Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars

When it comes to comforting desserts, few things can compete with a freshly baked batch of cookie bars. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars take that classic cookie experience and elevate it to new heights. The nutty aroma of brown butter, combined with the richness of chocolate chips and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts, makes these bars an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing or indulging after a long day, these cookie bars are sure to become a household favorite.

Why It Works Every Time

What sets these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars apart? It’s all in the technique and the ingredients. Brown butter brings a depth of flavor that regular butter simply cannot match. The process of browning the butter lets the milk solids caramelize, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the bars. Coupled with the sweet, gooey chocolate chips and the crunchy hazelnuts, each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re baked in a pan, making them easy to cut and serve, which is a win for any baking enthusiast.

What’s in the Bowl

To whip up these mouthwatering bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (skins removed)
• Sea salt for sprinkling over cookie bars

Must-Have Equipment

Before you dive into the baking process, gather these essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
• Whisk: Perfect for incorporating air into your mixture.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for these bars.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
• Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly in the pan.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars Made Stepwise

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it foams and begins to turn a golden brown. You’ll notice a nutty aroma—this is when you know it’s ready. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/8 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Hazelnuts

Gently fold in the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of chopped hazelnuts.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that sweet and salty flavor combination. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Make It Your Way

Customization is part of the fun! Here are a few ways you can make these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars your own:

• Substitute the hazelnuts with your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor and crunch.
• Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate experience.
• For a twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart contrast.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

When making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars, the key is to keep an eye on the brown butter. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds, so be attentive. Also, these bars are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

• For freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added sea salt slightly to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t have hazelnuts? Can I use something else?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other nuts like almonds or pecans, or simply leave them out for classic chocolate chip bars.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you will need to bake it in two separate pans or a larger baking pan to ensure even cooking.

Keep Cooking

If you loved these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars, here are some more delicious recipes to try next:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic and timeless, these cookies will always be a hit.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites – A decadent treat that combines creamy cheesecake with the richness of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma of these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Bars wafting through your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, you won’t be disappointed with this recipe. Happy baking!