Prepare to revolutionize your baking game with the most irresistible cookie bars you'll ever taste! Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, the classic comfort of oatmeal cookies, and the decadent indulgence of chocolate chunks - all in one mind-blowing treat. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession, promising a perfect balance of crispy edges, chewy centers, and flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Transfer browned butter to a large mixing bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the cooled brown butter. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to create a uniform layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into 16 equal squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Tips
- Brown Butter Mastery: The key to extraordinary flavor is properly browning the butter. Watch it carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning. Look for a golden brown color and a nutty aroma.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the browned butter to cool for exactly 10 minutes before mixing with sugars. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a perfect texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Chocolate Chunk Tip: Use high-quality chocolate and roughly chop it into uneven chunks for more interesting texture and melting pockets.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting cleaner and easier.
- Storage Hack: These bars actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and develop!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
