Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, nostalgic taste of chocolate chip cookie dough. When I first made these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, they were an instant hit with my family. The combination of a soft cookie dough base, rich chocolate topping, and no need to bake made them a perfect treat for any occasion. My kids couldn’t get enough, and my husband even requested I make a second batch before the first one was gone. Whether you’re a cookie dough fanatic or just love easy, no-bake desserts, this recipe is sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

• No baking required: Perfect for when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
• Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and steps make this a stress-free dessert.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add nuts, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate for a personalized twist.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, or gifting.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1½ cups mini chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add vanilla extract and mix well.
   • Gradually mix in the heat-treated flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
   • Add milk and stir until the dough is smooth and soft.
   • Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
2. Assemble the Bars:
   • Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
   • Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the surface.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter.
   • Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
   • Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread it evenly.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is firm.
   • Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
   • Slice into squares and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220 kcal

Preparation Time

• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve

• As a standalone dessert at parties or family gatherings.
• Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Wrapped individually for lunchbox snacks or on-the-go energy bites.
• As part of a dessert platter with brownies and cookies.
• Topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive twist.

Additional Tips

1. Heat-treat your flour: To ensure safety, bake your flour at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave it for 1 minute until it reaches 165°F.
2. Use parchment paper: This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan and prevents sticking.
3. Chill thoroughly: Let the bars set completely in the fridge to make slicing easier.
4. Customize the topping: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk or white chocolate, or drizzle caramel over the chocolate layer.
5. Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular flour without heat-treating it? No, for safety reasons, it’s essential to heat-treat the flour to kill any potential bacteria.
2. What can I substitute for coconut oil in the topping? You can use unsalted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
4. Do I need to refrigerate the bars? Yes, refrigeration helps the bars set and keeps them fresh longer.
5. Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a great addition.
6. What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips? Regular chocolate chips will work fine, or you can chop a chocolate bar into small pieces.
7. Can I use a different size pan? Yes, but the thickness of the bars will vary. Adjust the slicing size accordingly.
8. How long can these bars be stored? They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. Can I skip the chocolate topping? You can, but the topping adds a delicious contrast to the cookie dough layer.
10. What if the chocolate doesn’t melt smoothly? Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to help it melt evenly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful, no-bake treat that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. With their creamy cookie dough base and rich chocolate topping, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these bars are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging on your own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give them a try and let the nostalgia of cookie dough magic brighten your day!

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