter, and watch the bars carefully near the end of baking to prevent overbaking.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baked
• American
• cookie bars
• chocolate chip
• vegetarian