Browned Butter Sugar Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Frosting are exactly the type of treat that makes you want to drop everything and bake.
They have that melt-in-your-mouth quality from the browned butter, combined with the smooth, creamy white chocolate frosting that’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
It’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy winter afternoon, a weekend treat, or a holiday gathering.
Do you know the feeling when you crave something comforting but a little more special than your everyday cookie? These bars hit that sweet spot.
The key to what makes these sugar cookie bars extra special lies in the browned butter. It’s a simple twist that brings a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the familiar sweetness of a sugar cookie.
For an extra holiday twist, try topping with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting. It’s like taking a winter wonderland and wrapping it in a delicious bite!
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- The flavor: Browned butter adds a whole new depth to these sugar cookie bars. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Easy to make: No chilling the dough, no rolling it out—just one simple batter.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or celebrating a special holiday, these cookie bars always hit the spot.
Browned Butter Sugar Cookie Bars With White Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter browned
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 3½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Sea Salt Caramel Frosting
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.
- Simmer butter in a saucepan until it crackles and turns golden brown, then remove from heat.
- Mix flour and dry ingredients in a bowl, then set aside.
- Blend browned butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, and extracts using a mixer, then incorporate sour cream.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and blend until well combined (the dough will be thick).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, until golden.
- Let the cookie bars cool before frosting.
- For the frosting, cook brown sugar, butter, and cream over low heat, then increase the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes until caramel forms. Mix in powdered sugar and sea salt, then frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra sea salt.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 280kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sugars | 27g |
| Sodium | 14mg |
Variations That Will Help You Customize Your Dish
- Add a Dash of Spice: For a cozy, spiced twist, try adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making these bars even more comforting.
- Frosting Options: Instead of the white chocolate frosting, you can switch things up with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy, rich contrast. Or, for a holiday touch, top with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting for a minty, festive vibe!
- Add-ins for Extra Texture: If you’re craving a bit more crunch, add 1 cup of chopped white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, or even crushed toffee bits into the batter before baking. These add-ins bring texture and a new dimension to the bars.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of melted dark or milk chocolate over the frosted bars. It not only adds a beautiful finishing touch but also deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works cup-for-cup. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum to help the texture hold up.
- Change the Frosting: If you’re in the mood for something more decadent, go for a sea salt caramel frosting instead of the white chocolate one. The caramel complements the browned butter perfectly, and the sea salt brings balance to the sweetness.