Short Description
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are an indulgent treat featuring soft, edible cookie dough topped with a silky chocolate ganache. With no oven required, these bars are quick to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No Baking Required: A convenient dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven.
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Safe to Eat: Uses heat-treated flour and no raw eggs for worry-free enjoyment.
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Decadent Layers: Combines the chewy texture of cookie dough with a rich, smooth chocolate topping.
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Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal effort yield a delightful result.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or as a make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookie Dough:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Topping:
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1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
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Extra chocolate chips for garnish
Directions
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Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add milk and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. -
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add heat-treated flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. -
Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. -
Shape and Chill:
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. -
Prepare the Ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until warm (not boiling). Pour over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until completely smooth and glossy. -
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the ganache over the chilled cookie dough base and spread evenly. Garnish with extra chocolate chips. -
Chill to Set:
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour or until the topping is firm. -
Slice and Serve:
Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into even portions.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 10
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Calories: 350 per serving
Variations
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Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
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Flavored Dough: Add a dash of almond extract or espresso powder for a flavor boost.
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Different Chips: Substitute white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan chocolate.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper and store in a sealed container.
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Serving: Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for a softer texture.
FAQs
What does heat-treated flour mean?
Heat-treating flour kills potential bacteria. Bake flour at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave in short intervals until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
Yes, a sturdy spoon or whisk will work; just ensure the butter is fully softened.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely. Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored chips based on your preference.
Is the ganache hard or soft?
The ganache sets firmly enough to slice, but remains smooth and creamy in texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for preparing in advance and storing in the fridge until needed.
What size pan should I use?
A standard loaf pan (9×5 inches) works best, but you can double the recipe for an 8×8-inch square pan.
How long do they need to chill?
The ganache topping should be set after at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Are these bars safe for kids?
Yes, they’re egg-free and use heat-treated flour, making them safe and kid-friendly.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Do I need to grease the pan?
No, lining with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out.
Conclusion
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a decadent, fuss-free dessert that captures the nostalgic taste of cookie dough in a sophisticated bar form. With rich chocolate ganache and a creamy base, these bars are easy to make, easy to love, and sure to disappear quickly from any dessert tray.
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate indulgence—safe-to-eat cookie dough layered with rich chocolate ganache. With no oven required, this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in the summer or whenever you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy and irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Topping:
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1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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Extra chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
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Make Cookie Dough: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla, mixing well.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in heat-treated flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
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Form Base: Press dough evenly into a parchment-lined loaf pan. Chill for 20 minutes.
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Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream until warm. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
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Top & Chill: Spread ganache over chilled dough. Sprinkle with extra chips. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
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Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
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Heat-treat flour by microwaving for 1 minute or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
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Store bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution.
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