Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (90g) chopped pecans (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips (and pecans if using) with a rubber spatula.
  7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into bars.