Cookie Dough Bars
Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich goodness of cookie dough with a smooth chocolate topping. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are easy to make at home. Whether you want a quick dessert, a sweet snack for a party, or something fun to share with friends, Cookie Dough Bars are sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cookie Dough Bars is a simple and rewarding experience. They do not require baking from scratch, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the taste of delicious cookie dough without the worry of raw eggs. These bars are great to have on hand for gatherings or just for a treat after dinner.
How to Make Cookie Dough Bars
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)
- 1 (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:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute. Gradually add the baked flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two, and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Freeze the dough for 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the topping.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Bars
Serve Cookie Dough Bars chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for slicing into squares and serving as a dessert or a sweet snack. You can add a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat!
How to Store Cookie Dough Bars
To store your Cookie Dough Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re looking to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Cookie Dough Bars
- Make sure to bake the flour for 5 minutes before using it to eliminate any possible bacteria.
- You can use different types of chocolate chips or candies to customize your bars.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate.
Variation
For a fun twist, consider adding peanut butter chips instead of M&M’s, or try mixing in some chopped nuts for crunch. You can also experiment with different flavors of extract, like almond or coconut.
FAQs
Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead?
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. Just adjust the amount of salt in the recipe as needed.
Q: Do I need to bake the cookie dough?
A: No, these bars use baked flour, so you don’t need to bake the cookie dough itself. Just chill the bars to set them.
Q: How do I know when the bars are firm enough?
A: The bars should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape when cut. If they are still soft, give them more time in the refrigerator.
Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookie dough bars topped with smooth chocolate, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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)
- 1 (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
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute.
- Gradually add the baked flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two, and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Freeze the dough for 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the topping.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie dough and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cookie dough, dessert, no-bake bars, treats, sweet snacks