Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Give it a light spray with cooking spray just to be safe.

Step 2: Stir It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt, and whisk again until fully combined.

Dump in the flour and stir with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bars might lose that soft texture. Fold in the shredded coconut and any optional add-ins until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. It’ll be thick, so use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set but still slightly soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake!

Step 4: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (seriously—don’t rush this or they’ll fall apart). Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and cut into 16 squares. Admire their golden tops and chewy texture before devouring.