Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars: A Rich, Chewy Dessert with Layers of Flavor

These Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars are a delightful combination of rich brown butter, chocolate, and fluffy meringue, all layered on top of a chewy cookie base. The nutty depth of browned butter brings out the best in these bars, while the marshmallows and chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness. Each bite is a balance of texture and flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you serve these bars at a party or enjoy them as a special treat at home, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photo bypinterest

Browning the butter adds a toasted, caramel-like flavor to the bars, elevating the richness of the cookie base. The combination of milk chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips ensures that each bite is packed with melty chocolate goodness. Topping everything off with a layer of sweet meringue creates a light, crispy finish that contrasts perfectly with the gooey marshmallow layer beneath.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few steps, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

The Secret to Perfectly Balanced Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars

The key to making these bars so irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures. Browning the butter adds complexity to the cookie base, while the meringue topping gives it a crispy, sweet finish. The marshmallows and chocolate chips melt together during baking, creating a gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy meringue and chewy cookie layers. Be sure to watch your butter closely while browning it, as it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt very quickly.

Why Brown Butter Enhances These Bars

Brown butter is simply butter that has been cooked until the milk solids caramelize, giving it a deep, nutty flavor. This process transforms the butter, making it the star ingredient in the cookie base. The brown butter adds a richness that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate, while also giving the bars a more sophisticated flavor.

Photo bypinterest

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 180mg

Cooking Tips

When browning the butter, be sure to stir constantly and keep an eye on it to prevent burning. It should turn a deep amber color and smell nutty when it’s ready. After browning, let the butter cool to room temperature before using it in the recipe to ensure the best texture for your cookie base.

For the meringue, it’s important to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This helps create a light and crispy topping that contrasts with the chewy, gooey layers below. When spreading the meringue over the marshmallows and chocolate chips, use a spatula to distribute it evenly for the perfect finish.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store your Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. To serve, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a gooey, chocolatey treat.

Photo bypinterest

Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly until the butter turns amber in color and has a nutty smell, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature until it firms up slightly.
2. Make the cookie base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, milk, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, sugar, vanilla extract, 1 whole egg, and 2 egg yolks (set the whites aside for later). Mix until smooth and slightly lightened, about 3 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
4. Assemble the bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
5. Spread the milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows evenly over the cookie layer.
6. Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Gently fold the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar into the egg whites until well combined.
7. Spread the meringue mixture evenly over the marshmallows and chocolate chips.
8. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

These Brown Butter Mud Hen Bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. The nutty richness of the brown butter, combined with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate, creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love!