Chocolate chip cookie dough bars have become a popular dessert choice, especially for those who love the idea of indulging in the flavors of cookie dough without the need to bake traditional cookies. These easy-to-make bars combine the best of both worlds: the rich taste of chocolate chip cookies and the creamy texture of edible cookie dough.
Whether you’re looking for a no-bake option, a quick snack, or a dessert to impress your guests, chocolate chip cookie dough bars are an excellent choice. They’re also highly customizable, which makes them a favorite for people with different dietary preferences.
If you’re looking for a chocolate chip cookie dough bars recipe that is simple to follow and yields amazing results, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore how you can make these scrumptious bars from scratch.
What Are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
Chocolate chip cookie dough bars are a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Unlike regular cookies, these bars are made with raw cookie dough and topped with a layer of melted chocolate for extra richness.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- They are eggless, making the dough safe to eat raw.
- The cookie dough is no-bake, so you don’t need to worry about turning on your oven.
- You can use a variety of chocolate chips, nuts, and even add-ins like peanut butter to personalize the flavor.
These bars are perfect for those who love the taste of cookie dough without the need to bake, or for anyone seeking a quick dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
You can find a step-by-step guide to making these delicious bars at NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®, which will guide you through the basic preparation of the cookie dough base and chocolate topping.
Ingredients Overview
Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the essential ingredients that make up these decadent bars.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: The base of the cookie dough. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour.
- Butter: This ingredient gives the bars their rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar for that perfect balance of sweetness and chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: The main feature of these bars—use your favorite type of chocolate chips, from milk chocolate to dark chocolate. For extra flavor, you can even mix in peanut butter chips.
It’s essential to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chocolate chips since they are the star of the recipe. You can choose from a variety of types, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate, depending on your taste.
If you’re wondering how to properly incorporate chocolate into your dessert, check out these detailed steps at NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
1. Preparing the Cookie Dough Base
To begin, you’ll need to cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. This step is crucial for creating the soft and chewy texture in the final bars. Once that’s done, incorporate the flour, vanilla, and chocolate chips, mixing gently until everything is combined.
This base is the heart of your cookie dough bars. Ensure that the mixture has a slightly sticky consistency, which will help the bars set well after chilling.
2. Creating the Chocolate Topping
The chocolate topping is where you can get creative. For a basic version, melt some chocolate chips and spread them over the cookie dough base. If you want to make things extra special, consider adding a bit of peanut butter to the chocolate for a richer flavor.
Melt the chocolate slowly, either in a microwave or over a double boiler, to prevent burning. Stir it often to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.
3. Assembling the Bars
Now comes the fun part! Spread the cookie dough evenly in a baking pan, and then pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top. Smooth it out to cover the entire surface. This creates that signature layered look that is so irresistible.
To ensure an even distribution of both the dough and the topping, use a spatula to gently spread the dough into the corners and edges of the pan.
4. Chilling and Serving
Once the bars are assembled, it’s time to chill them in the fridge for at least two hours. This allows the cookie dough to firm up and the chocolate to set. After chilling, cut the bars into squares, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate chip cookie dough bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily modify the recipe to suit different preferences:
- Flavor Additions: Add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or include dried fruit such as cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Dietary Modifications: You can make these bars vegan by substituting butter with vegan butter and using dairy-free chocolate chips. For a gluten-free version, simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Presentation Ideas: To make the bars even more decadent, drizzle the tops with caramel sauce or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
These variations allow you to personalize the bars to fit your unique preferences or dietary needs.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture in the dough.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan to ensure easy removal of the bars once they’re chilled.
- Be patient! Let the bars chill fully before cutting to ensure they hold together and have a perfect texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough: This can result in dense, tough bars. Mix just until combined.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate is the star of these bars, so invest in good-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you cut the bars before they’ve fully set, they can be too soft and messy.
- Not chilling the dough enough: The dough needs time to firm up for the best texture and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Margarine may work, but it can alter the flavor and texture slightly. Butter provides the best result for a rich and chewy base.
How long can I store these bars?
- Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.
Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie dough bars?
- Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Is it safe to eat raw flour in these bars?
- To ensure safety, you can heat-treat the flour by baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance of sweetness. You can also try dark or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Chocolate chip cookie dough bars are the perfect dessert for cookie dough lovers who crave that indulgent chocolate flavor in a convenient, no-bake form. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, they are sure to satisfy.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A no-bake, eggless dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate chip cookies with the creamy texture of edible cookie dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup melted chocolate for topping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, then mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Melt the chocolate for the topping and spread evenly over the dough.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cookie dough bars, no-bake dessert, chocolate chip