Welcome to Cookie Heaven!
Hey there, sweet friend! Have you ever craved cookie dough, but then thought about all that baking? Well, I’ve got you covered! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars. These bars are as easy as 1-2-3 and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without ever needing to turn on the oven. Plus, they are absolutely loaded with chocolatey goodness. Let’s get started, shall we?
Nutritional Benefits of Cookie Dough Bars
You might think cookie dough bars are just a sugary treat, but there are ways to enjoy them in a balanced way. First off, using unsalted butter means you’re controlling the salt levels compared to store-bought snacks. Also, you can choose dark chocolate chips for that extra antioxidant boost while making these bars. Plus, if you include nuts like walnuts or almonds, you’ll get some healthy fats and protein. So, you can indulge a little and feel good about it!
Adaptable Variations to Make
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good texture for baking!
- For Healthier Bars: Use a sugar substitute or coconut sugar instead of regular brown and granulated sugar for a lower glycemic impact.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips too!
- Fun Flavor Twists: Add some peanut butter or almond butter to the dough for a nutty twist!
Easy No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat treated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for smooth topping)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the heat-treated all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Transfer the cookie dough mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down evenly and firmly to create a smooth top surface.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If desired, mix in the vegetable oil for a thinner consistency.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer in the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top of the melted chocolate for decoration.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious no-bake cookie dough bars!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Want perfect layers? Make sure to press the cookie dough mixture down firmly to avoid any air pockets.
- The heating of the flour is essential to kill any bacteria, so don’t skip this step! You can heat treat your flour by spreading it on a baking sheet and roasting at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Store these bars in the fridge for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! You can also freeze them for a treat later on!
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some melted almond butter or caramel sauce over the top after the chocolate sets.
- Use a hot knife to cut the bars cleanly. Just dip it in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice for pretty pieces!
Equipment Needed
Get ready with these handy tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling strong!)
- A spatula for folding chips and spreading chocolate
- An 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
- A microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- A cutting board and a sharp knife for slicing your yummy bars!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I eat the cookie dough without baking it? Yes! That’s what makes these bars great; they’re safe and delicious to eat right away.
- Why do I have to heat-treat the flour? Heat-treating flour kills any potential bacteria, making your cookie dough safe to eat.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped almonds or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips? Regular chocolate chips work just fine, but mini ones give more of that bite-sized experience!
- How do I store these bars? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for long-term storage!
Join Me in Cookie World!
Have you dived into making your own Cookie Dough Bars yet? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest and tag me. Let’s spread the cookie love—one luxurious no-bake bar at a time!
