There are some desserts that just hit differently—this is one of them. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy, chocolate-loaded treat that tastes just like cookie dough but in a perfectly sliceable bar form. No baking, no stress, just pure cookie dough bliss. If you love sneaking bites of cookie dough straight from the bowl, trust me, you’re going to be obsessed with these bars. They’re sweet, buttery, packed with melty chocolate chips, and have just the right amount of richness to keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a batch to enjoy with your family, bringing them to a party, or treating yourself after a long day, these bars fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re an absolute must-try:

Versatile

They make the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual snacking to fancy gatherings. You can dress them up with a drizzle of chocolate or keep them simple and classic.

Budget-Friendly

Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy or expensive ingredients. You get gourmet-level taste without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy

No oven? No problem! These bars require zero baking, making them one of the easiest desserts to whip up in no time. Just mix, press, and chill—done!

Customizable

Want to switch things up? Add nuts for a crunchy twist, swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, or sprinkle in a little sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dessert satisfies everyone at the table. These bars strike the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia, making them a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Here’s the magic of these bars—they’re made with simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Butter

The foundation of any great cookie dough. It adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Brown Sugar

Gives the bars their signature deep, caramel-like sweetness while keeping them soft and chewy.

Granulated Sugar

Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough, making every bite taste like pure comfort.

All-Purpose Flour

Gives structure to the bars while keeping them soft. Be sure to heat-treat the flour before using it to make it safe to eat.

Salt

A small but mighty ingredient that enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

Chocolate Chips

The star of the show! You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips—whichever you love most.

Milk

A splash of milk helps bring the dough together, creating the perfect consistency.

Heavy Cream

Used for the optional chocolate ganache topping, adding a smooth and luscious finish to the bars.

Chocolate for Ganache

Melted chocolate combined with cream takes these bars to the next level, creating a glossy, irresistible topping.

Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your dough and ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed.

Add the Vanilla and Milk

Mix in the vanilla extract and a splash of milk until well combined. This step helps to loosen up the dough and enhance the flavor.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough should be thick and soft but not sticky.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Press Into a Pan

Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the dough evenly into the pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the top.

Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

If you’re adding a ganache topping, heat the heavy cream until warm (not boiling), then pour it over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Pour the ganache over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly.

Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This allows the bars to hold their shape when sliced.

Slice and Enjoy

Once fully set, remove from the pan and cut into bars. Enjoy straight from the fridge for a firmer texture or let them sit at room temperature for a softer bite.

Notes

Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 250 kcal (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

These bars are amazing on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

With a Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting.
Drizzled with Extra Chocolate: Because more chocolate is always a good idea.
Alongside Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cookie dough ice cream takes them over the top.
Topped with Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips

Heat-Treat the Flour: To make raw flour safe to eat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave it in 30-second intervals until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key ingredient, good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate will make a big difference.
Make Ahead: These bars store well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.

Faq’s

Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute works well in this recipe.

Do I have to heat-treat the flour? Yes, it’s essential to eliminate any bacteria that may be present in raw flour.

Can I use almond or oat flour instead? Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Almond flour makes them softer, while oat flour gives them a slight chewiness.

How long do these bars last? They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate chips.

What’s the best way to store them? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Absolutely! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or toffee bits are all great additions.

Do they taste like real cookie dough? Yes! They have the same creamy, buttery, chocolate-studded flavor as classic cookie dough.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger pan to keep the thickness consistent.

Do I need a mixer? Nope! A simple bowl and spoon work just fine.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a dream come true for cookie dough lovers. With minimal effort, simple ingredients, and no baking required, this is the ultimate sweet treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (chill time: 1 hour)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These no-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delicious, egg-free treat that tastes just like classic cookie dough. Made with simple ingredients, they’re soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips—perfect for a quick dessert or snack!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups almond flour (or all-purpose flour, heat-treated)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup melted chocolate (for topping, optional)

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
Add milk, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix well.
Gradually add the almond flour and mix until a dough forms.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Press the dough evenly into a lined 8×8-inch baking dish.
If desired, pour melted chocolate over the top and smooth it out.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

If using all-purpose flour, heat-treat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to make it safe to eat raw.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version.