Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic desserts, let me introduce you to the ultimate treat: the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe. These bars combine the nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of classic cookie dough with a rich dark chocolate coating that is simply irresistible. Perfectly soft and chewy inside, with that glossy chocolate shell on the outside, these bars are the ideal indulgence to satisfy cravings any time of day. Once you try this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe, I promise it will quickly become your go-to dessert for parties, cozy nights in, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly staples that work together to create that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and chocolaty in every bite. Each one is essential, whether it’s the softness from butter, the rich flavor from brown sugar, or the melty texture of dark chocolate that finishes off these bars beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup, heat-treated): Heat-treating ensures the flour is safe to enjoy raw without losing any texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides creaminess and helps bind the dough while adding rich flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that contrasts with the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness and helps achieve the right texture.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough tender and smooth without making it too runny.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and gives those classic cookie dough notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate chips’ flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate that distribute evenly throughout every bar.
- Dark chocolate (200 g, for coating): Creates that luscious, glossy shell that takes these bars over the top.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
Step 1: Heat Treat the Flour
This step is a game changer because consuming raw flour can be risky. Simply spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before using it in the dough. This way, you ensure safety without compromising that fresh-baked flour taste.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and light. This creates a lovely soft base for your cookie dough bars and ensures the sugars dissolve and incorporate evenly for a perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Milk, Vanilla, and Salt
Pour in the milk along with vanilla extract and salt. These additions enhance the dough’s flavor complexity and provide moisture, giving it that authentic cookie dough softness that we love so much.
Step 4: Combine with Heat-Treated Flour and Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold the cooled flour into the wet mixture until smooth. Finish by gently folding in the mini chocolate chips. These little chocolate gems add bursts of melty goodness in every bite and make the bars absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Chill the Dough in a Pan
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to cut into bars later on.
Step 6: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate using your preferred method—microwave or double boiler—until smooth and glossy. This will be the luscious coating that wraps each bar in that gorgeous, rich chocolate shell.
Step 7: Cut and Dip the Bars
Remove the chilled dough from the pan and cut into neat bars. Dip each bar in the melted dark chocolate, coating it completely. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray to set.
Step 8: Add Extra Chocolate Chips
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for a decorative and tasty touch. It’s these little details that make your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe look as amazing as they taste.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Put the bars back in the fridge for 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely. Once ready, serve these heavenly bars and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for added elegance. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt also pair wonderfully to elevate the flavor experience even more.
Side Dishes
These cookie dough bars are perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They also go beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh mint leaves or chopped nuts for a stunning dessert platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming party favor or gift that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your remaining Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying later or surprising guests with a sweet treat.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When craving hits, thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
Though these bars are best chilled, if you prefer a softer texture, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This melts the chocolate coating slightly, giving you a gooey, freshly-made sensation without losing their shape.
FAQs
Can I skip the heat-treating step for the flour?
It’s highly recommended not to skip it. Raw flour may contain harmful bacteria, so heat-treating by baking ensures your dough is safe to eat and deliciously fresh.
What kind of chocolate is best for coating?
Dark chocolate is ideal because its slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cookie dough nicely, creating a rich and satisfying flavor combination.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
You can, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough and provide a better bite-sized balance of cookie and chocolate.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. To make it gluten-free, use a heat-treated gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
How long do these bars stay fresh at room temperature?
Because the bars contain dairy and are coated in chocolate, it’s best to store them refrigerated. At room temperature, they should be fine for a few hours but risk melting or spoiling if left out too long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a fun, delicious treat that brings the joy of cookie dough without baking an actual cookie, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is the answer. It’s simple, quick, and impressive enough to share with loved ones or keep all to yourself. Once you make these bars, I bet you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy every chocolaty, buttery bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the classic flavors of cookie dough with a rich dark chocolate coating. Safe-to-eat, heat-treated flour forms a smooth and soft dough studded with mini chocolate chips, chilled until firm and dipped in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Coating
- 200 g dark chocolate (for coating)
Instructions
- Heat-treat the flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria, then allow it to cool completely before use.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy to create the base of your cookie dough.
- Add liquids and salt: Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt until all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a well-balanced dough consistency.
- Incorporate the flour and chocolate chips: Gradually mix the heat-treated flour into the wet ingredients until you achieve a smooth dough. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps in shaping the bars later.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler, stirring continuously until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and lump-free.
- Cut and coat the bars: Remove the chilled cookie dough from the pan using the parchment edges. Cut the dough into bars or squares of your desired size, and dip each bar into the melted dark chocolate to coat evenly. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or your favorite decoration on top of the bars before the coating sets for added texture and presentation.
- Final chill: Refrigerate the coated bars for at least 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely. Serve chilled and enjoy this decadent dessert.
Notes
- Heat-treating the flour is essential to ensure the cookie dough bars are safe to eat raw.
- You can substitute milk with almond milk or another dairy-free milk for a lactose-free version.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the dough out of the pan and prevent sticking.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for heat-treating flour)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
