Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Blondies)

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (Melted and cooled; brown it according to the method)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (Avocado oil works well)
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 0.333 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (Room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour (Spooned and leveled)
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt (For the batter)
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate
• flaky sea salt (For garnish, to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt it. Once it begins boiling, swirl the pan or stir constantly until the butter turns a deep amber color and becomes brown butter.

3. 3

   Transfer the brown butter off the heat and allow it to cool slightly before combining it with the remaining wet ingredients.

4. 4

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

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, neutral oil, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk for 1–2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms.

6. 6

   Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Mix for 2–3 minutes, until well combined and the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

7. 7

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

8. 8

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

9. 9

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

10. 10

    Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

11. 11

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

12. 12

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

13. 13

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

Notes

Cool the brown butter slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Avoid overmixing the batter, and do not overbake. The source does not specify a storage method.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baking
• cookie bars
• blondies
• chocolate chip
• vegetarian