Cookie Dough Bars
Cookie Dough Bars are a delicious treat that brings the joy of cookie dough into a sweet, easy-to-eat form. Imagine biting into creamy cookie dough topped with smooth chocolate—pure bliss! Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on your own, these bars are loved by both kids and adults alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cookie Dough Bars is a great choice for many reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip them up in no time. Second, they require no baking, making them a fun and safe option, especially for those who may be new to baking. Lastly, they are totally customizable! You can add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or different kinds of candy, to make them uniquely yours.
How to Make Cookie Dough Bars
Making Cookie Dough Bars is fun and simple. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have delicious bars ready to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (baked at 350°F for 5 minutes)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
- 1 cup miniature M&M’s
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3/4 cup miniature M&M’s
Directions:
- Prep the Pan: Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating for another minute. Gradually add the baked flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two while mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the Goodies: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s into the dough. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Freeze the Bars: Freeze the dough for 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Chocolate Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth.
- Top the Bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Once ready, cut into bars and serve.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Bars
When it’s time to enjoy your Cookie Dough Bars, simply cut them into squares and place them on a nice plate. They make a delightful dessert after dinner or a sweet snack during the day. These bars are great paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
How to Store Cookie Dough Bars
Store your Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for a few months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Cookie Dough Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will help create a light and fluffy dough.
- Don’t skip baking the flour! This step is important for food safety since raw flour can contain harmful bacteria.
- Be creative with the mix-ins! You can customize your Cookie Dough Bars by adding crushed cookies, nuts, or different kinds of candies.
Variation
You can easily change up the flavors in these bars. Try using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips, or mix in crushed candy bars. For a festive version, use red and green M&M’s during the holiday season.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without condensed milk?
Yes! You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a mix of equal parts cream and sugar for a similar texture and sweetness.How can I tell when the bars are firm enough?
The bars should be firm to the touch and hold their shape when you cut them. Refrigerating them for at least 2 to 3 hours usually does the trick.Can I freeze Cookie Dough Bars?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. You can thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Enjoy making and sharing your delightful Cookie Dough Bars!
Print
Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookie dough bars topped with smooth chocolate, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (baked at 350°F for 5 minutes)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
- 1 cup miniature M&M’s
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3/4 cup miniature M&M’s
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating for another minute. Gradually add the baked flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating while mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the Goodies: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s into the dough. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Freeze the Bars: Freeze the dough for 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Chocolate Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth.
- Top the Bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to a week, or freeze for a few months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookie dough, no-bake dessert, sweet treats, easy recipe, chocolate bars
