Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, you’ve hit the jackpot. You might remember the days of sneaking a spoonful of cookie dough while baking with family—because, let’s be honest, who can resist the irresistible taste of that raw goodness? These bars take that nostalgic flavor and turn it into an easy recipe anyone can whip up at home. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be serving up happiness in no time! If you love these, don’t forget to check out our no-bake cheesecake recipe for more delicious family favorites!
What is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
So, what’s in a name? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars sound mouth-watering and fun, don’t they? Have you ever thought about why they were called that? It’s a perfect combo of cookie dough and decadence! They capture the essence of those sneaky spoonfuls we all love. And you know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” With these bars, you can literally win over anyone’s heart! So why not give this delicious recipe a try and spread some sweet love today?
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll absolutely adore these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars for a few reasons. First, the main highlight of this treat is its rich, creamy texture packed with chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. Secondly, making these bars at home is not just fun but incredibly cost-effective—think about all those money-saving benefits of avoiding store-bought desserts! Last but not least, the delightful combination of soft dough and sweet chocolate makes for a flavor explosion that you’ll crave again and again. If you love cookie-inspired desserts (like our famous Chocolate Chip Cookies), you’ll find these bars to be a fantastic variation that adds some flair to your dessert game. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars is an absolute breeze! In just about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delicious dessert ready to chill in your fridge. It’s quick, easy, and satisfies those sweet cravings with a delightful flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Step-by-Step:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the kitchen counter.
- Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Chocolate Chips Mix-In: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Prep the Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the cookie dough into the pan, smoothing out the top.
- Chill for Firmness: Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour and Decorate: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for an added touch!
- Final Chill: Return the dish to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, remove from the dish, cut into bars, and enjoy your delicious creation!
What to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars With:
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness! You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a comforting cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is completely softened to ensure a creamy consistency when mixing.
- Ingredient Substitutes: If you’re out of chocolate chips, you can use chopped nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing the dough once you add in the flour to keep the bars tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of chocolate? Yes! Feel free to mix in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for variety.
- Are these bars safe to eat raw? They are best enjoyed after chilling, as the flour is cooked down when mixed.
- What can I do with leftovers? Try crumbling them over ice cream or incorporating them into a milkshake for an extra treat.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars truly capture the joy of dessert in a fun and easy way. From their rich, creamy texture to the delightful chocolate flavor, these bars are bound to become a crowd favorite. So why not give them a try and create wonderful memories with your loved ones? You won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the cookie dough into the pan, smoothing out the top.
- Refrigerate the dish for about 1 hour or until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for garnish.
- Return the dish to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled for the best texture!
Notes
To make these bars even more indulgent, try adding caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling!