Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a dream come true for anyone who craves the taste of raw cookie dough without the worry of raw eggs or flour. The recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. The dough is soft, chewy, and sweet, while the chocolate layer on top adds a perfect touch of richness. These bars are perfect for when you want a homemade dessert with little effort, and they’re sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or as an after-dinner treat. Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven, making it a perfect option for hot summer days.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated, to ensure safety)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (for topping)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Press the cookie dough mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate has set and the bars are firm.
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or crushed candies to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan version: Swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure the flour is heat-treated if you are concerned about safety.
No chocolate topping: If you prefer, you can skip the chocolate topping and enjoy the cookie dough bars as is. They’ll still be delicious!
Peanut butter version: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty twist on the classic cookie dough bars.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
Reheating: Since these bars are no-bake, there’s no need to reheat them. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I eat the dough raw?

Yes, this recipe uses heat-treated flour, making it safe to eat raw. The dough contains no eggs, so it’s perfect for those who love cookie dough but want to avoid raw egg concerns.

Can I make these bars without chocolate topping?

Yes, the cookie dough bars are delicious even without the chocolate topping. You can also sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top of the dough before chilling if you want more chocolate flavor.

How long do these bars need to chill?

These bars should chill for at least 2 hours to allow the chocolate to set and the dough to firm up. For best results, refrigerate them for up to 4 hours.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of chocolates for the topping. The choice is yours!

Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s softened, so it mixes well with the sugars.

Can I make these bars without mini chocolate chips?

While mini chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or even M&M’s if you prefer.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour is heat-treated if you’re concerned about safety.

Can I make these bars in a different pan size?

If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, you can use a 9×9-inch pan, but the bars may be thinner. If using a larger pan, you may need to adjust the chill time.

How should I cut these bars?

Once the bars are fully chilled and the chocolate has set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate indulgence for cookie dough lovers and those seeking a quick, no-bake dessert. With a chewy cookie dough base, a rich chocolate topping, and minimal prep time, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an everyday treat, they’re sure to impress. Simple, delicious, and fun to make – what more could you want?

No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

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These No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat that brings the irresistible flavor of cookie dough into a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert. With creamy, rich dough and a hint of chocolate chips, these bars are the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. They’re safe to eat raw, thanks to the heat-treated flour, and they come together in just minutes, making them an ideal treat for those who love cookie dough without the fuss of baking.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1-2 hours
Yield: 12-16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated or microwave for 1–2 minutes to kill any bacteria)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips, chopped)

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Instructions

Prepare the flour: If you’re using regular flour, heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high to kill any bacteria. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Add the flour: Slowly add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to form. It should be thick but soft. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
Stir in chocolate chips: Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the cookie dough mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm and set.
Serve: Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan, cut them into squares, and serve.

Notes

For extra texture: Add a handful of chopped nuts or additional mix-ins like sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or toffee bits.
Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make these bars dairy-free.