No Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
If you’re a fan of everything cookie dough, these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are your dream come true. Imagine a thick, rich layer of edible cookie dough, studded with chocolate chips, all crowned with a silky chocolate topping — and not a single minute spent near a hot oven! This recipe is perfect when you want a decadent treat that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making these for a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, No Bake Cookie Dough Bars deliver nostalgia and pure dessert bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of pantry staples come together to create these irresistibly fudgy bars. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, from creamy richness to perfect sweetness, ensuring your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the dough its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps everything bind together.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep, caramel notes and a classic cookie dough flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the brown sugar’s molasses undertone.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the dough just enough for that soft, scoopable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and gives that unmistakable “cookie” aroma.
- Heat-treated all-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Makes the dough safe to eat raw while providing structure.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the other flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Distributes plenty of chocolate in every bite without overwhelming the dough.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup, for topping): Melted for a smooth, decadent layer on top of the bars.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps the chocolate melt beautifully and slice cleanly once chilled.
How to Make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to cream everything together until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy. This step is key because it sets the foundation for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough texture.
Step 2: Mix in Milk and Vanilla
Next, add the milk and vanilla extract right into your creamed mixture. Stir well to incorporate. The milk softens the dough, while the vanilla brings a warm, familiar aroma that makes everyone think of freshly baked cookies.
Step 3: Add Heat-Treated Flour and Salt
Pour in your heat-treated all-purpose flour along with the salt. If you’ve never heat-treated flour before, it’s as simple as popping it in the microwave or oven to make it safe to eat raw. Mix everything together until you have a soft, cohesive dough with no dry patches left behind.
Step 4: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough. This ensures every bar has a generous amount of chocolate in every bite, just like the best part of sneaking cookie dough from the bowl.
Step 5: Press Dough into the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your fingertips. The dough should be thick and even all the way to the edges.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable oil). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Pour this molten chocolate over the dough layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a glossy finish.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is completely set and the bars are firm. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and get ready for the best part: enjoying your homemade No Bake Cookie Dough Bars!
How to Serve No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for an eye-catching finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a lovely contrast and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a frothy cappuccino, or even a cold glass of milk. For a party platter, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for a fun dessert board, stack them on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or wrap individual pieces in wax paper for the ultimate picnic or lunchbox treat. No Bake Cookie Dough Bars also make adorable gifts when tucked into a decorative box with a ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bars are set and sliced, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to a week — though they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are freezer-friendly, making them perfect for make-ahead treats. Arrange the sliced bars in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever a cookie dough craving strikes.
Reheating
Since these bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. Simply let frozen bars thaw in the fridge or on the counter for 15–20 minutes before serving, and they’ll be just as soft and dreamy as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Yes, you can! Just be sure to heat-treat any flour you use to make it safe for raw consumption. Some people love using oat flour or even almond flour for a gluten-free twist on No Bake Cookie Dough Bars.
What’s the best way to heat-treat flour?
To heat-treat all-purpose flour, microwave it in a bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or bake it at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before using in the recipe.
Can I make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The bars will still be rich, indulgent, and perfect for everyone to enjoy.
How do I get clean slices without cracking the chocolate topping?
For picture-perfect bars, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This helps the knife glide through the chocolate layer without shattering it.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even colorful sprinkles can be folded into the dough for extra crunch, flavor, and fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars your own!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist, No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are your new go-to. There’s something magical about the combination of nostalgic flavors and effortless preparation — so go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the sweet joy with everyone you love!
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No Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert featuring edible cookie dough topped with melted chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without needing an oven, these bars combine buttery, sweet, and chocolatey flavors into a delightful treat that’s ready in just a few hours with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated for a creamy base.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until fully combined to enhance the flavor and moisture of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the heat-treated all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until a soft cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Prepare Pan and Press Dough: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface for an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread Chocolate Over Dough: Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer in the pan, evenly spreading it to cover the surface completely.
- Chill Bars: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set and the chocolate topping to firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, remove from the refrigerator, slice into 16 bars, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- To heat-treat flour, microwave it in a bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to eliminate any bacteria.
- For variety, try substituting mini chocolate chips with peanut butter chips or adding chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
