Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers all the rich, comforting vibes of cookie dough but in an easy-to-slice bar form, you absolutely need to try this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe. Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic, no baking required, and perfect for sharing (or not because I won’t judge if you hide them). I remember the first time I made these bars—they vanished in no time because everyone couldn’t get enough of that creamy, chocolatey goodness layered with peanut butter. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into a sweet little kitchen adventure!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create a rich, creamy cookie dough texture that’s safe to eat raw, with the perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey. When shopping, grab good quality soft butter and don’t skip the sweetened condensed milk—it’s the secret to that silky smooth texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends easily with the sugar.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed for the right level of moisture and a touch of caramel flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla really enhances the cookie dough flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure; no need to cook it because this is an uncooked dough recipe.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This keeps the dough moist, soft, and luscious.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chips distribute evenly for consistent chocolate in every bite.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, nutty layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: For the peanut butter topping’s melty chocolate goodness.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is. You can easily swap in your favorite mix-ins or adapt it for dietary needs without losing any of that classic flavor. Don’t be shy—make it your own!

• Nut-Free Variation: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.
• White Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Swap the milk chocolate chips in the topping for white chocolate chips to switch things up.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before chilling for a sweet-and-salty combo my family adores.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter, dairy-free condensed milk alternatives, and plant-based chocolate chips—I’ve tried this and it turned out surprisingly great!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil—you want some overhang to make removing your bars a breeze later. Having everything ready before you dive in will keep your process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter and packed light brown sugar together for about 3 minutes until fluffy and light. When I first tried this recipe, I underestimated this step and got denser bars—so don’t skip this; it makes a difference in texture!

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Incorporate Flour + Condensed Milk

Add the vanilla extract and beat just until combined. Then, with your mixer on low, alternate adding the flour and sweetened condensed milk in batches. Mixing on low keeps the dough from becoming overworked and tough. Before you know it, the dough should come together nicely—soft, a little sticky, and oh-so-delicious.

Step 4: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. I always use mini chips here because they spread that chocolate goodness evenly—no biting into huge hunks, just the perfect balance in every mouthful.

Step 5: Press Dough Into Prepared Pan

Now, press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your lined pan. It’ll be sticky, so lightly flour your hands or the spatula to avoid a mess. Press firmly but don’t compact it too much; you still want a little softness in the bars.

Step 6: Chill Until Firm

Cover your pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Patience here is key—I’ve learned the bars slice beautifully when fully firm, and the flavors develop even more overnight.

Step 7: Prepare Peanut Butter Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy. This topping is seriously heavenly and adds that rich finish that my family can’t stop raving about.

Step 8: Spread Topping and Chill Again

Pour and spread the peanut butter-chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled cookie dough base. Pop it back in the fridge for at least another hour until the topping firms up. At this point, your bars are practically begging to be sliced and savored.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust my bars with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—it balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a little hit of sophistication. Sometimes, I also add chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch, but totally optional depending on your preference.

Side Dishes

These bars stand out on their own as a dessert, but if you want to jazz up your dessert table, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. The freshness cuts through the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love cutting these into small squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with roasting skewers for easy grabbing. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper and tying with a cute ribbon also makes charming homemade gifts—people always ask for the recipe afterward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and firm for up to a week. Because of the peanut butter topping, they hold together well without getting soggy or dry.

Freezing

If you want to keep these lovelies longer, they freeze wonderfully. I slice them before freezing and store the pieces between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’re a quick thaw or even a few minutes at room temperature away from being perfect.

Reheating

For soft, melty bars, I like to microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds—enough to warm the chocolate but keep the cookie dough firm yet tender. Avoid overheating or the topping might separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe turns out every single time—rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey with that little peanut butter punch. It’s my go-to for when I want something sweet with minimal fuss and maximum smiles around the table. If you’ve ever dreamed of eating cookie dough without the guilt or hassle, this recipe is your dream come true. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine!

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