Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

If you’re a fan of cookie dough, then you’ll absolutely love these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars. This no-bake dessert brings the best of both worlds: indulgent cookie dough and a smooth, glossy chocolate coating. With a simple list of ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time.

The layers of soft, creamy cookie dough topped with decadent chocolate make for a treat that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. What’s even better is that these bars don’t require any baking, so you can whip them up in no time, and they’re perfect for sharing at parties, bringing to gatherings, or simply enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

No Bake: These bars come together without any time spent in the oven, making them a quick and easy treat.

Delicious Layers: The rich cookie dough layer is complemented by the smooth chocolate coating, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Customizable: You can add extra toppings or adjust the type of chocolate used to suit your personal preferences.

Perfect for Sharing: With a total of 12 servings, these bars are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients

For the cookie dough layer, you will need:

1 cup butter, softened – This gives the dough its soft, creamy texture.

1 cup brown sugar, packed – Brown sugar adds richness and depth of flavor to the dough.

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the brown sugar.

1/4 cup milk – Helps to bring the dough together and gives it a smooth consistency.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.

2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough.

1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

1 cup chocolate chips – For that classic chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.

For the chocolate coating, you’ll need:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – Semi-sweet chocolate works best here for a perfect level of sweetness that complements the dough.

1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter – Helps to thin out the chocolate and gives it a smooth, glossy finish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the milk and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until they are incorporated into the sugar-butter mixture.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Next, gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Be sure to add the flour a little at a time to prevent the dough from getting too dense.

Once the dough comes together, fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout. This will give your cookie dough a classic chocolate chip cookie texture.

Step 3: Press the Dough into the Pan

Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later on and ensure they don’t stick.

Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Be sure to press it down gently, ensuring it’s evenly spread throughout the dish.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour, or until the dough becomes firm to the touch. This step is crucial to ensure that the bars hold together properly when you cut them later.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

While the dough chills, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) together. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl by microwaving the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

If you prefer a thicker coating, you can use less coconut oil or butter. If you want a smoother, shinier finish, you can add a little more.

Step 6: Top with Chocolate

Once the cookie dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled dough and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Make sure the entire surface is covered with a smooth layer of chocolate.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

For an extra touch of sweetness and decoration, you can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the chocolate coating. This adds a bit of texture and looks great, but it’s entirely optional.

Step 8: Chill Again

Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is fully set and firm. This will give the bars a nice, glossy finish.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Once the chocolate coating has set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or bars, depending on your preference. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the indulgence!

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter mixes better with the sugars, creating a lighter texture for the dough.

Use Good-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate coating is a key part of this dessert, so use a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. You can also use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer.

Customize Your Add-ins: While this recipe uses chocolate chips, you can easily customize the dough with other add-ins like chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or even caramel swirls for added flavor.

Allow the Bars to Set: Don’t skip the chilling time. It’s essential for both the dough and the chocolate coating to firm up, so be patient for the best results.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars is approximately 320 calories. The bars are rich and indulgent, so they’re perfect for treating yourself to a sweet snack. For those mindful of nutrition, consider cutting smaller pieces for a lighter bite, or enjoy just one bar as a treat!

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delicious and easy dessert that combines the best parts of cookie dough and chocolate. They come together quickly without any baking required, making them a great choice for a simple yet satisfying treat. Whether you’re sharing them with family or keeping them all to yourself, these bars are sure to please any chocolate lover. Enjoy these creamy, chocolatey delights anytime you’re craving a sweet indulgence!

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