Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

The Dreamiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe Ever

Whipping up delectable chocolate chip cookie dough bars feels like unwrapping a sweet secret.

My grandma first shared her incredible recipe during lazy summer afternoons.

Soft, creamy textures melt perfectly on your tongue without any baking required.

Nobody can resist these no-cook treats that come together in minutes.

Rich chocolate chips scattered throughout create irresistible pockets of pure indulgence.

Each bite promises a nostalgic dance of classic cookie flavors.

You’ll want to make extra batches because these bars disappear faster than magic.

Let’s dive into this delightful dessert that promises pure comfort in every single slice.

  • Craft Sweet Treats Quickly: These bars require minimal ingredients and simple steps, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Indulge Without Baking: No oven needed means less mess and faster preparation, ideal for busy home cooks who want a delicious no-bake option.
  • Kid-Friendly Dessert Adventure: Children can help mix ingredients and decorate with chocolate, creating a fun family cooking experience that sparks creativity.
  • Customize Your Delight: Easily swap ingredients like chocolate chips or explore different toppings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a soft, chewy texture in the bars.
  • Almond Flour: Serves as the primary flour, giving the bars a gluten-free and nutty foundation.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Salt: Boost the overall taste and balance the sweetness of the bars.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and cohesive dough consistency.
Topping and Mix-Ins:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips, Melted Chocolate: Provides bursts of chocolate flavor and adds a delightful visual appeal to the bars.

Step 1: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a mixing bowl and cream together softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for the best results, blending until the ingredients are well combined and light in texture.

Step 2: Blend Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the following ingredients:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Mix thoroughly until all components are fully incorporated and create a consistent liquid base.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough Texture

Gradually add almond flour to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft, pliable dough forms.

The consistency should be smooth and easy to work with, not too sticky or dry.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Make sure the chips are well dispersed so every bite will have a delightful chocolate surprise.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Press the cookie dough evenly into the dish, creating a smooth, flat surface.

Step 6: Add Optional Chocolate Topping

If desired, melt chocolate and drizzle it over the dough.

Use a spatula to spread the chocolate in a uniform layer, covering the entire surface.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the bars set for at least one hour.

The cooling process will help the bars firm up and develop a perfect texture.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove the bars from the refrigerator, lift out using the parchment paper, and slice into individual servings.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cookie dough bars!

  • Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to help them set firmly and develop a rich, dense consistency.
  • Use alternative flours like coconut or oat flour for gluten-free options, maintaining the same measurements.
  • Melt chocolate in short microwave bursts or using a double boiler to prevent burning and achieve a smooth coating.
  • Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity if you prefer less sweetness, keeping the overall moisture of the dough consistent.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Bars: Replace almond flour with coconut flour for a different nutty flavor and gluten-free option.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Substitute brown sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free chocolate chips for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Protein-Packed Bars: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to increase protein content and create a post-workout snack.
  • Milk Bliss Pairing – Cold, creamy milk perfectly complements the rich chocolate chip cookie dough bars, creating a nostalgic and indulgent taste experience that melts in your mouth.
  • Espresso Elegance – A strong, bold espresso shot cuts through the sweetness of the bars, providing a sophisticated contrast that elevates the dessert's complexity and depth.
  • Vanilla Latte Harmony – A smooth vanilla latte balances the chocolate chip cookie dough bars with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, offering a luxurious and comforting pairing.
  • Store the chocolate chip cookie dough bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • For a faster cool-down, pop the bars in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating. This helps them set quickly and provides a refreshing, firm texture.
  • Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, using almond flour makes these chocolate chip cookie dough bars naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

While you can substitute, almond flour provides a unique texture and nutty flavor that regular flour won’t match. The recipe is specifically designed for almond flour.

  • How long will these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookie dough bars will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You only need a mixing bowl, 8×8-inch baking dish, and basic baking tools like a spatula and measuring cups.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate chip cookie dough bars blend nostalgic comfort with silky smooth sweetness, promising pure dessert bliss. Rich layers of creamy no-bake dough studded with chocolate chips will satisfy deep cravings and make you swoon with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) almond flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk or almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Components:

  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) melted chocolate (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
  2. Incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well combined.
  3. Gradually introduce almond flour to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a cohesive cookie dough texture develops.
  4. Gently fold mini chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Transfer the prepared dough into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish, using a spatula to create an uniform layer with consistent thickness.
  6. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate across the surface, spreading carefully with an offset spatula for complete coverage.
  7. Chill the prepared bars in the refrigerator for approximately 60-90 minutes, or until the dough becomes completely firm and set.
  8. Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan using parchment edges, and slice into rectangular servings.
  9. Serve chilled and store remaining bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Swap almond flour for gluten-free oat flour to accommodate different dietary needs and create a more accessible treat.
  • Always use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing and a better texture in the cookie dough bars.
  • Chill the bars thoroughly to ensure a firm, slice-able consistency that holds its shape when cut.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 176
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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