Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of rich, buttery cookie dough and sweet, gooey layers of chocolate. These bars bring together the irresistible taste of raw cookie dough—without the worry of raw eggs—layered with a sweetened condensed milk topping that melts into a creamy, indulgent treat. Perfect for those moments when you crave the taste of chocolate chip cookies but don’t want to bake individual cookies, these bars are an easy and delightful solution.

With a combination of mini chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and a buttery cookie dough base, these bars are packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a new treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or just want to make something special for your family, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Baking Required: These bars are made with raw cookie dough, so no oven is needed—just mix, layer, and refrigerate.
2. Perfectly Sweet and Rich: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips creates the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
3. Kid-Friendly: Since there are no eggs in the dough, they are safe for everyone to enjoy, even the little ones.
4. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these bars come together quickly.
5. Customizable: Feel free to mix in different kinds of chocolate chips, nuts, or even caramel for a unique twist on the classic.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Mini chocolate chips
• Milk chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Different Chips: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a new flavor profile.
• Caramel Layer: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookie dough before pressing the second layer on top for a gooey caramel twist.
• Biscoff Spread: For a unique flavor, spread a thin layer of Biscoff spread on top of the cookie dough before adding the sweetened condensed milk.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after they set.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined and forms a thick dough.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in both the mini chocolate chips and the milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Layer the Cookie Dough

Press half of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the first layer of cookie dough, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cookie Dough

Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the sweetened condensed milk layer. The dough will spread slightly as it sets, creating a delicious top layer.

Step 8: Refrigerate

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours to allow the bars to firm up and set.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it blends easily with the sugars and creates a smooth dough.
• Chill the Bars: Allow the bars to chill long enough for the condensed milk layer to set and firm up the dough. If you don’t let them cool sufficiently, the bars may be too gooey.
• Even Layering: Press the dough evenly in the pan to ensure the bars bake (or chill) evenly.
• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and texture.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are best served chilled. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing at a party, or enjoying as a sweet treat with a glass of milk. Serve them as a dessert after dinner, or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The bars will stay fresh and maintain their texture when kept cold.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Once chilled and sliced, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them a little softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these bars instead of chilling them?

No, the recipe is designed to be no-bake. The dough does not need to be cooked as the sweetened condensed milk helps bind it together while it chills.

2. Can I make these bars without the sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is what gives these bars their gooey, creamy texture. Substituting it may alter the consistency.

3. How do I make the dough easier to press into the dish?

You can lightly grease your hands or use a spatula to press the dough evenly into the dish.

4. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for different flavors.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

6. How long should I chill the bars?

Chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours, but if you have the time, overnight chilling will give the bars a firmer consistency.

7. Can I add nuts to these bars?

Yes, you can stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.

8. Are these bars safe to eat without baking?

Yes, these bars are safe to eat without baking since they don’t contain any raw eggs.

9. Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.

10. How should I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines all the best parts of chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible bar form. With the creamy texture of sweetened condensed milk, a layer of gooey chocolate, and the classic cookie dough flavor, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will disappear in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a family gathering, or just indulging yourself, these cookie dough bars are sure to become a new favorite!

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