If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying cookie dough without worrying about raw eggs or baking time, you’re about to fall head over heels for this No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe. Creamy, buttery, and loaded with sweet chocolate chips, these bars are the ultimate no-fuss treat that anyone can whip up in no time. They capture that nostalgic cookie dough flavor and texture, topped with a silky chocolate ganache that adds an irresistible finish. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars deliver that perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the ideal texture, flavor, and appearance that make these bars so crave-worthy.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This gives the dough its rich, creamy base and buttery taste.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough texture.
- Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and deepens the color.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups, heat-treated): The base of the cookie dough that’s safe to eat raw after heat treatment.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Gives the bars their signature sticky, chewy texture without baking.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Folded into the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top for extra texture and cuteness.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Used when melting chocolate to create a smooth, glossy ganache topping.
How to Make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour
Before diving into mixing, we need to make the flour safe for eating raw by heating it gently. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step ensures any bacteria is eliminated without changing the flour’s texture or taste. Let it cool completely before using it in your dough. It might feel like extra work, but this step turns these bars into a safe yet delicious no-bake treat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using softened unsalted butter, blend it with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and aerated—this process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The creaming step is key; it creates the perfect texture for your cookie dough bars by introducing air and ensuring the sugars dissolve and meld beautifully.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla, Salt, and Flour
Once your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed, beat in the vanilla extract and salt for an extra hit of flavor. Gradually add the cooled, heat-treated flour, mixing on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. The flour adds structure while maintaining the chewiness that’s so satisfying.
Step 4: Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk and Chocolate Chips
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk to bind all your ingredients into a beautifully thick and sticky dough. Mix until everything comes together evenly, then gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These chocolate hubs make every bite a delight and add a classic cookie dough feel you’ll adore.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Combine the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until you have smooth, melted chocolate. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler for gentler heat control. This luscious ganache is going to take these bars from tasty to next-level irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later, then press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom. Pour your melted chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it into a sleek, even layer. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the ganache while it’s still wet for added texture and a cute finish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let everything set perfectly.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into about 24 squares using a sharp knife. These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them a versatile dessert that will disappear in no time once your friends and family discover them.
How to Serve No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the visual appeal and add extra dimension to your bars. Try dusting a little cocoa powder on top or adding a light drizzle of caramel or white chocolate for a colorful contrast. If you love texture variety, sprinkle crushed nuts or even a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with cold milk for that ultimate nostalgic feel. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to add creaminess and balance the sweetness. A fresh berry salad also adds brightness and a hint of tartness that complements the rich chocolate and buttery cookie dough layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a party? Arrange bars in a decorative tin or on a tiered dessert tray wrapped in parchment or colorful napkins. For individual servings, place each bar in a mini cupcake liner or wrap in cute parchment squares tied with twine for a gift-worthy treat. Presentation is a fun way to show off your creation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bars hold up beautifully, maintaining their chewy texture and smooth ganache topping. Just be sure to keep them cool so the chocolate doesn’t soften too much.
Freezing
Want to get a jumpstart on future dessert cravings? These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for perfect texture.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t typically recommended. However, if you prefer them softer, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving or warm gently for a few seconds in the microwave—just be careful not to melt the chocolate topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with semi-sweet chocolate chips, feel free to swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just keep the quantities the same for the perfect balance.
Why do I need to heat-treat the flour?
Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, so heating it to a safe temperature before using it in no-bake recipes eliminates any risk and makes it safe to eat while preserving flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter and sweetened condensed milk, so it’s not naturally vegan. However, with some ingredient substitutions like plant-based butter and vegan condensed milk alternatives, it’s possible! The texture may vary slightly, but you can definitely experiment.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, these cookie dough bars stay fresh for up to 7 days. Always keep them covered to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can add a fun twist to the recipe. Just fold in your desired add-ins along with the chocolate chips for an extra flavor and textural boost.
Final Thoughts
These No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe have quickly become one of my absolute favorites whenever I want a sweet treat that’s effortless but feels special. The rich buttery dough combined with chocolate chips and that glossy ganache topping is simply irresistible. If you’re looking to whip up something impressive without turning on the oven, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming your go-to dessert too!
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No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes (for heat-treating flour only)
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that mimics the taste of classic cookie dough but without the need to bake the entire treat. With a rich, buttery dough base, loaded with chocolate chips, and topped with a luscious melted chocolate ganache, these bars are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings quickly. The recipe involves heat-treating the flour for safety, mixing ingredients to form a thick, sticky dough, pressing it into a pan, and chilling until set, making it an ideal no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat and heat-treat flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If a thermometer is not available, bake for the full 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let the flour cool completely before using.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
- Combine flour with butter mixture: Gradually add the cooled heat-treated flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until the dough is thick, sticky, and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips for bursts of chocolate throughout the dough.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler over simmering water.
- Prepare pan and spread dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Transfer the cookie dough mixture to the pan and evenly press it down with your hands or a spatula.
- Add melted chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the cookie dough layer and spread it smoothly with a spatula.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the ganache while it is still wet for added texture and decoration.
- Chill to set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bars to firm up completely.
- Cut and serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the set bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into approximately 24 bars with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Heat-treating the flour is essential for safety since the cookie dough is not baked after mixing.
- Press the dough evenly to ensure consistent bar thickness and proper setting.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts or other toppings if desired.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, refrigerate bars overnight instead of just 2 hours.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
