Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated; ¾ cup (135 g) mini chocolate chips; 1 cup (200 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter

Biting into decadent chocolate chip cookie dough bars that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Sweet dreams become reality with this no-bake treat that skips traditional baking steps.

Creamy textures blend effortlessly, creating a dessert everyone craves instantly.

Rich chocolate chunks nestle through silky smooth layers of unbaked goodness.

Each bite promises pure indulgence without complicated kitchen techniques.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these bars in minutes.

Grab a cool glass of milk and dive right into this irresistible confection that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Savor Safe Raw Delight: Heat-treating flour ensures you can enjoy every bite of cookie dough without worrying about harmful bacteria, making this treat both delicious and safe to consume.
Create Dreamy Layered Texture: The combination of soft, creamy cookie dough base topped with smooth, glossy chocolate creates an irresistible contrast that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
Whip Up Quick Kitchen Magic: This no-bake dessert comes together in mere minutes, requiring minimal cooking skills and offering maximum satisfaction for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Customize with Endless Possibilities: Easily swap chocolate chips, add nuts, or sprinkle sea salt to make this recipe uniquely yours, turning a simple treat into a personalized dessert experience.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, needs heat treatment for safe raw consumption.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the cookie dough base.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
Milk: Helps bind ingredients and creates a smooth consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

Chocolate Components:

Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts throughout the cookie dough.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, rich topping for the bars.

Binding and Seasoning:

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Coconut Oil (or Butter): Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate topping that sets nicely.

Preparation Note: Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results, and choose high-quality chocolate for a superior taste experience.

Step 1: Transform Raw Flour

Spread flour on a baking sheet. Slide into an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 5-7 minutes until flour reaches a safe temperature. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl. Combine:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Pour in milk and vanilla extract. Gently fold in heat-treated flour and salt. Mix thoroughly. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough Layer

Grab an 8-inch square baking dish. Line with parchment paper. Carefully press cookie dough into the dish, creating an even layer. Place in refrigerator and chill for minimum 30 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Topping

Select a microwave-safe bowl. Add:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut oil

Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. Continue until chocolate looks smooth and glossy. Pour melted chocolate over chilled cookie dough. Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Return dish to refrigerator. Allow chocolate to set completely, approximately 1-2 hours. Using a sharp knife, slice into delectable squares or bars.

Step 6: Serve and Store

Enjoy bars chilled or at room temperature. Keep leftovers in an airtight container inside refrigerator. Consume within one week for maximum deliciousness.

Safeguard Raw Flour: Heat-treat flour in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to eliminate potential bacteria, ensuring a safe no-bake dessert experience.
Texture Perfection: Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy for a smooth, creamy cookie dough base that melts in your mouth.
Chocolate Melting Mastery: Use short microwave intervals and stir between each to prevent chocolate from burning, creating a silky-smooth topping.
Chill for Success: Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before adding chocolate and again after topping to help layers set perfectly and enhance flavor.
Storage Savvy: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat throughout the week.

Refrigerate: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain their delicious taste for 2-3 months.
Thaw: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying their creamy texture.
Serve Chilled: These cookie dough bars taste best when served cold, so keep them refrigerated until you're ready to indulge.

Pair with Creamy Milk: Grab a cold glass of whole milk to complement the rich chocolate chip cookie dough bars. The smooth, cool milk cuts through the sweetness and provides a classic, nostalgic drinking experience that enhances every bite.
Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these bars alongside a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, cold dessert creates a delightful temperature contrast and adds another layer of indulgent flavor that perfectly matches the chocolate chip cookie dough texture.
Brew Espresso Companion: Enjoy a shot of strong espresso or cappuccino with these bars. The bold coffee notes wonderfully balance the sweet chocolate and buttery cookie dough, creating a sophisticated dessert moment that elevates the entire tasting experience.
Sprinkle Nutty Garnish: Enhance the bars by topping with chopped roasted almonds or pecans. These crunchy nuts add a delightful textural element and bring a subtle earthy undertone that complements the chocolate and cookie dough flavors.

Nutty Chocolate Chip Sensation: Enhance the cookie dough by mixing in chopped almonds or pecans for added crunch and rich flavor. The nuts bring a delightful texture that complements the smooth chocolate chips.
Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the chocolate topping before chilling. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to create a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough base before adding chocolate chips. This variation adds a rich, nutty dimension that chocolate lovers will adore.
Cookies and Cream Remix: Crush chocolate sandwich cookies and mix them into the cookie dough. Top with white chocolate drizzle for an extra decadent treat that combines classic flavors.

Why should I heat-treat the flour?

Heat-treating flour eliminates potential harmful bacteria like E. coli, making it safe to consume raw in no-bake desserts like these cookie dough bars.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough and provide a better texture in no-bake recipes.

What's the purpose of adding coconut oil or butter to the chocolate topping?

Coconut oil or butter helps create a smoother, shinier chocolate layer that sets nicely and prevents the chocolate from becoming too hard when chilled, making it easier to bite into.

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk) and might have gluten (flour). Always check ingredient labels and consider substitutions if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.