Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

If you’re craving a sweet treat that hits just the right spot between classic cookie dough flavor and easy, handheld indulgence, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are your dream come true. These bars capture everything you love about cookie dough—those gooey, chocolate-studded bites—but with a neat, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing or snacking anytime. Whether you want a cozy dessert after dinner or an anytime snack that satisfies your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples are needed, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
• Unbaked Delight: No oven required, so these bars come together fast and keep that authentic cookie dough texture you adore.
• Perfectly Portable: Cut into bars to grab on the go—great for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick sweet fix.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with add-ins or mix-ins to suit your personal flavor preferences or dietary needs.
• Irresistibly Rich: Bursting with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, sweet base, these bars are pure indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the best Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars means starting with the right ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor, from the creamy butter to the sweet brown sugar and melting chocolate chips.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create the soft, luscious texture of the cookie dough base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a slight caramel note that makes these bars extra flavorful.
• Flour: The foundation for the dough, giving it just the right structure without baking it.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the sweetness with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk: Helps bind the ingredients smoothly, creating a creamy, soft texture.
• Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient, delivering those classic chocolate pockets in every bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors beautifully.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

One of the best things about Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars is how easily you can customize them to your liking. Whether you prefer a healthier twist or want to ramp up the flavor, these variations make it simple to adapt the recipe.

• Nutty Boost: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in some peanut butter for a rich, creamy twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe, delicious treat.
• Vegan Swap: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to enjoy a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing taste.
• Double Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and add white chocolate chips for an indulgent chocolate overload.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This step ensures your bars will lift out cleanly and slice easily once set.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Milk

Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until fully incorporated. This blend intensifies flavor and smoothens the dough’s consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the bars tender.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Using mini chips helps distribute the chocolate flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan and Chill

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or your hands. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to cut into bars.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the butter creams easily with sugar, giving a smooth texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients until just combined to keep the bars tender, not tough.
• Chill Thoroughly: Proper chilling is essential to firm up the bars so they slice neatly without crumbling.
• Mini Chocolate Chips Work Best: Smaller chips distribute more evenly, so you get chocolate in every bite.
• Line Your Pan: Always use parchment paper or foil to remove bars cleanly without any mess.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the bars before chilling for a pretty presentation or add a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a magical dessert experience that complements the cookie dough flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve cut bars stacked on a platter or wrapped individually in parchment paper and tied with twine for easy gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve their chewy, soft texture.

Reheating

Warm bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them come to room temperature to bring back that gooey cookie dough feel without melting the chocolate too much.

FAQs

Can I bake these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?

This recipe is designed as an unbaked treat for that authentic cookie dough texture, but if you prefer a baked version, you could experiment with adjusting the recipe and baking time.

Are these bars safe to eat raw?

Yes, this recipe uses heat-treated flour and no eggs, making it safe to enjoy raw cookie dough flavor without concerns about food safety.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to customize the flavor to your preference.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water for clean cuts without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars combine everything we love about classic cookie dough into a fuss-free, delicious bar that’s perfect for anytime snacking or sharing with friends and family. Simple to make and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become your new sweet addiction—so go ahead, give it a try and watch your sweet tooth thank you!

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