Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a dream dessert for anyone who loves cookie dough and chocolate. Soft, chewy, and coated in a rich chocolate layer, these bars are perfect for last-minute treats, gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home. Made with safe-to-eat dough and minimal baking, they offer the ultimate combination of creamy cookie dough and chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
These bars are quick to prepare, require no oven baking for the cookie dough itself, and are customizable to suit your tastes. The combination of soft dough, chocolate coating, and optional toppings like extra chocolate chips or nuts makes them irresistible. Whether for a busy weekday dessert or a weekend treat, these bars will satisfy cravings and impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- Pinch of salt
- 2–3 tbsp milk, adjusted as needed
- ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (90 g) milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, melted, for coating
- Extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Safe Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the flour evenly on a baking tray. Heat for 5–7 minutes to kill any bacteria, then allow it to cool. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the cooled flour, salt, and milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 2: Shape the Bars
Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, packing it tightly. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier cutting.
Step 3: Coat with Chocolate
Remove the chilled dough from the pan and cut into bars. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top while the chocolate is still wet.
Step 4: Set and Serve
Refrigerate or freeze the coated bars until the chocolate is firm. Serve chilled for a perfect combination of chewy cookie dough and crunchy chocolate.
Tips for Success
- Always heat-treat flour to ensure safe consumption.
- Use softened butter for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Adjust milk gradually to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Freeze dough before cutting to make clean, uniform bars.
- Semi-sweet chocolate for coating adds richness without overpowering sweetness.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Vegan Twist: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Flavor Swirls: Add peanut butter or Nutella to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Alternative Toppings: Sprinkle crushed cookies, toffee bits, or sea salt over the chocolate coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or warm coffee to balance sweetness.
- Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the bars for a fancy presentation.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I eat the cookie dough raw?
Yes, since the flour is heat-treated, the dough is safe to eat without baking.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap individually or layer with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
Try butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, or dried fruits for different flavors.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a quick, easy, and irresistible dessert that combines creamy cookie dough with rich chocolate coating. Perfect for parties, gifts, or indulgent snacks at home, each bar is a sweet reminder of the simple joys of life. With tips, variations, and simple steps, this recipe ensures success every time and will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.