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.
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.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
