Introduction:
Discover the decadent, nutty flavor of Brown Butter Shortbread Bars! These rich, buttery treats are elevated by the deep, caramelized notes of brown butter, making them a perfect addition to any dessert spread. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Elevated Flavor: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth to classic shortbread.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry items for a straightforward bake.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into bars for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Optional: 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Brown the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the brown butter, scraping the pan to include any browned bits. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press and Chill:
- Transfer the dough to an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the chilled dough in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Butter: Be sure to brown the butter carefully, as it adds the unique flavor to these bars.
- Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the bars bake up perfectly.
- Flour: The additional flour for dusting helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands and the pan.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips or chunks for a chocolatey twist.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as is, or serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Special Equipment:
- Saucepan: For browning the butter.
- Baking Dish: An 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) dish works best for this recipe.
FAQ:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe if using salted butter. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made a few days in advance. - Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for browning the butter and preparing the dough.
Cook Time:
- 20-25 minutes for baking.
Total Time:
- 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 16 bars):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Brown Butter Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Optional: 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Brown the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the brown butter, scraping the pan to include any browned bits. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press and Chill:
- Transfer the dough to an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the chilled dough in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Brown Butter Shortbread Bars? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious bakes and stay tuned for more sweet recipes.
