Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever daydreamed about enjoying cookie dough without the guilt or worrying about raw eggs, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how these bars combine that rich, buttery cookie dough goodness with melty layers of peanut butter and chocolate—simple, no-bake, and delightfully indulgent. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make these irresistible bars that my whole family goes crazy for!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is key here. I like using softened butter to get that fluffy texture, and the sweetened condensed milk works wonders to bind everything together and give it that luscious bite. Let’s go through the basics so you know what to look for in your pantry or at the store.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you better control over sweetness and flavor balance.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a rich caramel depth that’s just irresistible.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this—vanilla makes the whole cookie dough come alive.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives your cookie dough bars their structure.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret that makes the dough creamy and binds it all together without eggs.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny bursts of chocolate melt perfectly in every bite.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Look for smooth peanut butter for a silky topping that spreads easily.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: These add a melty, dreamy finish on the peanut butter layer.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few fun twists that make it even more special.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap out the peanut butter topping for sunflower seed butter or a simple chocolate ganache—incredibly tasty and allergy-friendly.
• Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty base if you’re a serious chocolate lover like me.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: I once drizzled homemade salted caramel on top for a wow factor that my friends couldn’t stop raving about.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use sweetened condensed coconut milk to keep it egg-free and dairy-free.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by lining your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some hangover on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later. This small prep step makes a world of difference when you’re ready to slice and serve.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar for about 3 minutes. I like to use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works fine too. The key is to get it nice and fluffy—that’s what gives your bars their light texture. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Alternate Adding Flour and Condensed Milk

Turn your mixer to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour and the sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two. This gentle mixing prevents overworking your dough, keeping it soft and tender. Once the dough comes together, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently by hand so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Press the Dough Into Your Prepared Pan

The cookie dough will be delightfully sticky, which is totally normal. Lightly flour your hands to press the dough evenly into the bottom of your pan. This helps you get a smooth, flat surface perfect for topping. Don’t rush this step because getting an even layer means your bars bake uniformly.

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Cover your pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling step is crucial—the dough firms up nicely so the bars hold together when you cut them.

Step 6: Make and Spread the Peanut Butter Chocolate Topping

Once the dough is chilled, combine the creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is silky smooth. Pour this over the chilled dough and spread evenly with a spatula. Pop the whole pan back in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the topping sets perfectly.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top right after spreading the peanut butter chocolate layer—just for that little extra visual and textural pop. Sometimes, a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness, which my family always appreciates.

Side Dishes

These bars are pretty sweet and rich, so I like pairing them with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For parties, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside really rounds out the dessert experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to fancy these up for guests, I cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer a couple on a toothpick with a fresh raspberry or mint leaf. It’s a charming way to serve and makes for easy grab-and-go treats at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars covered tightly in the fridge—either in the pan covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container. They hold their texture and flavor beautifully for about 5 days. Just be sure to handle gently to keep that pretty peanut butter topping intact.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! I like to cut them into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw a few squares in the fridge overnight for a quick snack that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

If you want them a bit softer, popping a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds does the trick. It melts the peanut butter topping slightly without losing the chewy cookie dough texture—just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is one of those magical treats that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I love sharing it at family gatherings and with friends because it’s just so reliably delicious without needing complicated steps or ingredients. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll have a go-to dessert that feels fancy but is totally foolproof. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead, treat yourself and watch these bars disappear in a flash!

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