Recipe and photos submitted by Jessica Armitage, Recipe by Sara Sullivan
When you’re a photographer who’s stuck inside all day during the pandemic, I think it’s only natural to start taking photos of your home life. For me – I’ve been focusing on baking and improving my food styling skills. This cookie bar recipe comes from my long-time friend (since 4th grade!) Sara Sullivan, who has the baking Instagram account @saralynn.bakes.
If you’re looking for the familiar delicious-ness of classic chocolate chip cookies, but with a little pizazz, check this recipe out. The brown butter adds a few extra steps, but is so worth it. When you cook the butter down, it brings out a deeper, richer, more intense flavor. And if you’re feeling fancy – try using half salted-caramel and half dark chocolate chips instead or regular ones. Happy baking!
Ingredients:
2/3 cup salted butter
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 cup chocolate chips
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Recipe:
1. Melt butter in a sauce pan at medium heat. Once melted, continue to cook while whisking constantly. The butter will begin to foam. Once the liquid underneath the foam is a dark caramel color, pour the butter (including any grainy solids on the bottom of the pan) into a bowl and set it on the counter to cool slightly. Place in refrigerator to re-solidify. Finally, remove from fridge and allow to warm to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 11 x 7in baking pan.
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3. In a large bowl, cream together prepared butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.
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4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine
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5. Spread the resulting dough in an even layer in your prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the finished treat from your oven and set on a wire rack to cool before slicing. Enjoy!
TIP: To enjoy the warm & gooey effect after these cookie bars have cooled, place one on a plate and microwave for 20 seconds.
Jessica Armitage is a life-long resident of the Finger Lakes, where she lives with her husband and two dogs. Find more of her work at Armitage Photography.
