Description
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Cookie Bars are the perfect fusion of a rich, nutty pecan pie and the comforting sweetness of a cookie bar. With a decadent brown butter base, these bars have a wonderfully deep, nutty flavor, and a gooey, caramel-like filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups pecan halves
2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Make the brown butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Once the butter begins to foam, continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Stir until the mixture comes together and forms a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Make the pecan filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and additional brown sugar. Stir in the pecan halves. Pour this mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Nut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them for walnuts or almonds.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or the filling to enhance the warmth and flavor of the bars.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well! To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg