Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars! Just saying that name makes my heart skip a beat! I can still remember the first time I bit into one of these heavenly treats. It was at a friend’s holiday party, and everyone was raving about them. I had never thought of making cookie dough into a bar form, but once I did, I was hooked! What’s not to love? Chewy, sweet, and packed with that nostalgic cookie dough flavor we all crave—these bars have become a staple in my kitchen.
Every time I whip up a batch, it brings back those sweet memories and puts a smile on my face. They’re perfect for gatherings, late-night cravings, or just to treat yourself after a long day. Plus, the beauty of these bars is that they’re no bake! So you can have a delicious dessert ready in minutes, without even turning on the oven. Let’s dive in!
What’s in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our dough. I always recommend using a good quality brand like King Arthur Flour, which gives great texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and that irresistible chewiness to the dough. It gives a rich caramel-like flavor that you just can’t replicate.
Granulated Sugar: A little bit of granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the brown sugar.
Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter so that I can control the salt in the recipe. Make sure it’s slightly softened for easy mixing!
Vanilla Extract: This little ingredient adds a warm, inviting aroma and flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla extract if you can—it makes a world of difference!
Mini Chocolate Chips: These adorable little morsels are what take these bars to the next level. I like to use semi-sweet, but you can also go for milk chocolate if that’s your jam!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient that binds everything together beautifully, making these bars extra creamy and rich.
Is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Good for You?
Let’s be real, while these bars are absolutely delicious, they aren’t exactly health food. However, they do bring a bit of joy to life! Here’s a breakdown of some of the ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: It’s not a whole grain, but if you’re craving indulgence, it’s totally worth it. Just be mindful of portion sizes!
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: These sweeteners provide energy but should be enjoyed in moderation. Remember, sugar can give you a quick boost, but balance is key.
Butter: Healthy fats are a crucial part of any diet, but it’s good to use them in moderation.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Chocolates can be beneficial in small quantities and may improve mood. Go for dark chocolate or even bits with higher cacao content for a bit of extra nutrition.
Overall, these cookie dough bars are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation and savor every bite!
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars (Serves 12)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated. You should end up with a crumbly dough.
4. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until you have a creamy dough. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spread the cookie dough mixture evenly in the pan and press down firmly.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set. (I know, it’s hard to wait, but trust me!)
7. Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy!
Sweet Suggestions to Enhance Your Cookie Dough Bars
– Drizzle some melted chocolate on top before refrigerating for an extra chocolatey kick!
– Try adding in some chopped nuts for a little crunch.
– Mix in some caramel bits for a gooey surprise!
I truly hope you give these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars a try. They’re sure to become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine. Let me know how they turn out, and feel free to share your own twists on this recipe! Happy baking!
