What is brown butter?

Brown butter is unsalted butter cooked until the milk solids toast, turning a deep amber color. It smells intensely nutty. For this recipe, I cook it for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until golden-brown flecks appear. This step adds a rich, toasty depth that regular melted butter can't match.

Can I substitute the Nutella for something else?

Yes, you can use any thick chocolate-hazelnut spread or even creamy peanut butter. For a homemade option, blend toasted hazelnuts with melted chocolate and a touch of oil. Keep the measurement the same ( ¾ cup ) and remember to freeze it into a slab for clean layering .

What is the best way to cut cookie bars?

Let the bars cool completely in the 8x8 pan for at least 2 hours , then chill for 30 minutes . Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. For extra-clean slices, run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut.

What temperature should I bake these at?

Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 22-25 minutes . The edges should be golden brown, and the center will look slightly underdone. They firm up as they cool, so don't overbake. This temperature gives you a chewy texture with a set, gooey Nutella center.

Brown Butter Nutella Cookie Bars: 60-Minute Easy Hazelnut

Name: Brown Butter Nutella Stuffed Cookie Bars with a Secret Hazelnut Twist
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, for browning; 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; ¾ cup Nutella; ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for layering)

Description

These Brown Butter Nutella Stuffed Cookie Bars have a chewy brown butter cookie base, a hidden layer of crushed hazelnuts, and a molten Nutella center. They bake in a single 8×8 pan and are ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

For the brown butter dough:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, for browning

1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

For the filling:

¾ cup Nutella

½ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for layering)

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Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 41 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 87 mg