If you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, these No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect treat. With their rich, buttery dough and generous sprinkle of chocolate chips, they capture the essence of classic cookie dough without the need for an oven. Ideal for a quick dessert or a fun snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Steps
- Prepare an 8×8 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two until they are well incorporated. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands to help press it down.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours or overnight until it becomes firm.
- For the topping, combine creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the chilled cookie dough layer and spread it evenly. Chill the bars for at least 1 hour more until the topping is firm.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Packed light brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk/dark chocolate if preferred)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Milk chocolate chips
FAQ
- Are these cookie dough bars safe to eat since they contain no raw eggs?
- Yes, these bars are completely safe to eat as they do not contain raw eggs. Sweetened condensed milk is used instead, providing a creamy texture without the risk.
- Can I substitute different types of chocolate in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.
- What variations can I try with these cookie dough bars?
- You can customize these bars by adding different mix-ins like mini M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces. For an oatmeal variation, replace some of the flour with quick oats.
- How long do I need to refrigerate the bars before they are ready to eat?
- The bars need to be chilled for at least 3 hours or overnight to set properly. After adding the chocolate topping, chill them for an additional hour.
- Can I freeze these cookie dough bars for later use?
- Yes, these bars can be frozen. Store them in an airtight container and they will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw them in the fridge when ready to eat.
- What is the secret ingredient that makes these bars so creamy?
- The secret ingredient is sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich, creamy texture to the cookie dough bars.
Tips
- Use Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Lining your 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil will make it much easier to remove the bars once they have set, ensuring clean edges and easy slicing.
- Flour Your Hands for Ease: When pressing the cookie dough into the pan, the dough may be sticky. Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking, which will help you evenly distribute the dough.
- Chill Thoroughly for Best Results: Ensure you chill the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for allowing the bars to firm up properly, making them easier to cut and serve.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Customize your bars by swapping out the chocolate chips for other mix-ins, such as mini M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or even bits of toffee, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
