Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat, combining a rich, buttery cookie dough base with a luscious chocolate topping. Loaded with mini chocolate chips and made without eggs, these bars are safe to eat raw and perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly easy to prepare and require no baking, making them ideal for warm days or quick dessert preparation. The texture is soft and chewy with a decadent chocolate layer on top. Made with pantry staples, they come together quickly and can be customized with different mix-ins to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie dough base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

For the topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

Make the cookie dough base:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined, about 1 minute.

Add dry ingredients: 3. Gradually stir in the heat-treated flour and salt until a smooth dough forms, about 2 minutes.

Add the chocolate chips: 4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Chill the dough base: 5. Press the dough evenly into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Smooth the top. 6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before adding the topping.

Prepare the chocolate topping: 7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth, about 1.5 minutes total.

Add the topping and chill again: 8. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled dough and spread it evenly. 9. Chill the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate topping is fully set.

Slice and serve: 10. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing into bars.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per bar

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cookie dough for added crunch.
Different Chocolates: Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or a mix for varied flavors.
Peanut Butter Version: Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the chocolate topping.
Sprinkles: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for a fun, festive appearance.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the chocolate chips are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cut bars in a single layer with parchment paper between layers.
Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Why do I need to heat-treat the flour?

Heat-treating the flour kills any bacteria, making the dough safe to eat raw.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

How do I heat-treat flour at home?

Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, then cool before using.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used if necessary.

What if I do not have a microwave?

Melt the chocolate and butter using a double boiler on the stovetop.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, chocolate chips, and milk alternatives.

How thick should the chocolate layer be?

The chocolate layer should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, depending on how much chocolate you prefer.

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, mini M&Ms, chopped candy bars, or dried fruit are great additions.

How long should the bars chill before slicing?

At least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm.

What size pan should I use if I want thicker bars?

Use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but increase the chilling time slightly.

Conclusion

Cookie Dough Bars are a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the classic joy of raw cookie dough into a safe and indulgent treat. With a buttery, chocolate-studded base and a rich chocolate topping, they are perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week. Easy to customize and even easier to enjoy, these bars are sure to become a favorite go-to dessert.

Cookie Dough Bars

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible no-bake Cookie Dough Bars! Loaded with mini chocolate chips and topped with rich chocolate ganache, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Mix in milk and vanilla extract until well combined (about 1 minute).
Gradually stir in the heat-treated flour and salt until a smooth dough forms (about 2 minutes).
Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly (about 1 minute).
Press the dough evenly into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Smooth the top.
Refrigerate the dough base for 30 minutes to firm up.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth (about 1.5 minutes total).
Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread evenly.
Chill for at least 1 hour until fully set.

Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

Heat-treat the flour by baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwaving in short bursts until it reaches 165°F.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for an extra flavor boost.

Store bars refrigerated for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Chilling
Cuisine: American