Description

Chewy, golden brown butter cinnamon spice bars that are easy to make in one bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, these bars offer a perfect contrast of crispy edges and soft centers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (80g) old-fashioned oats
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon extra cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams, then crackles, and finally turns a golden amber color with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla to the warm butter. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened.
Whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl or directly into the wet mixture.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly. Sprinkle with the optional cinnamon-sugar topping if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Brown butter goes from perfect to burnt quickly; watch closely. Do not overbake as bars continue to cook on the hot pan. For best results, let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: fall dessert, brown butter, cinnamon spice, cookie bars, easy baking, one bowl recipe, oat bars