Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Quick Answer
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream are an easy-to-make, indulgent treat perfect for your holiday gatherings.
As the leaves turn shades of amber and gold here in New York City, the anticipation of Thanksgiving and the holiday season fills the air. I can practically smell the warm spices and sweet treats wafting through the neighborhoods as families gather to celebrate. This year, I'm infusing my festive repertoire with a little twist-a recipe for Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars topped with Salted Caramel Buttercream that is both indulgent and absolutely irresistible.
A Joyous Holiday Treat
These cookie bars combine the nutty flavor of browned butter with a rich salted caramel buttercream, making them a delightful addition to any festive occasion. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they evoke the warmth and spirit of the season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent flavors from the nutty brown butter and rich salted caramel.
- Easy-to-follow instructions make baking a breeze for any skill level.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
- They can be made ahead and stored for convenience.
- The beautiful presentation will enhance your dessert table.
Ingredients
Gather the following fresh ingredients to create the delectable Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars with Salted Caramel Buttercream:
For the Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), plus extra for greasing
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup thick caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Get ready to embark on a baking adventure with these scrumptious Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars!
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by melting the 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a vigilant eye on it as it sizzles and foams. Soon, a delightful nutty aroma will fill your kitchen. Continue cooking until the butter transforms into a golden brown hue with lovely flecks at the bottom. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk the mixture until it becomes shiny and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix-it's okay if a few flour streaks remain.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan.
Step 5: Prepare the Salted Caramel Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened ½ cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing after each addition. Incorporate the caramel sauce and sea salt thoroughly. If needed, adjust the texture by adding heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Frost the Bars
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, generously spread the salted caramel buttercream on top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the frosting to enhance the flavors.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve. These delightful bars are a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't skip browning the butter: It provides a depth of flavor that is critical to the success of these bars.
- Avoid overmixing the batter: This can result in tough cookie bars; mix just until combined.
- Don't frost while warm: Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting for a perfect finish.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for extra richness.
- Substitute maple syrup for caramel sauce for a unique flavor.
- Incorporate nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
How to Serve
- Pair with a cup of coffee or spiced tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Cut into smaller squares for a delightful dessert platter at gatherings.
- Garnish with chocolate drizzle for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie bars a day in advance and store them at room temperature.
- Storage: Store these sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze them for up to a month; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Crafting these Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars was a joyful reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful. The fusion of flavors-the nutty butter, sweet caramel, and just the right touch of salt-makes them a standout choice for any festive gathering.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~210 calories · 2g protein · 30g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Bars with Salted Caramel
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by melting the 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a vigilant eye on it as it sizzles and foams. Soon, a delightful nutty aroma will fill your kitchen. Continue cooking until the butter transforms into a golden brown hue with lovely flecks at the bottom. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk the mixture until it becomes shiny and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix—it's okay if a few flour streaks remain.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened ½ cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing after each addition. Incorporate the caramel sauce and sea salt thoroughly. If needed, adjust the texture by adding heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, generously spread the salted caramel buttercream on top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the frosting to enhance the flavors.
- Cut into squares and serve. These delightful bars are a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations!
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the cookie bars?
No, it's best to use unsalted butter for the cookie bars to control the amount of salt in the recipe. You can use salted butter for the buttercream if you prefer. - How do I know when the cookie bars are fully baked?
The cookie bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, the center has a slight jiggle, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Can I make the salted caramel buttercream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel buttercream a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before frosting the bars. - What can I substitute for the heavy cream in the buttercream?
If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half, but the consistency may be slightly thinner. - How should I store the leftover cookie bars?
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month if well-wrapped.
