Description

These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookie Bars are a dense, moist, and impossibly chewy dessert made with just five pantry staples. They feature caramelized edges, a soft gooey center, and require only one bowl for mixing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups (400g) dark brown sugar
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter and brown sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and resembles wet sand.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously until fully incorporated and glossy.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer the thick batter to the prepared pan. Press it evenly into the corners using a spatula or slightly wet hands.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly soft.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to allow them to set. Lift out using parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Spoon and level flour for accurate measurement to avoid dry bars. Do not overmix the flour to prevent toughness. Bars can be stored at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or frozen for 3 months. For a bakery-style shine, brush with melted butter after baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 150
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: brown sugar cookies, cookie bars, easy dessert, one bowl recipe, chewy bars, 5 ingredient dessert, fall baking